Do you know the real Jesus?

In today's fast-paced world of ever-changing stories, it's essential to truly know the Biblical Jesus, not just His name or familiar stories. Amidst life's noise, there's a risk of oversimplifying Jesus to suit our wishes, obscuring His true nature and misdirecting our faith.

• The Suffering Saviour VS Comfort-Seeking Deity

Jesus faced immense suffering, ultimately dying on the cross for our sins. Jesus didn't just bear physical torment, but He shouldered the weight of all our sins, past, present, and future. He felt the isolation, the scorn, and the weight of human brokenness upon Him. It was a choice, a conscious decision to face suffering, not out of obligation but out of unconditional love.

Yet, in an age that glorifies instant pleasure and convenience, we risk transforming God into a figure of convenience, sidelining His true essence. Have we mistakenly crafted a version of Jesus that's just there to iron out our troubles and make life comfortable for us — like a spiritual spa day?

Biblical Reference: Isaiah 53:3-5; Philippians 2:7-8

• The Humble Teacher VS Celebrity-Status King

Jesus lived a life of service. He chose simplicity over grandeur, servitude over power. Jesus often moved quietly, teaching with compassion rather than seeking fanfare. He chose the path of humility, serving, and even washing his disciples' feet. He taught with parables, interacted with those whom society shunned, and put others above Himself. His humility wasn't a sign of weakness, but a demonstration of strength, showing us that true power lies in love and service.

With our modern world's infatuation with fame, recognition, validation, and social media's influence, we live in a culture that worships celebrity, often seeking status, likes, and shares as measures of worth. The era where the loudest voice gets the most attention.

Do we sometimes hope for a Jesus who'd be trending? Do we wish to be more of an influencer instead of a humble servant of Jesus?

Jesus acted out of pure love, teaching us to serve and love unconditionally. Focus on building genuine connections with Him, not seeking "spiritual likes." Don't live life for outward recognition and acclaim. Let your relationships with Jesus and others be a non-transactional one.

Biblical Reference: Matthew 20:28; John 13:14-15

• The All-Knowing God VS Genie-in-a-Bottle

The title "All-Knowing God" encapsulates Jesus' omniscience. He knows the end from the beginning, the depth of our hearts, and the trajectory of our lives. Before we even speak, He knows our words, our thoughts, our desires. This profound wisdom is beyond human comprehension. In Him lies the understanding of the vastness of the universe to the minutiae of our daily struggles.

Yet, in our age of instant gratification and impatience, we sometimes blur the lines. Instead of seeking His wisdom and trusting His timing, we may wish to use Him as a quick-fix solution, like a genie we summon for immediate answers.

Are we guilty of wanting Him to act on our whims, almost as if we’re using a spiritual instant messaging service? Or ordering from a spiritual fast-food joint?

His timing might be different, but it's always perfect. He is the All-Knowing God.

Biblical Reference: Romans 8:28; Isaiah 55:8-9

• The Self-Sacrificing Love VS Transactional Love

Jesus gave His life, expecting nothing. He showed us what true love means by laying down His life for us. When Jesus went to the cross, He wasn't fulfilling a mere transaction or making a calculated move. He was offering a deep, genuine, and selfless act of love for each and every one of us. His sacrifice wasn't contingent upon our worthiness, actions, or anything we could offer in return. It was unconditional, a true testament to His character and the extent He'd go for us.

Yet, in a world that often views relationships as transactions, do we sometimes approach Him with a 'give and take' mentality, almost treating His blessings like loyalty points? Have we approach Him with a transactional heart, thinking of Him as a service provider who will grant our wishes or provide blessings only if we perform certain acts or rituals?

It's time to reflect on our approach towards love. Challenge our motives. With Jesus as our model, aim for a love that is pure, selfless, and unconditional.

Biblical Reference: 1 John 3:16; John 15:13

• The Just Redeemer VS Tolerance Preacher

Jesus embodies perfect justice and righteousness. While He is gracious, merciful, and forgiving, He does not ignore or brush aside wrongdoing. Instead, He offers redemption — a way for humanity to be reconciled to God, even in our fallen state. Jesus' redemption reveals His profound love for us; He paid the highest price so that we could be brought back into a right relationship with God.

But as society grows more permissive with today's flexible morals, do we unknowingly desire a version of Him that conforms to every popular view — a tolerance Preacher who advocates universal acceptance without standards or boundaries?

In an era where "tolerance" is a buzzword, we must be careful not to dilute or reshape Jesus' teachings to fit societal trends. His love is unquestionable, but His call for our transformation and redemption remains central to His message.

Biblical Reference: 2 Thessalonians 1:6-7; Revelation 3:19

In the whirlwind of life and the myriad of voices, there's a pressing call echoing: to return to the real Jesus. The richness of His character, the depth of His love, and the gravity of His mission can't be reduced to mere popular narratives.

The time is now. Challenge yourself. Dive deep into the Scriptures, foster genuine intimacy with Him, and realign your steps with His. Let's seek to know and walk with the Jesus of the Bible, not just the one shaped by modern tales.