Lent is a season of reflection and meditation, as we consider this question: Who is Jesus? It was a question frequently asked by those who encountered the carpenter from Nazareth, as they listened to his teaching, observed his activities and witnessed his authority over the elements. He captured the attention of Jewish teachers, clerics and the political elite of Israel. They were both fascinated and angered by Jesus, gathering close to hear his words, and positioning themselves to pounce on the truth he claimed.

On one occasion, a paralyzed man was brought to Jesus. When his friends couldn’t reach him through the crowds, they lowered the man on a mat through the roof. This man was longing for healing, expecting a touch. Yet Jesus’ words, striking and pointed, were not “be healed,” not “get up and walk,” but rather, “Friend, your sins are forgiven” (Luke 5:20). For the Pharisees and teachers of the law, this was a jarring statement, earning their rebuke: “Who is this fellow who speaks blasphemy? Who can forgive sins but God alone?” (Luke 5:21).

Who is this man?

Invited into the home of a Pharisee, Jesus reclined at the table, engaging in conversation. But then a woman, known as one who lived a sinful life, entered, drawing all attention. Moving close to Jesus, she fell before him and performed a beautiful act of worship, covering his feet with her tears and anointing them with expensive perfume, emptying the entire bottle. Jesus’ response was not a rebuke, as onlookers would have expected, but rather a telling revelation about himself and the Father’s love: “Your sins are forgiven” (Luke 7:48).

The religious leaders, given their cultural and religious convictions, were outraged and angered by her demonstration of love and Jesus’ response. They began to talk among themselves, with judgmental, sarcastic intent: “Who is this [man] who even forgives sins?” (Luke 7:49).

Who is this man?

Herod Antipas, Rome’s ruler over the region of Galilee, heard that this teacher had captured the imagination of many, and he was greatly troubled (see Luke 9:7-9). He demanded, “Who is this Jesus?” Some said that Jesus was John the Baptist, whom Herod had beheaded, risen from the dead. Others thought that Elijah had appeared. Still others said that one of the prophets of old had come back to life.

Who is this man?

Jesus was rejected by the religious and political leaders, by the general population and even by those in his own hometown (see Mark 6:1-3). He was betrayed, arrested, given a mock trial, painfully executed on a Roman cross, and buried in a borrowed grave. There would be no Easter celebration if the narrative ended there. History would simply note Jesus as just another misguided person who made claims without divine authority.

But the story doesn’t end there. Scripture describes Jesus’ victory over death and the grave, gloriously illustrated by the stone rolled away, revealing an empty tomb, proving the claims he made. His birth, life, teaching, service, love, death and triumphant Resurrection fulfilled the prophecies of old and the covenantal mission of God the Father.

Jesus had come to bring salvation for the whole wide world, salvation for you and me—the acceptance of God the Father by his unconditional love, and the forgiveness of sins through his abundant grace. 

Who is this man? We can be confident and clear about who Jesus is. Our fourth doctrine reminds us, “that in the person of Jesus Christ the divine and human natures are united, so that he is truly and properly God and truly and properly man.”

Who is this man? Jesus is the Son of God, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world (see John 1:29). God himself through Jesus made our salvation possible. This is the Easter message. This is redemption’s story. This is our story. Who is Jesus? He is our Saviour!

Who is Jesus to you? Do the words of the Roman soldier, who witnessed the death of Jesus on the cross and was moved to reflect, “Surely this man was the Son of God!” (Mark 15:39), resonate? How will you respond?

COMMISSIONER LEE GRAVES is the territorial commander of the Canada and Bermuda Territory.

Illustration: Nick Bakhur/Lightstock.com

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