January 7th, 2024
Who is this Jesus?
Have you ever found yourself saying yes to something only to realize later that you didn't fully understand what you were agreeing to? Maybe it was agreeing to help move a piano or thinking you were going to see a vampire movie only to end up in a theater filled with Twilight fans. We've all been there, right?
In life, before we commit to something, we need details and expectations. This holds true not only in our everyday interactions but also in matters of faith. How many of us have identified as Christian without truly understanding what it means to live for Jesus day in and day out?
In many cases, our understanding of Christianity has been shaped by cultural norms or the traditions of the church we grew up in. Some of us were baptized as babies and told we were good to go for heaven. Others were led through a prayer and dunked in water without fully grasping the significance of what it meant to follow Jesus.
The tension arises when our expectations of Christianity clash with the reality of what it means to be a follower of Christ. We may find ourselves labeling Christians as hypocrites because they don't live up to our preconceived notions of what a Christian should be.
To truly understand Christianity, we need to delve into the core of who Jesus is. In the Gospel of Mark, we are introduced to Jesus as the servant king, fully God and fully man, yet humble and serving others. Unlike the expected warrior king like David, Jesus brings God's kingdom not through violence and conquest but through love, forgiveness, and healing.
But who is this Jesus? Is he the long-awaited Messiah, the one who came to free us from sin, death, and hell? And if he is, how does that impact our lives on a daily basis? These are questions we must wrestle with, for our understanding of Jesus shapes our entire worldview.
As we journey through the Gospel of Mark together, let's explore the details of Jesus' life and ministry, setting aside our preconceived notions and allowing the truth of who he is to transform us from the inside out. Whether you're a skeptic, a seeker, or a seasoned believer, let's embark on this journey together, seeking to know Jesus more deeply and to live out our faith authentically.
So, who is this Jesus, and what does it mean to follow him? Let's find out together.
In life, before we commit to something, we need details and expectations. This holds true not only in our everyday interactions but also in matters of faith. How many of us have identified as Christian without truly understanding what it means to live for Jesus day in and day out?
In many cases, our understanding of Christianity has been shaped by cultural norms or the traditions of the church we grew up in. Some of us were baptized as babies and told we were good to go for heaven. Others were led through a prayer and dunked in water without fully grasping the significance of what it meant to follow Jesus.
The tension arises when our expectations of Christianity clash with the reality of what it means to be a follower of Christ. We may find ourselves labeling Christians as hypocrites because they don't live up to our preconceived notions of what a Christian should be.
To truly understand Christianity, we need to delve into the core of who Jesus is. In the Gospel of Mark, we are introduced to Jesus as the servant king, fully God and fully man, yet humble and serving others. Unlike the expected warrior king like David, Jesus brings God's kingdom not through violence and conquest but through love, forgiveness, and healing.
But who is this Jesus? Is he the long-awaited Messiah, the one who came to free us from sin, death, and hell? And if he is, how does that impact our lives on a daily basis? These are questions we must wrestle with, for our understanding of Jesus shapes our entire worldview.
As we journey through the Gospel of Mark together, let's explore the details of Jesus' life and ministry, setting aside our preconceived notions and allowing the truth of who he is to transform us from the inside out. Whether you're a skeptic, a seeker, or a seasoned believer, let's embark on this journey together, seeking to know Jesus more deeply and to live out our faith authentically.
So, who is this Jesus, and what does it mean to follow him? Let's find out together.
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