JC's weekly June 27th - Why is the world so afraid of Jesus?

Why is the world so afraid of Jesus?

It is interesting to note the reactions of human beings when the name of Jesus Christ of Natsareth is used. I encourage you to try a short, rather unscientific experiment for yourself: ask three people today what they think about the name, Jesus Christ. The reactions you receive may amaze you. Some will express ambivalence, others, indifference or perhaps a mild curiosity. You will probably run into someone who says "oh, I am a Christian" (which, by the way, doesn't answer the question). Still others will demonstrate stark terror as if you had asked them, "would you mind if I bit you on the neck?"

Why? What is it about the name of someone who died 1,972 years ago that produces such reactions in people today?

It is my assertion, that it isn't he fact that he died 1,972 years ago that scares people - it's the fact that he didn't stay that way, that gives people in 21st Century America, the heebie-jeebies.

P.T. Barnum's statement "there's a sucker born every minute" aside, people really aren't stupid. Yes, there is mass hysteria over seemingly ridiculous things and the public eye is often focused on some absolutely trival nonsense. But meet a normal person on any given day in America and you are likely to find someone who is reasonably intelligent and savvy, at least in their own sphere of influence.
The fear invoked by the name of Jesus Christ upon the seemingly normal people of America occurs, because no other word in our language conjurs up images of truth, accountability and most importantly life and death like his name does. One may have never attended church, and may in fact be of a completely different religion than the followers of Christ, yet upon hearing his name pictures enter into our minds - pictures which most of us would rather avoid.

The most pressing thought that come to mind of course is, "what if he was right?" Surely he wasn't - most believe, but since in today's mind almost everything is possible, there may be a slight chance he was. If so, we had better change some things, hadn't we?

But mention his name and people intuitively know that something is definitely different.
When I go to a public place and people are cursing, drinking or doing things which aren't really good for them, and I mention the name of Jesus, immediately, they say "I'm sorry" or "oh! I didn't realize". Why? What is it about the name of Jesus which invokes such energetic responses among people at large?

The bible tells us. Jesus' name is unique in all of history. The bible says that the name of Jesus is "above all other names" (Philippians 2:9). Certainly, it isn't the spelling of his name, or even its pronounciation, (in Arabic-speaking countries, his name is pronounced "isa"). The name of Jesus is unique because Jesus is unique. No one else in all of recorded history ever got up once they were verifiably dead and buried. Jesus' name, represents Jesus himself - who did something that no one else has ever done. This is another reason why the Bible tells us that one day, "Every knee will bow and every tongue confess that Jesus is Lord." (Philippians 2:10)

Jesus' name is so great and so famous that even those who normally don't pay any attention to him, are disturbed by it. What really muddies up the waters of our normal, workaday lives is the notion that Jesus Christ has declared himself to be the Son of God - which he is, and which also explains why he alone of all the people of the earth didn't stay dead.

Neither Mohammed, Confucious, Buddha, the Dalai Lhama, nor any other figure in history can make this claim and provide the objective, historical evidence to back it up. The historical fact of his resurrection, makes the name of Jesus the only name that can save you. The Apostle Peter as recorded in the book of Acts, Chapter 4 tells us that, "there is no other name under heaven, given to men by which we might be saved". Saved from what? Well, from the very thing that makes Jesus Christ unique - death. When he woke up after having been dead for three days, Jesus had vanquished death; instead of death having power over him, he had power over it and it could no longer operate as if it were invincible. Jesus demonstrated that he alone has the ability to contravene death and he offers this unique power to anyone who will believe in his name.

David Frost, the popular british T.V. journalist has interviewed Billy Graham for many years and in one such interview, told Dr. Graham, "When I get to heaven, I'm going to tell them Billy Graham said I could come in." Dr. Graham's reply? "That won't do you any good, David - you'll have to tell them Jesus said you could come in." The only ticket to heaven bears the name Jesus on it.

Jesus' name is unique and deserves the utmost respect. Even if you don't believe in him, you would be well served to give his name the honor it deserves. Remember, today - anything goes and there just may be a chance that he was right. Picture yourself for one moment having died, and finding yourself standing before Jesus; trying to explain why you only said his name after you had smashed your finger with a hammer or when something shocking happened to you. Wouldn't it be much better if you stood before him and were able to actually thank him for all that he had done on your behalf?

Of course it would, and all you need do to make sure this happens is to follow the advice of St. John. He wrote, "These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, that you may know that you have eternal life, and that you may continue to believe in the name of the Son of God."

Believe in Jesus' name. Then try using "darn!" or "crap!" or "beeblebrox!" the next time you hit yourself with a hammer.