Who is Jesus to You?

 November 20 is the last Sunday of the Christian Year and it is known

as Reign of Christ or Christ the King. This day we focus on Jesus and try to define who he is for us as individuals and as a church family.

Jesus was born in a stable to an unwed but betrothed moth and soon after his birth, he was being sought by King Herod. Herod did not want to worship him but wanted him dead. Joseph, Mary and Jesus fled and lived in exile until it was safe to return.

They returned to Nazareth and this where Jesus grew up. After a family trip to the temple in the city Jesus was inadvertently left behind. Eventually he was found talking to the teachers and he has his parents why they didn’t think to look for him in “His Father’s House”. Had Jesus come to an awareness at age 12 as to who he was and his life’s purpose?

What Jesus did in the next 21 years in not fully known. He would have been educated and taught in the Jewish tradition, carried on his training with Joseph in carpentry and lived a quiet life. But at one point the time came to close the carpentry shop, gather people he could teach and trust and begin to fulfil his purpose as the Promised Messiah. Just how would He do this? Not sitting and waiting but meeting people where they were and helping them in their daily concerns.

Jesus met them and showed them who he is was and will be for He is the One whom God called his beloved Son. Jesus taught about a new way of living with love and by loving others as no one had taught before. This concerned the synagogue leaders and they planned to get rid of him in some way.

Eventually he was arrested, tried and sentenced to death in one of the cruelest ways carried out. But Jesus did not die without purpose or reason. He died because this was the way people could reconcile with God if they believed.

Jesus’ purpose was to die and rise again and this is why we should be praising him. His death provided the way of forgiveness of sin because he overcame death and enabled us to return to God. After Jesus’ ascended to heaven he remains with God the Father. He sent the Spirit to guide us to live as He taught.

So who is Jesus? Why do we call Him the King of Kings who reigns? Jesus’ reign is not of the world but He reigns because He conquered death so we might live eternally. He rules over heaven and earth but we as individuals must understand who He might be in our individual lives. How do we recognize Jesus?

He is the Baby in the manger when visitors rejoices in his presence. He is the Christ of the Cross dying in pain and agony. He is Risen Saviour who left the tomb and was seen by his faithful followers. He ascended to heaven and is with the Father/Creator and His Spirit is with us now.

Who is Jesus?  Wonderful Counselor Mighty God Prince of Peace Everlasting Father King of Kings, Lord of Lords…. Baby Christ Saviour.

PRAYER God we praise you for your Gift to us in your Beloved Son Jesus who lived, on Earth, died and rose to new life. Through his life He gave himself so that we might learn and grow in faith and have hope for life eternal.  God we thank you and praise Christ Jesus our King who rules forevermore. Amen.