We have…a High Priest, who is seated at the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in the heavens, [Who is] a Minister of the sanctuary and of the true tabernacle… – Hebrews 8:1-2
There are, from time to time, theatrical productions and musicals that arise which seek to depict the life of Jesus as if He lived in the modern day. Sometimes we will see Jesus in jeans and His disciples following in whatever the current fashion may be. I don’t have much of an opinion on such things, but this thought just recently struck me: Jesus is modern day.
Yes, Jesus walked on the earth in a human body that had not yet been glorified about 2000 years ago, but that same Jesus is actually alive, physically, today. He is very much alive today (even more so than before, some might argue), and continues to play the lead role in God’s ultimate plan of redemption.
I say this because I have found myself guilty of talking about who Jesus was, rather than who He is.
Now, don’t get me wrong. What Jesus did while He walked upon the earth is of utmost importance–especially the sacrificial offering of Himself on the cross, and His victory over death. These truths are the cornerstone of our faith. But the Man that did those things is still around. He sits enthroned in heaven, and He still walks among His people (Rev 2:1b).
“I am he who lives, and was dead, and behold, I am alive forevermore. Amen.” – Revelation 1:18
Jesus was dead, yes, but only for three days. He’s alive now, and will be forevermore!
This is what the Apostle Paul preached. The world speaks of Jesus as if He were a past religious figure that had died ages ago, but Paul maintained that He was alive and well. When Paul stood trail before the authorities of his day because of His testimony of Jesus, this is what they said to each other about him:
(Festus speaking to King Agrippa about Paul’s trial:) “When the accusers stood up, they brought no accusation against him (Paul) of such things that I supposed, but had some questions against him about their own religion and about a certain Jesus, who had died, who Paul affirmed to be alive.” – Acts 25:18-19
Paul made sure that those around him knew that Jesus is alive today! We should, too.
Imagine being in a room with at WWII veteran–a veteran who was a war hero. Imagine stories being told about his exploits, but ignoring the hero himself. This what we do sometimes with Jesus. We talk about Jesus, and what He did, but we fail to point Him out. Is He truly ‘with us always, even until the end of the age’? If He is, why do we ignore Him, and talk about Him as if He isn’t in the room?
Yes, Jesus is very much alive, and He still has a ministry today. He is the head of the church, His people, serving them as High Priest. He is a Minister of God’s heavenly temple, praying for us, interceding for us. He is constantly and presently communicating to His church through His Word, and through the Holy Spirit (John 16:13). He walks among His church, and lives in His people (Rev 2:1b, John 14:23).
It’s so vitally important that we don’t just learn about who Jesus was, but that we come to know, personally, who He is–right now. The Modern day Jesus is what the world needs; He was the One who was dead, yes, but now He is alive, and that’s the Jesus we must proclaim to them. Amen.
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Hal Chaffee 