Signs // Who is Jesus

The question "Who is Jesus?" isn't merely academic—it's transformative. Dive into this exploration of John 7, where we witness the heated debates surrounding Jesus' identity during his ministry. Some wanted him arrested while others wondered if he might be the Messiah, creating division among the crowds just as his claims continue to divide people today.

Jesus presents us with only three possibilities: he was either a liar who deliberately deceived people, a lunatic who was mentally unstable, or exactly who he claimed to be—Lord. There simply isn't room for the popular notion that he was merely a good teacher or moral example. His claims to divinity demand a more definitive response from each of us.

When we acknowledge Jesus as Lord, we must recognize that he will sometimes confront our sin, challenge us to grow, and comfort us in our pain. Many believers eagerly embrace the comfort while resisting the confrontation and challenge. Yet spiritual maturity requires accepting all aspects of his lordship, understanding that he cares more about our transformation than our temporary ease.

This message examines five worldviews that compete with a kingdom-centered perspective: hedonism (feelings are supreme), materialism (possessions define value), individualism (I am what matters most), pragmatism (truth is whatever works), and humanism (human authority trumps divine authority). These perspectives inevitably clash with biblical truth, which has always confronted cultural norms throughout history.

A kingdom mindset allows us to simultaneously stand firmly on God's truth while extending genuine compassion—rejecting false dichotomies that force us to choose between conviction and care. Jesus modeled this perfectly by accepting everyone while not affirming everything. As we examine what influences our thinking, we're invited to surrender areas that don't align with Kingdom values, recognizing that our answer to "Who is Jesus?" ultimately changes everything about how we live.