“Can I Get A Witness?”

If I were to ask you the question “Who is Jesus”, how would you respond? When you talk to others about Jesus, what do you tell them? The bottom line is there is no more important question to answer in all of life than that one. This question is especially crucial in today’s culture in which it has become increasingly common to conform our thoughts of Jesus in accordance with our own desires and expectations. There was an article posted by the pastor Kevin DeYoung in the Gospel Coalition in 2014 identifying some of the most popular, modern versions of Jesus: There's the Republican Jesus—who is against tax increases, for family values, and owning firearms. There's Democrat Jesus—who is against Wall Street and Walmart and for reducing our carbon footprint and spending other people’s money. There's Therapist Jesus—who helps us cope with life's problems, heals our past, tells us how valuable we are and not to be so hard on ourselves. There's Open-minded Jesus—who loves everyone all the time no matter what (except for people who are not as open-minded as you). There's Touchdown Jesus—who helps athletes run faster and jump higher than non-Christians and determines the outcomes of Super Bowls. There's Martyr Jesus—a good man who died a cruel death so we can feel sorry for him. There's Gentle Jesus—who was meek and mild, with high cheek bones, flowing hair, and walks around barefoot, wearing a sash (while looking very German). There's Hippie Jesus—who teaches everyone to give peace a chance, imagines a world without religion, and helps us remember that "all you need is love." There's Yuppie Jesus—who encourages us to reach our full potential and reach for the stars. There's Spirituality Jesus—who hates religion, churches, pastors, priests, and doctrine, and would rather have people out in nature, finding "the god within". There's Platitude Jesus—good for Christmas specials, greeting cards, and bad sermons, inspiring people to believe in themselves and lifts us up so we can walk on mountains. There's Revolutionary Jesus—who teaches us to rebel against the status quo, stick it to the man, and dream up impossible utopian schemes. There's Guru Jesus—a wise, inspirational teacher who believes in you and helps you find your center. There's Boyfriend Jesus—who wraps his arms around us as we sing about his intoxicating love. There's "Good Example" Jesus—who shows you how to help people, change the planet, and become a better you. Can any of you relate to any of these perspectives? Perhaps, one or two of these interpretations hit close to home. The fact of the matter is there is only one right understanding of Jesus’ true identity. If we want to be effective and impactful as witnesses for Jesus, we need to make sure our opinion and message is ruled exclusively by the authority of God’s Word.