This is the fourth of an eight-part series of apologetics called “Foundations of Faith”. Most people believe Jesus was a great spiritual leader. Various world religions see Him as a prophet (Islam), avatar (Hinduism), guru (Sikhism), rabbi (Judaism), philosopher or miracle-worker... but human and not divine. But, was He more?
Unique in His Birth
Jesus is unique among religious founders concerning his birth. The third Gospel tells us how the angel Gabriel appeared to a virgin, Mary, and announced that she would conceive a very special son (see Luke 1:26-38).
The first Gospel records how the same angel appeared to Joseph to assure him that Mary’s conception was miraculous (see Matthew 1:18-25). Islam’s holy book (the Koran) also teaches the virgin birth of Jesus (see chapter 3:47). This claim is not made for that religion’s leading prophet, Mohammad. In fact, no other spiritual leader claimed such a unique birth.
Unique in His Life
During the short three-year ministry of Jesus, he displayed miraculous power on many occasions (see Matthew 4:23-25). Again, the Koran affirms these miracles as well (chapter 3:39). Interestingly, their leading prophet claimed no such power.
The purpose of the miracles was to focus the people’s attention on Jesus’ amazing teaching (Matthew 22:33). His teaching revealed his identity as a unique God-man.
Jesus claimed divinity indirectly when he said he would judge the world (see Matthew 25:31-32). Only God can do that. Another indirect claim of deity is when Jesus forgave sins (see Mark 2:5-7). No man can do that. One more indirect claim is when Jesus accepts worship (see John 20:28-29). Only God is worshipped.
But Jesus also made a direct claim to divinity when he is asked directly if he is God’s Son (see Mark 14:61-64). The immediate reaction of the Jewish leaders accusing him of blasphemy shows that they clearly understood his claim. No other spiritual leader made such claims.
Unique in His Death
When Jesus’ life expired on the cross after hours of excruciating (literally “out of the cross”) suffering, it seemed like nature itself went into deep mourning. “From noon until three in the afternoon darkness came over all the land… And when Jesus had cried out again in a loud voice, he gave up his spirit… The earth shook and the rocks fell apart… They (the soldiers) saw the earth shake and they were very much afraid. They said, ‘For sure, this Man was the Son of God.’” (Matthew 27:45-54)
However, Jesus didn’t stay dead. In spite of the best efforts of the Jewish and Roman leaders to seal and guard the tomb, Jesus came back to life again. Again, nature called attention to the momentous event. “There was a violent earthquake, for an angel of the Lord came down from heaven and, going to the tomb, rolled back the stone and sat on it… The guards were so afraid of him that they shook and became like dead men. The angel said to the women, ‘Do not be afraid… He is not here, he has risen…’” (Matthew 28:2-6)
No other spiritual leader can claim such a unique death and resurrection.
Conclusion
C.S. Lewis begrudgingly became a believer at age 33 after years of examining the unique birth, life, death and resurrection of Jesus. In his now-famous “trilemma”, he presents fellow-seekers with three choices regarding the identity of Jesus — liar, lunatic or Lord. Given Jesus’ claims of divinity, Lewis concluded that he either intentionally misled his followers or was self-deceived and believed them himself. Neither choice fits the character, words and deeds of Jesus.
The best conclusion for Lewis was to believe that Jesus was who he claimed to be. Not just a great human, moral teacher but the truly unique Son of God and Savior of the world!
Rob Weatherby is a retired pastor.
