Would you recognize Christ today?
For the past two months, I have presented extensive cultural and historical information along with scripture to help bring understanding about the true Christ and his mission of love.
So here is the test. If Christ were on the earth today, let’s say in your church or somewhere out on the street, would you recognize him? Would it help if he were wearing a tunic and worn sandals? How about a suit, a white shirt, and a nice tie? Wait … maybe it would be easier to recognize him if he donned on the casual look: A nice pair of Levi’s and a pale blue, long-sleeved oxford shirt?
Okay, so looking for particular clothing style may not be the best way to recognize Christ in your midst. So let’s go to character. What if you heard news of a man who healed? News of a wise man who performed great miracles of love? Of a man who removed devils and pointed his works to God?
The people in Christ’s time saw of all of this and more. They saw a man who guided, healed, and loved everyone in God’s name. Christ’s fame as a healer was solidified when a Roman centurion begged Him to heal his servant who was ill with palsy. “And Jesus saith unto him, I will come and heal him. The centurion answered and said, ‘Lord, I am not worthy that thou shouldest come under my roof: but speak the word only, and my servant shall be healed. For I am a man under authority, having soldiers under me: and I say to this man, Go, and he goeth; and to another, Come, and he cometh; and to my servant, Do this, and he doeth it.’ When Jesus heard it, he marvelled, and said to them that followed, ‘Verily I say unto you, I have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel’.” (Matthew 8:7-10).
In addition, in a world where it was acceptable to abuse, beat, and even sell children into slavery, people saw a man who made children his top priority. “People were also bringing babies to Jesus for him to place his hands on them. When the disciples saw this, they rebuked them. But Jesus called the children to him and said, ‘Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. Truly I tell you, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it’.” (Luke 18:15-17). As the Father, Christ was never too tired or too busy for his babies!
Christ made it clear that it is by his own Law of Love that we shall recognize him. “A new commandment I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so also you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you love one another.” (John 13:34-35). And as Father God himself, Christ understood that his newest declaration of pure love would be put to the test and that his followers would be tested along with him.
So how pure was Christ’s love? And would you recognize and accept Christ in his full display of love? The story of the true Christ and his mission of love continues next time as...
Mother Owl speaks
