"Who do you say that I am?"

 

      Jesus Christ invites each of us to "come unto" Him and to "learn of" Him - Matt 11:28-29. What does this invitation entail? Does it mean that we are simply to learn all there is to learn about Christ? To know all of the facts and details of His life and teaching?       Although it is important to know about the life of Christ, I believe this invitation is much more intimate. Christ is inviting each of us to get to know Him, to have a personal relationship with Him, as well as a deep connection to Him. The word relationship always seems to come to mind when I ponder Christ's invitation to come unto Him.      It may seem strange to think that we can have a personal relationship with someone who lived over two thousand years ago. Unlike a good friend or family member, we can not simply call Him on our phone and have a conversation. Nevertheless, we can come to know Him in a very personal and intimate way.  We can get to know Him ...

 

          We learned in my New Testament class about the hierarchical structure of Jewish society at the time of Christ. At the top of the hierarchy were many of the Sadducees and elite rulers. Directly beneath them, were the wealthy merchants, military leaders, and other royal officials. The hierarchy continues until it reaches the bottom of Jewish society, which includes beggars, widows, prostitutes and so on. Jesus was born into what we might now call the middle class. He grew up working as a carpenter before he began his brief, three year ministry.       During his ministry, Christ did not limit himself to teaching any one particular caste of society. All were equal before Him. All were Sons of God in His eyes. One day He could be dining with a royal official and the next, be found among the beggars. He was not afraid to teach both the wealthy and the poor, the esteemed and the despised, the prideful and the humble....