Who is Jesus?
Few people have influenced world history as profoundly as Jesus of Nazareth. Our calendar is based on Him, His teachings are studied around the world, and He has more followers than any other religious leader.
The Man Who Changed the Lives of Billions
But who was Jesus, really? Was He merely a wise teacher? A moral example? A religious reformer? Or something more? And furthermore, can we even speak of Him in the past tense? Is He not still alive today?
This question is not merely historical. It is personal. Because who Jesus is also affects what we think about life, truth, and ourselves. This man has changed my life and identity fundamentally and permanently.
Was Jesus a Real Historical Figure?
Virtually all reputable historians agree that Jesus was a real historical figure. More has been written about Him than about perhaps any other person who has ever lived on earth.
In addition to His followers, several non-Christian sources from that time—and many scholars since then—have also written about Him. Historically, there are very strong grounds for believing that Jesus lived in first-century Judea, taught publicly, gathered followers around Him, and was crucified by the Romans. In fact, it would be rather uninformed to argue that He was not a real person.
The question, therefore, is not primarily whether Jesus existed—or exists. His existence is a historical fact that has been established time and time again. Thus, the real question is this: Who did He claim to be?
The Astonishing Claims of Jesus
Millions of people appreciate Jesus' teachings on love, forgiveness, and helping others. Yet Jesus continues to provoke—and has provoked for the past 2,000 years—an enormous amount of controversy, both in support of Him and in opposition to Him.
What did Jesus say about Himself? How would you respond if someone stood before you today and claimed to be:
the only way to God
the light of the world
the resurrection and the life
the truth, and even
the Son of God
Jesus made claims about Himself that no ordinary person could make without earning a complimentary ride to the nearest psychiatric hospital.
He did not merely teach the truth—He claimed to be the truth. His own words compel us to take a position on whether He was right or not.
If Jesus truly is the way, the truth, and the life, then He is not merely one option among many. Then He is the standard by which all other claims about God, humanity, and salvation must be measured. That is precisely why the question of Jesus’ identity is ultimately the most important question a person can face.
The Cross Was Not a Defeat
Jesus’ life on earth culminated in His crucifixion, burial, and resurrection. In the eyes of many, the cross appeared to be a complete failure; the one who was nailed to it was considered cursed and a criminal deserving the death sentence for his crimes. Jesus’ followers were undoubtedly afraid and confused, and each of them likely thought, “This is it. It is all over.”
For us who believe in Jesus, however, something decisive took place on the cross. Jesus bore the sin of humanity and opened the way to reconciliation with God. That is why the cross is not a symbol of shame for Christians, but a symbol of hope and victory.
I once wrote a song about this called "Hear Him!":
Hear Him, He is the Son of the Almighty,
who from glory came down to this world below.
:’: He revealed His power by surrendering His throne;
on the cross of Golgotha, Jesus conquered the world! :’:
Hear Him, He is the light for every sinner,
giving peace within and breaking sin’s strong hold.
:’: He revealed His power by surrendering His throne;
on the cross of Golgotha, Jesus conquered the world! :’:
Hear Him, He is the doorway unto God,
without Him no soul can enter Heaven’s peace.
:’: He revealed His power by surrendering His throne;
on the cross of Golgotha, Jesus conquered the world! :’:
(Mind you, this is probably not the best possible translation, but I think you'll get the idea.)
Why Is the Resurrection So Important?
Christianity is not based solely on the teachings of Jesus—the man who once walked the earth. It is also founded on the fact that Jesus rose from the dead.
If the resurrection did not happen, Christianity loses its foundation. But if the resurrection did happen, it changes everything! Then death does not have the final word. Then Jesus is not merely a figure of history, but the living Lord.
This is precisely what convinced the first disciples. Men and women who had once been afraid became bold witnesses, willing to suffer and even die for what they had seen and experienced in the company of Jesus.
Why Does Jesus Still Change People's Lives?
Jesus' influence is not confined to history. Even today, people all around the world testify that He has changed their lives:
addictions have been broken
the hopeless have found purpose
bitterness has been replaced by forgiveness
fear has been replaced by peace
the sick have been healed, and even
the dead have been raised to life.
I have personally witnessed countless miracles performed by God before my very eyes. In those moments, I cannot deny what I have seen for myself. I have also seen how real the existence of spiritual forces is, and how they can hold people in bondage. But above all, I have seen how the power of the name and blood of Jesus causes them to leave, setting people free from their grip.
I personally know a Finnish woman who was pronounced dead in a hospital and was later brought back to life. Approximately one hour passed between her death and her return to life. During that hour, the woman's husband and many, many others were praying for her—and their prayers were not in vain!
At the heart of Christianity, then, is not primarily a religious system or a collection of rules. At its core is faith in—and a relationship with—the living Jesus. That is why the conversation about Jesus is not merely a discussion about history. It is a question that confronts every person today as well.
And what about you?
You can read books about Jesus, listen to teachings, and engage in endless discussions. In the end, however, every person must answer the same question that Jesus asked His own disciples: “Who do you say I am?”
That question is just as relevant today as it was two thousand years ago.
And the answer to it can change an entire life.
