Pastor’s Corner: Jesus – Nut Case or Savior?

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Oracle Church of Christ

Occasionally we hear, “Jesus was a good man, but not God’s son.” That speaker is confused about Jesus. The crowd in John chapter 7 was also confused. Verse 12: Some said, “He is a good man.” Others replied, “No, he deceives the people.” Verse 20: “You are demon-possessed.”

A good man, a liar, or a nut case-all three opinions are wrong, but the “Good Man” position, while it sounds less judgmental, is not logical. Jesus claimed to be God’s son. For a Jew, who wouldn’t even speak or write God’s name, this was the worst blasphemy. But he said it repeatedly.

• As a child, when his parents finally found him at the Temple: ‘’Didn’t you know I had to be in my Father’s house?” (Luke 2.49)

• When talking to the Jewish authorities: “The miracles I do in my Father’s name speak/or me.” (Jn. 10:25)

IfJesus was a nut case, you can’t criticize him, whether he claimed to be God’s son, or an avocado. A crazy person says crazy things.

But if Jesus wasn’t crazy, then either he was the son of God, or he taught a lie that got people killed. So the choices are:

• Jesus might have been a nut case who believed he was God’s son.

• Or he might have been a murderous liar.

• Or he might have been God’s son.

But those are the only choices. To say that Jesus was a good man, but not God’s son violates common sense.

We believe that God’s word is true and logical.

We’re the Church of Christ, meeting in Oracle: 2425 El Paseo. If you want to discuss this or other Bible questions, visit our Bible study Sundays at 10 a.m. Worship is at 11 a.m.

Fred Patterson (4 Posts)

Fred Patterson lives in Oracle with his wife, Shelia, and does the preaching at the Oracle Church of Christ, 2425 El Paseo.  He came to Oracle six years ago after retiring from Mesa Community College where he taught reading and study skills. Fred was born near Pittsburg, PA attending schools in Castle Shannon, Gibsonia and Mars, PA.  He graduated from Clarion State Teachers College with a B S in Education, later obtaining a MA in education from ASU. Fred is married, with 4 children, 11 grandchildren and 3 great grand children with two on the way. He enjoys reciprocal visits with the family, working around the house, working out daily at Waldo’s gym and helping out at the Oracle Community Center--usually with a hammer, paintbrush, dishcloth or his tractor.


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