This morning, as I was driving into work, the thought again crossed my mind that there is no possible way, Jesus could say the things that He did, without Him being exactly who He said He was and is. And of course, it isn’t only what Jesus said, but it is also what He did (healings, commanded the elements and forgave sin), and also what He didn’t do (transgressed God’s will or sinned).
The Gospels are the written record of those who observed, heard and experienced what Jesus said and did. And of course, because of the huge number of manuscripts we have of the Gospels, dating back very early, plus the implications of textual criticism, their accuracy is well documented AS IT PERTAINS TO THEIR BEING CONVEYED TO US. For additional aspects click here.
We also see, in many instances within the Gospels, how the disciples themselves could hardly believe their own eyes. An example being when Jesus approached them as He walked upon the water as recorded in Matthew 14:25-27 or when Jesus commanded the storm to cease (Mark 4:35-41). Of course, there are additional examples of the divinity of Jesus, such as the transfiguration (Luke 9:28-36) or Jesus resurrecting Lazarus, after Lazarus had been dead for four days, which is especially noteworthy due to the implications, as noted here.
As compelling as these witnesses to the miracles performed by Jesus are, it is the recorded spoken words of Jesus, in concert with the resurrection of Jesus Himself and the effect that the resurrection of Jesus had on the apostles and early disciples of Jesus, plus the independent witness of the Apostle Paul, that moves me over the line where I cannot but believe that Jesus is exactly who He says He is.
And once you truly cross that line, everything literally changes.
And those recorded spoken words of Jesus are literally like none other. I’m going to make reference to just three quotes but you know I could go on and on. What is amazing is that there are so many to pick from.
John 10:30 – I and the Father are one.
Mark 14:61-62 – But He kept silent and did not offer any answer. Again the high priest was questioning Him, and said to Him, “Are You the Christ, the Son of the Blessed One?”And Jesus said, “I am; and you shall see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of power, and coming with the clouds of heaven.
John 20:27-29 – Then He said to Thomas, “Place your finger here, and see My hands; and take your hand and put it into My side; and do not continue in disbelief, but be a believer.”Thomas answered and said to Him, “My Lord and my God!” Jesus said to him, “Because you have seen Me, have you now believed? Blessed are they who did not see, and yet believed.
What normal human being would even consider uttering these words? Better yet, what norman human being could say these words, and be taken seriously? Only Jesus.
But there is more. So much more.
John 14:16-17 – I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Helper, so that He may be with you forever; the Helper is the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it does not see Him or know Him; but you know Him because He remains with you and will be in you.
I wish I had the time to speak of just some of the times that God in His mercy and grace has made His presence in me, known, through His Holy Spirit.
I wish I had the time to factor in Israel and the Law, and the tabernacle and the sacrifices and offering, not to mention the prophets and the prophecies. Consider one more quote from Jesus. John 8:58 – Jesus said to them, “Truly, truly I say to you, before Abraham was born, I am.
No, I am far from perfect, but that which He has begun in me, He and He alone shall bring to completion, through Jesus the Son. And this completion in Him, is available to all who would believe.
And that is why, I can do none other than believe that Jesus is indeed exactly who He says He is.
Worthy is the Lamb! Blessings!
https://bcooper.wordpress.com/2023/05/15/jesus/
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