IS JESUS REAL?

 Many have undertaken to draw up an account of the things that have been fulfilled among us, just as they were handed down to us by those who from the first were eyewitnesses and servants of the word. Therefore, since I myself have carefully investigated everything from the beginning, it seemed good also to me to write an orderly account for you, most excellent Theophilus, so that you may know the certainty of the things you have been taught.

Luke 1:1-4 (NIV)

                The other day I came across an article on the internet that listed historical figures that may not have existed. Among the many familiar names on that list were Jesus, Moses, and Solomon. I read the paragraph under Jesus and it stated, as fact, that Jesus probably existed but that the accounts of him are all exaggerated and untrue. This was stated as something that was undisputed and widely accepted. To be honest, the arrogance of that statement made me angry.

                In my devotions, I just started reading the Gospel of Luke. The opening lines of the Gospel states that Luke had thoroughly investigated the claims about Jesus before he wrote his Gospel. As we examine the question of Jesus’ reality, there are several key points that need to be addressed. First, all four of the Gospels were written during the lifetime of people who actually saw Jesus and heard him teach. If what these Gospels recorded was exaggeration or fantasy, it would have been called out right away.

                Second, Luke (and the other Gospel writers) got their information from eyewitnesses to Jesus’ life. All of history is based on eyewitness accounts of what happened. These accounts may not all agree on the particulars, but we take them as a valid statement of what really happened. Why should we discount the eyewitness accounts of Jesus’ life just because we live 2000+ years after the fact? We accept eyewitness accounts of multitudes of historical events. Why should we question these.

                Third, the culture of Jesus’ day was steeped in oral tradition. Unlike today where we are taught to question stories that are being told, oral tradition followed strict rules of accuracy. People did not add to or embellish oral traditions. They guarded them meticulously.

                Finally, Luke says that he carefully investigated everything from the beginning. One of the things that stands out in the Gospel of Luke is his focus on details. He links events to actual times, places and people that can be independently confirmed from outside sources. He includes details that do not enhance or alter the story, but are a record of what was seen and heard. He is careful to explain Hebrew traditions to a Gentile audience that would be unfamiliar with them. In all, Luke demonstrated that he was an excellent historian.

                Many people want to claim that the Gospels are mere legends about Jesus that sprung up long after the fact to promote this new religion. C.S. Lewis and others who have studied legends extensively have concluded that the Gospels do not fit into that category. There are too many inconvenient and mundane things included to fit the form of a legend. We are accustomed to random details being included in stories written today for the purpose of giving the story depth. But this was not used in ancient writing of the time period when the Gospels were written. Those who have really taken the time to honestly examine the Gospels have concluded that these are eyewitness accounts of events that happened in the life of Jesus.

                The evidence for what Jesus did and taught is as strong, if not stronger, than any historical account. Because we may not like what Jesus said does not invalidate it. Because we find the things Jesus did fantastic does not invalidate them. The life of Jesus is real and is available for anyone to examine for themselves.

                Matthew 16 records a time when Jesus asked His disciples about who the people thought Jesus was. They had many different ideas. Then Jesus turned to His disciples and asked, who do you say that I am? Today, people have many different ideas about who Jesus is. I believe the article that I read is one example of someone who wants to make Jesus just another man. The case for who Jesus really is has been clearly stated. The question remains, after you have examined the evidence, who do you say Jesus is?

That if you confess with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord," and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved.
Romans 10:9-10 (NIV)