Seeing then that we have a great High Priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin.
Hebrews 4: 14 - 15 NKJV
Have you ever felt that Jesus does not know you? That He could care less about the problems in your life? If you've been a Christian for as long as I have, then these thoughts have surely gone through your mind at one time or another. A lot of this comes from our own view of Christ, how it is that we see Him. Do we see Jesus as the popular church teachings tell us, as a deity who resides in heaven at the Fathers side? Well, the scriptures do tell us that upon His resurrection that Jesus indeed ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father {Ephesians 1:20}. This verse only seems to solidify the lie that we ourselves are separated from God. We've been told that we are but sinners unworthy of the Lords presence {Romans 3:23}. We are also taught that God cannot be in the presence of sin {Psalm 5:4}. So, where does that leave us? Well, if you believe trust the teachings of the institutional church, you might just believe that you have no hope of ever knowing Jesus on a personal level. That the best we can ever do is to somehow "Be like" Jesus...if we're good enough. It is this hamster wheel of guilt and shame that has driven many a Christian into confusion when it comes to Christ. Take it from me...it sucks to live this way. But believe me when I tell you that there is something better out there. See, that image we have of a Jesus who is removed from our life is simply not true. No, I'm not a heretic, but I have been known to associate with a few of them. True, those who claim that Jesus is separated from us have a few cherry picked verses to validate their own image of Jesus, but so do those of us who see Jesus for who He truly is. The apostle Paul tells us that not only is Jesus among us today, but that He lives on in us {Galatians 2:20, Romans 6:8}. Now, if you're one who has trusted the church teachings, this might come as a shock to you as it did to me.
Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross.
Philippians 2: 5 - 8 NKJV
Think about that for a minute. Jesus, being in the form of the Father, humbled Himself to the point that He became as a man. So, when you hear someone speak of the man Jesus, this is what they are referring to. It is important for all who seek the truth about Jesus to understand that Jesus was, and is, God in the flesh. It is the man Jesus who took my place on the cross {2 Corinthians 5:21}. It is also Jesus in the flesh who lives through me today. Part of our podcast discussion this week centered on the truth that the only way that the Father will be known by His creation is through us. That's right, others will see God through Jesus who lives in you {Matthew 5:16}. Once we realize this truth about Jesus, it's not very difficult to realize His presence in other areas of our life. Indeed, if He is revealed in us, then we understand that Christ shares in everything that we will ever experience. That kind of puts a positive spin on our worst days doesn't it? It has never been the Lords intent to leave us wandering alone in this world. However, it HAS been the Fathers intent that we would be united with Him {John 14:21}. Through the man Jesus, that truth has been realized.
"You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven."
Matthew 5: 14 - 16 NKJV
~Scott~
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