Jesus Who?

Many modern Christians would find that very question heretical. But if the disciples had to answer it, theologians over the centuries had to answer it, and people all around the world ask it in some way, shape, or form, we need to answer it as well. Not just for all the people who ask it with their negative views about church, Christians, and religion, but for us as well. If genuine Christianity is based on a relationship with Christ and flows outward into attitudes towards people, we NEED to know--for out own benefit, as well as others--Jesus Who?

Do we talk about a historical figure mentioned in various first-century texts, including the New Testament of the Bible? Do we talk about a seemingly mythical being who came from God, allegedly died and rose again? Do we mean a man who started a new religion? Or is Jesus just a very wise, ahead-of-His-day teacher of moral and ethical principles?

And if we mean more than any of those, how do we include any of them? Where do we start? Do we start with traditions like established confessions? Do we start with a historical figure? Do we start with personal (intimate) beliefs and experiences based on faith? Where do we go? Do we look at Jesus philosophically, mystically, historically, or only through the "eyes of faith?"

Does it matter? If we want to know Him, it does. If we want to share Him, it does. If we want to obey Him, it does. And if we want to have hope--if we want to share hope with the world (or just individuals) around us--it definitely matters.