Who Is the Real Jesus?

"Jesus said, “I came into this world so that the world could be judged. I came so that the blind would see and so that those who see will become blind.” ~ John 9:39 (NCV)

Why is a real relationship with Jesus so difficult? Why is it so challenging? It is because we tend to create a quasi-relationship (unsure about relationship) with a made-up Jesus. We create a version (image) of Jesus in our minds, one who makes few demands on us. This made-up Jesus basically does what we expect, and then leaves us alone.

Here’s the problem, this made-up Jesus doesn’t care about us. He doesn’t care if we succeed or fail, if we’re blind or able to see, if we live or die. But the real Jesus cares deeply about you. He loves you passionately (deeply). He’s been pursuing you since the day you were born. You can ignore him; you can curse him; you can refuse to believe he exists. But Jesus he passionately (deeply) pursues you.

Jesus says in Revelation 3:20, "Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If you hear my voice and open the door, I will come in and eat with you, and you will eat with me." (NCV).

He loves you passionately (deeply in His heart). He doesn’t want a relationship of rote (memory) prayers, rule keeping and formulas (method). As the apostle Paul says, “Christ's love is greater than anyone can ever know, but I pray that you will be able to know that love. Then you can be filled with the fulliness of God.” ~ Ephesians 3:19 (NCV).

This is a messy, uncomfortable, passionate relationship. It’s rich and deep and ultimately fulfilling. That’s why Jesus won’t leave you alone, because he wants you to experience real and eternal (lasting forever) life. This real relationship is with the real Jesus who hung on a cross for you. Picture him there, looking across through time and into your eyes saying, “I love you. I’m willing to die for you. I’m willing to give everything so that you can know me and have a real life of passion, love and eternal life.”

Where are you at? Are you content (happy with) to live the life that you’ve lived? Or are you ready to cross that line to live a passionate (deep in heart), messy, real relationship with a real Jesus who loves you?
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"Who Is the Real Jesus" ~ by Geoff Suratt (www.purposedriven.com)