The Deity of Christ

Mark 1:21-28

Who is Jesus of Nazareth? Some say that he is a human being, who came with three offices: prophet, priest, and king. They speak of him as teacher, savior, and ruler of the universe. What do you say of Jesus?

Jesus is the primary figure in Christian evangelism. He is the source of our communicating from one searcher to another where to find the answer. Persons coming to know him as Savior hunger for the manna of his teachings. In this sense, Jesus is the Biblical personality that becomes central to our understanding of God. He is not the current existential experience of God, but the primary source for our understanding the experience of God in our existence, here and now, and in the anticipation of abundant life beyond this space in time.

How can you tell if you know Jesus of Nazareth? Answering the following questions will give you a measure of your understanding of Jesus Christ.

1. Have you studied the entire Bible, Old and New Testaments? If you have not studied the entire Bible, you probably need to learn more before you can really know Jesus of Nazareth.
2. When was the last time you read through the Bible in accordance with suggested Scriptural readings? If more than two years, you may need more structured daily reading of the Bible.
3. Is Jesus Christ at the center of your life or does your life center around other matters? If you are not centered on Christ, get to know our Lord.
4. Have you been baptized into the Christian faith or reaffirmed your baptism within the last two years? Baptism is a means of grace to experience God.
5. What is the most glorious event to happen in your life? Salvation is to be found in the sacrificial life of Jesus.

One means of grace in getting to know Jesus of Nazareth is to confront the understanding of him through the Bible. However, it is not the only means of grace. In the Wesleyan tradition, the sacraments of Baptism and Holy Communion are means of grace for the encounter of our Lord through the acts consecrated by Jesus. He was baptized in the Jordan River by John. He instituted the Lord's Supper during his last supper with the apostles in the Upper Room.

Mark provides for us a look into the prophetic role of Jesus of Nazareth, who came to teach with the authority beyond the ability of the scribes. We may never be able to recapture the actual meaning of the original message from Mark. It has so many interpretations. There is one truth that can be assured from it, which is found in knowing Jesus by any means - Jesus has life transforming teachings. I have come to appreciate the deity of Christ by way of the teachings of Jesus. Only God can so teach an unlearned like me. He rules!

Prayer: Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, teach and guide me! Amen.