Jesus has never been more popular. Some love him, applauding him as a good teacher, a political revolutionary, or a prophetic voice speaking out against the rich and powerful. Others find him bigoted, old-fashioned, and narrow minded, even as they are forced to admit that his words and teachings are utterly unique. His presence infuses our political discussions and our dinner table debates, making him impossible to ignore.
Yet sadly, in many churches today, the Jesus we meet is nothing more than a kindly man with children, on his lap and a smile on his face. He is presented as a good person, a positive influence-a mixture of Mr. Rogers and Tony Robbins. The Jesus of American Christianity is meek, gentle, safe, and fun, always ready to be your best friend.
When we dig more deeply into the Bible, we discover a very different picture. Wherever Jesus went in his life, from the day he was born until the day he died, scandal and controversy followed him. Be warned. If you investigate Jesus beyond the superficial glance, most give him today you will be challenged and confronted. Jesus creates in each person who encounters him a crisis of faith, forcing us to a point of decision.
When used together with The Problem of Jesus, A Video Study, this study guide helps you look beyond the superficial understandings of Jesus to examine his hard-hitting claims and teachings, including:
• The reliable evidence that Jesus was a real, historical figure
• The oft-unexamined cost of following Jesus
• His claim to be God, the Creator of all, worthy of worship
• His teachings and stories, which have always offended religious people
• His miracles and actions, what they meant in the ancient world-and today
• The claims of Jesus to be the only, exclusive path to God
The Problem of Jesus Study Guide confronts you with the real Jesus of history, asking you to wrestle with the teachings, claims, and actions of the man who has forever altered the course of human history. Every person must make their own decision about Jesus, choosing how they will live in light of the answers they discover about this amazing man.
