The Essentials (Week 3): More Than a Good Man

Welcome to the third installment of our Essentials series, as we explore the fundamental foundations of our Christian faith.

Obviously, Jesus is the cornerstone of Christianity. There’s a version of Jesus that feels easy to accept. A teacher. A healer. A good man with wise things to say. I don’t often sense much resistance to that version of Jesus.

But that’s not the version Jesus gave us.

He said things that don’t leave much room for neutrality.

“I and the Father are one.”

That’s not poetic. It’s a claim.

I find myself sitting with some of the more challenging things that Jesus said sometimes. I try not to rush past these sayings.

If Jesus is just a good man, then we can admire Him, maybe even learn from Him.

But by saying He is God, Jesus doesn’t leave us room for neutrality. If someone denies His deity, they also deny His teaching, His miracles, and His wisdom.

Since I believe Jesus is God then l can’t keep my distance from Him. On the contrary, I want to draw as near to Him as I can this side of Heaven.

Thomas saw Him after the resurrection and said, “My Lord and my God.” His doubt had been removed.

And Jesus didn’t correct him.

He received it.

That’s where this becomes personal. Recognizing Jesus is God isn’t just about theology. It’s about submission and surrender. Following Jesus means letting go of control in ways we’re not always ready to do.

I find myself sitting in the tension between His will and mine.

Irresistibly drawn to Him, I am aware of what it means that Jesus really is who He says He is.

And that, my friend, is a fundamental game-changer.