Clues

On Monday we went for a long walk to our nearest Spar. Our pace was leisurely and it took us an hour each way with the customary stop for cappuccino half-way. We walked past the King’s School Robin Hills. When we turned the corner, we passed a side entrance. At the edge of the road I saw a clue as to which part of the school was beyond that entrance.

Large puzzle piece outside the pre-primary school

Sherlock Holmes was always looking for clues, although not as many as Watson would have preferred.

If we want to find out who Jesus is, we also have to look at clues and sift the evidence.

Firstly, there are the clues in history. Besides the New Testament, there are clues that Jesus existed from non-Christian sources. The Roman historians, Tacitus (directly) and Suetonius (indirectly) both mention Jesus.

The Jewish historian, Josephus, talks about Jesus as “a wise man” and “a doer of wonderful works.” He wrote, “He was (the) Christ, and when Pilate, at the suggestion of the principal men among us, had condemned him to the cross, those that loved him at first did not forsake him, for he appeared to them alive again the third day, as the divine prophets had foretold, these and ten thousand other wonderful things concerning him; and the tribe of Christians so named after him, are not extinct at this day.”

There were eyewitnesses. An investigation is always easier when there are eyewitnesses. The Gospels are full of eyewitness accounts.

I like Peter’s declaration when asked directly in Matthew 16: 13- 16. “When Jesus came to the region of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, “Who do people say the Son of Man is?”  They replied, “Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, Jeremiah or one of the prophets.” “But what about you?” he asked. “Who do you say I am?” Simon Peter answered, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.”

Jesus claimed to be God. He was condemned to death for it. “Again the high priest asked him, “Are you the Messiah, the Son of the Blessed One?” 

“I am,” said Jesus. “And you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of the Mighty One and coming on the clouds of heaven.” The high priest tore his clothes. “Why do we need any more witnesses?” he asked. ⁶⁴ “You have heard the blasphemy. ” (Mark 14:61-64 NIV)

Of course, anyone can claim anything. Was Jesus telling the truth, deluded or lying on purpose for his own ends?

It is up to us to weigh the evidence, look at his actions, his teaching, his character and his response to pressure. If you are in any doubt, you can pray the following prayer.

Prayer

Jesus, if you are the Son of God, show me. Amen.