NONNA’S kNOWledge

Who is Jesus, Really?

BY CAROLYN JOY

Howwould you describe Jesus? Not physically–as in, with brown hair and dark skin–but WHO is Jesus? What has Jesus done, and what is He going to do?

Time Magazine1 names Jesus as the most significant figure in history. In their article entitled, “Who’s Biggest? The 100 Most Significant Figures in History”, Jesus tops the list, followed by Napoleon, Muhammed, and William Shakespeare.

In Matthew 16:13-16, Jesus asked his disciples, “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?” And they said, “Some say John the Baptist, others say Elijah, and others Jeremiah or one of the prophets.” He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” Simon Peter replied, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God” (ESV).

The Bible describes Jesus as the Son of God. And behold, a voice from heaven said, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased” (Matthew 3:17 ESV).

The Bible also describes Jesus as the mediator between God and man. For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus (1 Timothy 2:5 ESV).

Revelation 4:8 describes Jesus as, “Holy, holy, holy, is the Lord God Almighty, who was and is and is to come!” (ESV). From a worldview, there is no doubt or debate that Jesus walked this earth and was a real person. He was not a mythical figure from a movie or book. Everyone—even non-believers—agrees that Jesus was extremely influential.

However, who is this man who is still discussed, and in some cultures and religions revered, over 2000 years after He walked the earth? Since the beginning of time, not one person has had this much influence on the world.

Ponder this, believers and non-believers: Why, on December 25th, does the whole earth stop to celebrate Jesus’ birth? The world has named this day Christmas, an English term meaning Mass on Christ’s day. Not only do people celebrate this day, they prepare for it months in advance, shopping for presents, planning parties, and creating fabulous foods and decorations. Why? In addition, every year around springtime, the entire world celebrates, or at least is aware of, Easter, which is a remembrance of the crucifixion, burial, and resurrection of this same man. On Easter, many people go to church, purchase new outfits, visit family and friends, and eat lots of candy. Why? Both days are world-renowned holidays where employees get paid leave, stores close, the stock market stops, people travel, and many spend the day with family and friends. Why?

From a Biblical view, Jesus is Immanuel, which means “God with us.”

Jesus is called the Savior. For to this end we toil and strive, because we have our hope set on the living God, who is the Savior of all people, especially of those who believe (1 Timothy 4:10 ESV).

He is also known as the Redeemer. For I know that my Redeemer lives, and at the last he will stand upon the earth (Job 19:25 ESV).

Are we teaching our children, grandchildren, and those in our care the precious names of Jesus? Or are we just allowing them to believe He is a good man?

When my children were little, I sang a short song to them at bedtime. If there was one thing I wanted to impress in their memory, it was to know how to call upon the name of Jesus. I wanted them to drift off to sleep with the names and thoughts of Jesus on their minds. Some of the names of Jesus in the song are Jesus (the name above all names), Beautiful Savior, Glorious Lord, Emmanuel (means God with us), Blessed Redeemer, and Living Word. Singing the names of Jesus over them night after night while they were young helped us all get through some of those trying teenage years.

At this time of year, many people think of Jesus as a cute little baby born in a manger. Others think of Him as a man who told great stories. Many people think of Jesus as the crucified Savior. While all are true, Jesus is much, much more. Jesus is God who came to earth in the flesh, as well as the one and only Son of God. Jesus is the long-awaited Messiah, and let’s not forget that He is the soon-coming King.

Hopefully, you are passing down good biblical truths and Bible stories to your children, grandchildren, those in your care, and those you mentor. While you may be blessed to be able to presently celebrate, know, and understand the TRUE meaning of Christmas and Easter, do you also help those in your care to have a reverent understanding of the awesomeness of Jesus?

Jesus, the Messiah, was born as a baby. Jesus, the crucified Savior, died for the forgiveness of our sins. Jesus, the King of kings and Lord of lords, is sitting at the right hand of God as we anxiously anticipate His soon return.

Then I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse! The one sitting on it is called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he judges and makes war. His eyes are like a flame of fire, and on his head are many diadems, and he has a name written that no one knows but himself. He is clothed in a robe dipped in blood, and the name by which he is called is The Word of God. And the armies of heaven, arrayed in fine linen, white and pure, were following him on white horses. From his mouth comes a sharp sword with which to strike down the nations, and he will rule them with a rod of iron. He will tread the winepress of the fury of the wrath of God the Almighty. On his robe and on his thigh he has a name written, King of kings and Lord of lords (Revelation 19:11-16 ESV).

This is the Jesus I want to know. And this is the Jesus I want to teach my loved ones about, encouraging them to look to the heavens with great expectations for His soon return.

1Skiena, Steven and Ward, Charles B. “Who’s Biggest? The 100 Most Significant Figures in History: A data-driven ranking. Plus, have former TIME People of the Year been predictive?” Time Magazine. Dec 10, 2013.

Carolyn Joy is a Southwest Florida Real Estate Agent, mother of three married children and Nonna to eleven grandchildren. She serves in her church and helps lead a women’s Bible study in her community. She’s the author of two devotional journals, The Overflow of the Heart and Let Your Heart Overflow with Joy, which encourage scripture memorization and writing prayers. Her novel, Out of the Grey Zone, demonstrates God’s grace, mercy, forgiveness, and unconditional love.

SINCE THE BEGINNING OF TIME, NOT ONE PERSON HAS HAD THIS MUCH INFLUENCE ON THE WORLD.