Why Jesus Matters? - The Why Matters Series

As we delve deeper into our "Why Matters" series, it’s essential to contemplate one foundational question: Why does Jesus matter? This inquiry may seem trivial, especially for those of us who identify as followers of Christ. After all, He is the cornerstone of our faith, the defining figure of Christianity. Yet, I find it necessary to distinguish between mere fandom and true discipleship. In a world overflowing with opinions and interpretations, it is crucial to examine the heart of this question: Are we merely fans of Jesus, or are we committed followers willing to take up our cross?

Understanding the Distinction: Followers vs. Fans

Being a fan of Jesus often means celebrating His teachings, enjoying the compelling stories about Him, and attending services occasionally. However, true discipleship requires a deeper commitment and a transformative relationship with Him. It’s a call to go beyond surface-level admiration to a life that demonstrates His values and principles consistently.

The Popularization of Jesus

In recent years, we've witnessed an upsurge in interest surrounding Jesus largely due to popular media, notably the series "The Chosen." This series has captivated millions, rekindling interest in the life and teachings of Jesus, showing both His human struggles and divine nature. These portrayals present Jesus in various ways—some highlight His compassion as a loving savior, while others emphasize His authority and calls for justice.

While it’s wonderful to see Jesus depicted in diverse narratives, we must ask ourselves: Do these portrayals lead us to know Him more profoundly, or do they risk reducing Him to a mere character in a story? Be it through film, literature, or art, each representation invites us to explore and understand Jesus’ character—compassionate healer, mighty counselor, and ruling king.

Famous Portrayals of Jesus

Many actors have taken on the challenging role of portraying Jesus, each bringing their interpretation to this iconic figure. Jim Caviezel’s performance in "The Passion of the Christ" remains one of the most memorable. Other notable depictions include Robert Powell in the 1977 mini-series "Jesus of Nazareth" and Diogo Morgado in "The Bible" and "Son of God." These actors faced immense pressure to convey not only the physical presence of Jesus but also the depth of His teachings and humanity.

Despite these efforts, the key question remains—do these portrayals help us to know Jesus better or simply entertain us?

Knowing Jesus: More Than Just a Name

When we consider who Jesus is, it's essential to understand the various titles and attributes associated with Him. From "Son of Man" to "Messiah" and "Lamb of God," believers have used these descriptors throughout history. Yet knowing His names does not equate to knowing Him personally or living out the implications of His life and teachings.

Isaiah describes Jesus as "Wonderful Counselor," "Mighty God," "Prince of Peace," and "Emmanuel." Similarly, in the New Testament, He's referred to as "The Word," "Living Stone," "Good Shepherd," and "Light of the World." These descriptions show us the multifaceted nature of Christ, shedding light on His divine attributes and earthly compassion.

The Duality of Jesus' Nature

Reflect upon the dichotomy in Jesus’ character: the tender healer who comforts the broken-hearted juxtaposed with the fierce advocate who confronts injustice. Many are drawn to the former, relishing His warm embrace while preferring to overlook the latter, which challenges us to grow in righteousness and justice. The challenge is to embrace the totality of who Jesus is—Savior and Lord. We are to grow like vegetables in a garden. Each day the fruit produces verifies the reality of the seed planted! 

Discipleship in Light of Matthew 16:13-20

The reality of knowing Jesus was brought directly to the forefront when He asked His disciples, "Who do you say that I am?" in Matthew 16:13-20. This pivotal moment came during a conversation where Jesus was addressing not just their understanding of His identity but their commitment to Him.

When Peter offered his proclamation of faith, declaring Jesus as "the Christ, the Son of the living God," it wasn’t just a statement of fact; it was a revelation from God. Jesus affirmed Peter's answer and declared, "On this rock, I will build my church," hinting at the foundation of faith that would follow. This moment signifies both the importance of divine revelation and the necessity of personal revelation in our walk with Christ.

The Response to Jesus

In wrestling with Jesus’ question, we confront an essential reality—do our responses align with our actions? Can we genuinely claim to follow Him while neglecting to embody His teachings in our lives? Understanding Jesus primarily as Savior is important, but it's equally vital to recognize and submit to Him as Lord.

Jesus as Savior: Assurance of Salvation

Acts 2:21 provides a clear declaration: "Everyone who calls upon the name of the Lord shall be saved." This promise encapsulates one of the most comforting aspects of our faith—the assurance of salvation. In a world filled with uncertainty, the knowledge that Jesus offers forgiveness and eternal life brings hope.

However, the question remains—what does it truly mean to confess Jesus and to receive Him? Popular Christianity often presents a simplistic version of faith, suggesting that a single acknowledgment of belief is sufficient. This viewpoint can result in the challenging reality of many individuals who come to Jesus seeking comfort without the commitment of discipleship.

The Danger of a Simplified Gospel

While we must not undermine the glorious grace of Jesus as our Savior, we should not reduce Him to just a lifeline when in trouble. He is not merely a cosmic genie but a Lord deserving of our full devotion. The call to follow Christ beckons us deeper, urging us to live lives that reflect His character daily.

Jesus as Lord: The Call to Surrender

Understanding Jesus as our Lord requires a shift in how we approach Him. Philippians 2:10-11 reminds us that at the name of Jesus, every knee shall bow, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord. This recognition must transcend mere acknowledgment and translate into tangible obedience and surrender in our hearts.

The Throne of Our Hearts

Consider your heart as a throne—who occupies that space? If Jesus is not Lord of all, we must ask ourselves if He is Lord at all. The transition from being a fan to a true follower involves an act of surrender, allowing Christ to reign supreme in every aspect of our lives. This does not mean we need to abandon our responsibilities or retreat from the world, but instead, it compels us to engage with the world through the lens of His teachings.

The Challenges of True Discipleship

Jesus warns that following Him may involve struggles and sacrifices. The call to discipleship is radical. It challenges our worldly perceptions, extending beyond just attending church or engaging in religious activities. True following of Jesus means allowing Him to shape our decisions, actions, and morals.

To surrender ourselves completely is countercultural; it demands that we prioritize His desires over our own, support the marginalized, and advocate for justice.

Living with Intention

As we navigate our lives, we must ask ourselves meaningful questions:

- How can I embody the values of Jesus in my everyday interactions?

- What does it mean to allow Jesus's teachings to guide my decisions?

- Am I willing to step beyond the comfort of Fandom into the depths of discipleship?

Discipleship is not just a personal journey; it shapes how we interact with others and affects the broader community. It is a commitment to serve, love, and care for those around us.

Conclusion: The Invitation to Go Deeper

Throughout this exploration of why Jesus matters, we arrive at a significant conclusion: He invites us into a profound relationship with Him—not just as Savior but as Lord of our lives. This relationship brings both assurance and responsibility.

In closing, let us reflect on our personal relationship with Jesus. Are we merely fans enjoying the spectacle of faith, or are we willing to embrace the journey of discipleship? 

Final Prayer

Heavenly Father, we humbly approach You in recognition of our need for You. We thank You for the gift of Your son, Who died and rose again for our salvation. We confess our dependence on Your grace and our desire to place You firmly on the throne of our hearts. Help us surrender all and make You Lord of our lives. In Jesus' mighty name, we pray, Amen.

---

By reflecting on these considerations, we not only understand the significance of Jesus in our own lives but also become empowered to share this truth with others. As we navigate the complexities of faith, let us strive to be more than fans—let us commit to being true followers of Christ, ready to share His love, grace, and truth with the world.