In his book Mere Christianity, C. S. Lewis wrote, “A man who was merely a man and said the sort of things Jesus said would not be a great moral teacher. He would either be a lunatic—on the level with the man who says he is a poached egg—or else he would be the Devil of Hell. You must make your choice. Either this man was, and is, the Son of God, or else a madman or something worse.”
The people of Jesus’ day were confronted with this choice. Although the Teacher’s words and actions set Him apart, “the people were . . . divided in their opinions about him. Some said, ‘He’s demon possessed and out of his mind. Why listen to a man like that?’ Others said, ‘This doesn’t sound like a man possessed by a demon! Can a demon open the eyes of the blind?’ ” (John 10:19-21).
At the height of the controversy, “the people surrounded him and asked, ‘how long are you going to keep us in suspense? If you are the Messiah, tell us plainly’ ” (John 10:24). “I have already told you, and you don’t believe me,” Jesus replied. “The proof is the work I do in my Father’s name. . . . The Father and I are one” (John 10:25,30). Ironically, even when Jesus spoke plainly to them, the crowd struggled with His response. No sooner had He made this declaration than “once again the people picked up stones to kill him” (John 10:31).
The struggle to accept Christ’s claims continues today. If you harbor a lingering doubt about who He is, prayerfully consider what He revealed about Himself (John 10:24-30). The One who died and rose again that we might have eternal life—revealing His power over sin and death—is the Messiah, our Shepherd, and the Giver of life (John 10:24-28). Jesus is the Son of God! (John 10:30).
NLT 365-day reading plan passage for today: John 2:1-25
More:
Read Matthew 16:13-16 and ponder why Peter gave the answer he did.
Next:
What has led you to your current view of Jesus? How does your understanding of who He is affect every facet of your life?
Gary Shultz on June 18, 2017 at 6:14 am
Hi Remi: I often think how difficult it must have been for those to hear this new thing, to believe the unbelievable. Even so, the evidence remained, and people were confronted with a choice, a decision. Thousands of year later the choice is still there, so is the result of those who have embraced the Christ many find so hard to accept. The deal is not a new concept now, and the evidence of Jesus living in His followers is clearly seen to those who want to see. Yes, they say the vision is clouded by hypocrites, but as in Jesus’s day the clear message is still there and a choice is to be made. And procrastinating is a “no answer”, so we choose. I also think, as in your question, there is the understanding and then there is the embracing, as you show us with Peter. Compulsive as he was, Peter embraced Jesus, failing at times, but abandoning all else and following Christ. Jesus made us to embrace Him, in that is our joy. Thanks Remi
remioyedele2015 on June 18, 2017 at 10:47 am
Hi Gary,
I know what you mean – Imagine someone showing up today and making the claims Jesus did! I think the gut reaction for believers would be exactly the same – blasphemy! However, I’m reminded of a sermon I once heard, where the Pastor made some declarations about God and then challenged the congregation as to their reaction to those statements. If you are saved and have given your heart to Jesus, he said, then hearing those words would cause your heart to burn within you in praise and adoration of our great God. If not, you need to come to Jesus today. And you know what? He was right; hearts DID burn within some of us, and others DID go forward. The Holy Spirit still affirms and convicts today; I’m convinced that if Jesus were to walk in our midst right now, those who are seeking would find Him, just as Peter and the others did back then. My answer? God indeed!!
Happy Father’s Day!
Remi