Paul, the first century apostle, made a statement referring to Jesus as an “indescribable gift.” In another place he mentioned “the unsearchable riches of Christ;” and in another place declared his wish that we may “know the love of Christ which surpasses knowledge.” How do we begin to describe an “indescribable gift”, or plumb the depths of “unsearchable riches”, or know that which surpasses knowledge? What is this indescribable gift that is so comprehensive that the deepest theologians can plumb its depths for centuries and never fully comprehend all its implications; while also simple enough that a child can comprehend to the receiving of this gift by faith, for the saving of their soul? It is, of course, none other than God’s gift of His Son Jesus Christ.
To know the real Jesus is absolutely critical to our lives and eternal destiny. A thorough examination of Scriptures will reveal that there are many more facets to who He is and what He has done for us than most people realize. To place our confidence in some false representation of Jesus will only grant our adversary, the devil, opportunity to deceive and eventually destroy us. Jesus Himself warned that in the last days there would arise false christs and false prophets. It is our job to reveal the true Jesus, so that those who hear might believe in Him. This book is exactly that; an in-depth look into the multi-faceted person of Jesus Christ. It will inspire you, quite possibly surprise you, and ultimately build you up in your faith in the God who is the creator of all things.
Jesus is God’s Gift to Man and the Creator of all things. He is the Image of the Invisible God. He is the Author and Finisher of Faith. He is also the Shepherd of our Soul. He is the Prince of Peace and yet He is also called a Refiner’s Fire. He is known as the Lamb of God but also the Lion from the tribe of Judah. He is Lord of an eternal, inexorable Kingdom, and the King of heaven and earth. But he is a King Who is also a Priest, full of mercy and grace. Each of these aspects of who He is has significant implications in our lives.
One of the most intriguing stories we see in Scripture, as Jesus’ fame was spreading abroad toward the end of His earthly ministry, was told in the Gospel of John Chapter 12 and occurred right after one of the most spectacular events of His ministry, the raising of Lazarus from the dead. Jesus had become the talk of the town. The Pharisees were out to kill Him but the crowds were clamoring to see Him. As is human nature, all the curiosity seekers came to check things out. Some were there because they wanted to see “that guy” who was raised from the dead. Others undoubtedly just wanted to be where the crowd was. During this time, the feast of Passover was approaching and Jesus had returned to Lazarus’ home, just outside of Jerusalem. The story picks up in John 12:9: ... Now a great many of the Jews knew that He was there; and they came, not for Jesus’ sake only, but that they might also see Lazarus, whom He had raised from the dead.
Such is also the condition of the church today. There are many who rush to see for themselves the latest phenomena instead of the Lord who originated the phenomena. This section of Scripture goes on to describe the great processional in which Jesus came riding into Jerusalem on a colt while children prophesied “Hosanna! Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord! The King of Israel!” In the midst of this event one certain group of hungry seekers expressed the same yearning we have today in the heart of many. In the midst of the crowd we find a band of seekers who were looking past the party, past the “Lazarus phenomenon” and past the traditions of the moment. Verse 20 and following states: “Now there were certain Greeks among those who came up to worship at the feast. Then they came to Philip, who was from Bethsaida of Galilee, and asked him, saying, ‘Sir, we wish to see Jesus.’ Philip came and told Andrew, and in turn Andrew and Philip told Jesus. But Jesus answered them, saying, ‘The hour has come that the Son of Man should be glorified.’”
Their request, “We wish to see Jesus” is resonating in the hearts of many who are genuine seekers, and it is this request that the leaders of today must realize is the one request we must answer. The heart cry of a seeking humanity is “Take me past the programs, take me past the fad of the moment, take me past the apostles, the signs and wonders, the crowds and the processional. Sir, we wish to see Jesus!”