Introduction
The name “Jesus” often resonates with familiarity, reverence, and significance among Christians worldwide.
Yet, Pastor Mensa Otabil, General Overseer of the International Central Gospel Church (ICGC), posed a profound and reflective question in a recent sermon titled “Which Jesus?”
Delivered with depth and clarity, this message serves as an introduction to exploring the person and identity of Jesus Christ in 2025, ICGC’s declared Year of Jesus.
The Question That Defines Our Faith
“Who is Jesus, and what Jesus are we referring to?” Pastor Otabil asked. He argued that understanding Jesus’ identity is fundamental because the Christian faith is centered on Him.
“Just mentioning His name doesn’t mean we know who He truly is,” the pastor emphasized, underscoring the need for an accurate and deeper understanding of Christ.
Citing Matthew 16:13-17, Pastor Otabil examined the pivotal moment when Jesus questioned His disciples, asking, “Who do men say that I, the Son of Man, am?”
While some perceived Him as John the Baptist, Elijah, or Jeremiah, Peter declared, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” This confession, Otabil noted, underscores the cornerstone of Christian belief: Jesus is not merely a prophet but God Himself.
Exploring the Identity of the Son of Man
Pastor Otabil highlighted Jesus’ choice of the title “Son of Man,” a term that held profound significance in Jewish theology. While Ezekiel used it to denote human frailty, Jesus referenced its divine connotation from Daniel 7:13-14, where the “Son of Man” appeared in glory, coming with the clouds of heaven. This declaration positioned Jesus as the anticipated Messiah—God incarnate.
“The Jews viewed the Messiah as a prophet who would liberate them, but Christians believe the Messiah is God Himself,” Pastor Otabil explained. He added, “This revelation is foundational to Christianity. You cannot be a Christian who does not believe Jesus is God.”
Such knowledge, he pointed out, is a divine revelation, as Jesus affirmed to Peter when He said, “Flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but My Father who is in heaven.”
Misconceptions About Jesus
In his sermon, Pastor Otabil outlined four popular but flawed views of Jesus, highlighting the need for proper alignment with biblical truth:
1. The Mythical Jesus – This view denies Jesus’ historicity, portraying Him as a fictional character, akin to mythical figures like Hercules.
2. The Mortal Jesus – A perspective that sees Jesus as a great moral teacher or revolutionary leader but rejects His divinity and resurrection.
3. The Mystic Jesus – A concept where Jesus is viewed as an abstract spiritual guide detached from historical and biblical reality.
4. The Moralistic Jesus – This interpretation reduces Jesus to merely a moralist advocating ethical principles, overlooking His redemptive work.
A Call to a True Understanding
Pastor Otabil challenged believers to go beyond superficial views and deepen their relationship with the true Christ.
“It is not enough to call Him Jesus Christ,” he stressed. “We must know Him as the Son of God, our Savior, and our Lord.”
Conclusion
The sermon “Which Jesus?” invites every believer to revisit their understanding of Christ’s identity.
As Pastor Otabil put it, “The church is built on the revelation that Jesus is God, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it.” This foundational truth must guide our faith, shaping our worship and our walk with Him.
The journey into understanding Jesus starts with this critical question: Which Jesus are you following? Let this year be an opportunity to align our view of Christ with the biblical revelation and grow deeper in our knowledge of Him.
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