The Facts about Jesus

I came across an ABC Special that Peter Jennings did years ago which was an attempt to search for Jesus.

True to his journalistic style, he set out to visit the places identified to be where Jesus was born, grew up, died and was resurrected.  He investigated whether Jesus was a political figure, whether he was truly resurrected, and whether facts outside of the Bible could verify the events around Jesus as non-fiction.

Jennings introduced scholars and various, conflicting opinions, and "evidence" that led to more questions than answers.

It was all a bit frustrating to me, since I know that there is so much true about Jesus that cannot be known by just looking into facts. Details will never change who I know him to be through my relationship with him.

But it also confirmed for me one of the reasons I don't feel motivated to visit the Holy Land.  I'm not saying it's not good to do so, but if you go because you are looking for affirmations of your beliefs, rather than beauty and history, you might better take a personal look at the foundation upon which your faith is based, before going.

There is a lot of truth to be uncovered there, of course, but you also may find some confusion.

But, a couple of things did stand out for me in this old documentary.

They could not--nor could they ever--conclude that Jesus was not a real person, who lived in a particular time, in and around a particular place.

Also significant was the fact that if Jesus was not who he said he was--then upon his death--his followers would have just melded into history, or, they would have found another popular leader to follow.

In other words, the Church would not still exist today, if it solely depended on Jesus continuing to walk this earth, or if he was just a good, moral leader. 

In God's wisdom, however, Jesus kept his promise and sent us an Advocate, the Holy Spirit, to keep things moving in the hearts of his disciples.

This is no small thing.
 

As we celebrate Pentecost this weekend, I hope you are overjoyed--and overwhelmed--by the presence of the Holy Spirit in your life.  Remember, it is the very same Holy Spirit that came upon the Apostles, who remains with us, still today.

Happy Pentecost!!!!

Janet Cassidy
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