Who Is Jesus?

As Christians, we talk an awful lot about Jesus. When it comes to actually knowing Him, maybe not so much. The Bible uses the word "know" to indicate something very intimate - much more than casual acquaintance or awareness. (For example, he knew her and she became pregnant.)

So if we are to really know Jesus, in the Biblical sense, it will take us to something substantially deeper than most of us are used to seeing in our culture.

Who is Jesus? If I have a personal relationship with Him, I'll know Him in several ways. He's of course my Savior and Redeemer, freeing me from sin. Everyone knows that. But what else is He? Who else is He? Let's take a look at a few of the ways He is defined in human terms.

Jesus is equal to God. (Philippians 2:6) God is not above Him, even though He is called the Son of God. (That is a human term applied to His role here on earth.)

Jesus is God. (John 10:30 & 38, 12:45 & 14:1-11) God is not different than Jesus. God can actually be in two places at the same time. In fact, He can be in thousands of places at the same time.

Jesus reveals God to us. (John 1:18 & 14:9) God was an abstract image, and easily confused with other abstract images that people thought were gods. But God revealed Himself to mankind through Jesus. He is the practical presentation of God and His love for us.

Jesus came from heaven (not dust). (1 Corinthians 15:47) The Bible tells us that God created mankind from the dust of the earth. No so with Jesus. He was the exception.

Jesus is Lord of all. (Romans 9:5 & 10:11-13, Revelation 1:5 & 17:14) Jesus is the head of all things created. He is the ruler of the universe - standing above all kings, presidents, prime ministers and every other ruler or authority figure on the face of the earth.

Jesus is completely holy. (Hebrews 7:26-28, 1 Peter 1:19 & 2:22) While Jesus was fully human, He totally lacked the sin nature of humans. His being as a human was perfect, flawless, without error or mistake. In fact, sinful desire was unknown to Him.

Actually, this list could go on ... and on. Jesus is many things to many people. Comforter, encourager, leader, Father, nurturer, mentor, voice of reason, voice of truth ... the list goes on ... with specific Scripture to back it up. In fact, it requires a lifelong commitment to a personal relationship with Jesus Christ in order to become aware of just who He really is. As one grows in Christ, one learns of Christ.

So the question is, especially for self-professing Christians, is whether or not you and I actually know Him - in the Biblical sense of knowing.