You’ve probably heard of Jesus. Maybe you think of him as a wise teacher, a religious founder, or a symbol of Western culture. But here’s the thing: Jesus wasn’t just a spiritual figure. He made specific, historical claims—especially about his identity—that were so radical, they shocked his contemporaries and still demand a response today.
This isn’t about blind faith. It’s about facing the facts.
A Real Person in Real History
Jesus of Nazareth isn’t a myth. He’s one of the most well-documented figures from the ancient world. Roman historians like Tacitus, Jewish writers like Josephus, and early Christian sources all affirm his existence. The Gospels—written within decades of his life—offer detailed accounts grounded in eyewitness testimony.
But what makes Jesus compelling isn’t just that he lived. It’s what he said and did.
He claimed divine authority. He forgave sins. He redefined sacred laws. He predicted his own resurrection. These aren’t the kinds of things moral teachers say. They’re the kinds of claims that demand a verdict.
Shockwaves in First-Century Judaism
To understand how radical Jesus was, you have to step into the shoes of his Jewish audience.
- Strict Monotheism: Jews believed in one God—utterly holy, transcendent, and unapproachable. Even speaking God’s name was taboo.
- Messiah Expectations: They hoped for a human deliverer, not a divine figure.
- Temple Worship: Forgiveness came through sacrifices, not through a man’s words.
Then Jesus came along and said things like:
- “Before Abraham was, I am.” (John 8:58)
- “Your sins are forgiven.” (Mark 2:5)
- “I and the Father are one.” (John 10:30)
The reaction? Outrage. Blasphemy charges. A plot to kill him.
Jesus wasn’t just challenging their theology—he was unveiling a startling revelation that reframed their understanding of God in ways they had never imagined. He didn’t discard their tradition; he illuminated it from an angle they hadn’t considered. And that illumination was both jarring and profound.
Breaking the Categories
Jesus doesn’t fit into neat boxes. He’s not just a prophet, sage, or revolutionary. He claimed to be:
- The Son of Man from Daniel 7—a divine figure who receives worship.
- The giver of eternal life.
- The final judge of humanity.
C.S. Lewis put it bluntly: Jesus is either a liar, a lunatic, or the Lord. There’s no middle ground. His claims force us to decide.
A Personal Invitation
Jesus didn’t just teach ideas. He invited people to follow him. “Come, follow me,” he said—not as a guru, but as the way, the truth, and the life.
That’s not a metaphor. It’s a summons.
For his Jewish audience, this meant rethinking everything—Torah, temple, identity, destiny. For us today, it means asking: Who am I? What’s my purpose? What do I do with suffering, guilt, and hope?
If Jesus rose from the dead, as his followers claimed, then this invitation is still open. And it’s the most profound offer ever made.
A Global Legacy
Jesus’ impact didn’t end in the first century. He shaped art, ethics, law, and literature. His teachings on love, forgiveness, and human dignity have influenced civilizations. He’s revered in Islam, debated in secularism, and followed on every continent.
No figure is more quoted, misquoted, loved, hated, or reinterpreted. That kind of cultural saturation demands engagement.
So What Do We Do With Jesus?
You don’t have to be religious to take Jesus seriously. You just have to be honest.
He made claims that were clear, controversial, and consequential. His life, death, and reported resurrection aren’t just theological—they’re historical. And they’re personal.
You can accept him, reject him, or reinterpret him. But you can’t ignore him.
The question isn’t whether Jesus matters. It’s whether we’re willing to respond.
Apologetics in the Lion City 