DEVOTION / Who is this Jesus?

Jesus once asked his disciples: Who do people say that I am? (Matthew 16:13-16). A variety of answers were given, but Peter’s answer was,You are the Christ, the Son of the Living God. The Savior acknowledged that statement as the true answer and the foundational truth of the Christian Church.

As followers of the Lord, we have just walked with him to the cross and the tomb again this Easter season.  We know that he indeed is the Son of God and our lives are changed because of that truth.

But what about our neighbors, our family members, others around the world? What are their thoughts about this Jesus? What have they heard? Who do they imagine to be?

Perceptions of Jesus

A recent study of teens in England revealed that from what they knew of God, Jesus, or the Bible, they considered the God of the Bible to be really and aggressive. They saw God as a bully. About Jesus, they felt that for him being a male was a negative and that he was arrogant, powerful, and motivated by religious purposes.

In an article entitled Why Gen Z is troubled by Jesus, one writer suggests that young people raised in a world without authority figures who command respect . . . are naturally going to regard the teachings in the Bible as hostile and aggressive. Thus, these people find the idea of Christianity simply incomprehensible.

Our Challenge

316NOW shares Jesus—the Son of God--with the people of China. Imagine the confusion about Jesus in that culture. Some who have heard of him may consider him a great teacher. Others a foreign god. The government clearly views him as a danger to their way of life. For the average citizen, perhaps consider how much you know of the great Chinese philosopher Confucius. That may compare to what many Chinese have heard of our dear Jesus.

Who is this Jesus?

You know. There is much work to do to share the true Jesus with our world whether it is in your sphere of influence or around the world.

Prayer: Lord Jesus, so many need to know that You are the Christ, the Son of the Living God. May we joyfully share that message ourselves and join hands in prayer and support with 316NOW as they share your life-changing message in places we cannot reach.  In Your holy name. Amen.

by Dave Payne