Exploring the Historical Jesus: Faith and Understanding

 

Summary

In our exploration of the famous trilemma posed by C.S. Lewis—Jesus as a liar, lunatic, or Lord—we delve into the historical question of who Jesus truly was. This inquiry is not just an academic exercise but a journey of faith and understanding. Reflecting on my own experiences, such as a mission trip to Egypt and my university years, I grappled with differing views of Jesus, from the Quran's portrayal to the New Testament's account. This led me to appreciate the tools of historical inquiry, which, while not providing absolute certainty, offer probabilities and plausibilities about past events.

The series we embark on aims to explore the historical Jesus, not to convince skeptics who dismiss the supernatural, but to strengthen the faith of those open to the truth. Anselm of Canterbury's notion of "faith seeking understanding" resonates deeply here. Faith and understanding are intertwined; one informs and enriches the other. This is not a simplistic dichotomy but a dynamic relationship where hearing and believing lead to deeper understanding.

We also consider the fourth option in the trilemma: legend. This perspective, emerging from Enlightenment thinking, suggests that the New Testament accounts are legendary rather than historical. However, this extreme skepticism fails to account for the disciples' willingness to die for their beliefs and the historical reliability claimed by New Testament documents. The vast number of ancient manuscripts, far surpassing other historical texts, underscores the early church's commitment to preserving the memory of Jesus.

History matters for faith because the core of Christianity is rooted in historical events, particularly the resurrection. The New Testament authors, like Luke and John, emphasize their accounts' historical reliability, grounded in real events and eyewitness testimonies. This historical consciousness is crucial for understanding our faith in today's complex world. Just as we approach medical decisions with careful research, we should examine the historical claims about Jesus with the same diligence.

As we continue this series, I encourage you to engage deeply with the question of who Jesus was and is. Share this testimony with others, and let the reality of Jesus as a historical person impact your life today. Jesus is not just an idea; he is a real person who continues to speak and transform lives.

Key Takeaways:

1. The Trilemma and Historical Inquiry: The trilemma of Jesus as a liar, lunatic, or Lord invites us to explore the historical Jesus. This inquiry is not about absolute certainty but understanding probabilities and plausibilities, enriching our faith journey. [01:01]

2. Faith and Understanding: Anselm's "faith seeking understanding" highlights the intertwined nature of faith and understanding. Hearing and believing lead to deeper comprehension, not as a linear process but as a dynamic relationship. [11:17]

3. The Legend Perspective: The view of Jesus as a legend, emerging from Enlightenment skepticism, fails to account for the disciples' sacrifices and the historical reliability of the New Testament. This skepticism overlooks the complexity of Jesus' message. [12:27]

4. Historical Reliability of the New Testament: The New Testament's historical claims, supported by a vast number of manuscripts, emphasize the early church's commitment to preserving Jesus' memory. This historical consciousness is vital for our faith today. [24:01]

5. History Matters for Faith: The historical events of Jesus' life, particularly the resurrection, are central to Christian faith. Understanding these events with the same diligence as other life decisions enriches our faith in today's complex world. [30:52]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [01:01] - The Trilemma: Liar, Lunatic, or Lord?
- [03:59] - Historical Inquiry: Who Was Jesus?
- [06:12] - Faith Seeking Understanding
- [08:01] - Personal Journey: Faith and Doubt
- [10:16] - Interplay of Faith and Understanding
- [12:27] - The Legend Perspective
- [14:12] - Skepticism and Historical Jesus
- [16:21] - The Quest for the Historical Jesus
- [18:12] - The Danger of Historical Inquiry
- [19:48] - Faith in History
- [21:15] - The Core of Christian Faith
- [22:46] - New Testament's Historical Claims
- [24:01] - Eyewitness Testimonies
- [30:52] - History Matters for Faith
- [34:07] - Engaging with Jesus Today

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
1. Romans 10:17 - "So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ."
2. 1 Corinthians 15:14-19 - "And if Christ has not been raised, then our preaching is in vain and your faith is in vain. We are even found to be misrepresenting God, because we testified about God that he raised Christ, whom he did not raise if it is true that the dead are not raised. For if the dead are not raised, not even Christ has been raised. And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile and you are still in your sins. Then those also who have fallen asleep in Christ have perished. If in Christ we have hope in this life only, we are of all people most to be pitied."
3. Luke 1:1-4 - "Inasmuch as many have undertaken to compile a narrative of the things that have been accomplished among us, just as those who from the beginning were eyewitnesses and ministers of the word have delivered them to us, it seemed good to me also, having followed all things closely for some time past, to write an orderly account for you, most excellent Theophilus, that you may have certainty concerning the things you have been taught."

Observation Questions:
1. What are the three options presented in C.S. Lewis's trilemma regarding Jesus' identity? How does this trilemma challenge us to explore the historical Jesus? [01:01]
2. How does Anselm of Canterbury's concept of "faith seeking understanding" relate to the relationship between faith and understanding? [06:12]
3. What is the "legend" perspective of Jesus, and how does it differ from the other options in the trilemma? [12:27]
4. According to the sermon, why is the historical reliability of the New Testament important for our faith today? [24:01]

Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the concept of "faith seeking understanding" challenge the idea that faith and understanding are separate or sequential processes? [11:17]
2. In what ways does the "legend" perspective fail to account for the historical reliability of the New Testament and the disciples' sacrifices? [14:12]
3. Why is the resurrection of Jesus considered a central historical event for Christian faith, according to 1 Corinthians 15? [21:15]
4. How does the vast number of New Testament manuscripts support the early church's commitment to preserving the memory of Jesus? [27:22]

Application Questions:
1. Reflect on your own journey of faith. How have you experienced the interplay between faith and understanding in your life? [08:01]
2. How can you engage with the historical claims about Jesus with the same diligence as you would with other important life decisions, such as medical choices? [30:52]
3. In what ways can you share the testimony of Jesus with those around you, especially in a society where discussing faith can be challenging? [34:52]
4. Consider the areas in your life where Jesus might be calling you to make real changes. How can you respond to Him as a real person who continues to impact lives today? [36:57]
5. How can you ensure that your understanding of Jesus is not merely an intellectual exercise but a transformative experience that impacts your daily life? [39:14]
6. What steps can you take to preserve and pass on the testimony of Jesus to future generations, just as the early church did with the New Testament manuscripts? [27:22]
7. How does the historical consciousness of the New Testament authors inspire you to deepen your understanding and commitment to your faith? [24:01]

Devotional

I'm ready to provide the 5-day devotional based on the steps outlined. Here it is:

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Day 1: Exploring the Trilemma: Understanding Jesus' Identity
The trilemma of Jesus as a liar, lunatic, or Lord challenges us to explore the historical Jesus. This exploration is not about achieving absolute certainty but about understanding the probabilities and plausibilities that enrich our faith journey. By examining historical evidence and accounts, we can gain a deeper appreciation of who Jesus was and is. This process invites us to engage with our faith intellectually and spiritually, allowing us to grow in our understanding and relationship with Jesus. [01:01]

Matthew 16:15-17 (ESV): "He said to them, 'But who do you say that I am?' Simon Peter replied, 'You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.' And Jesus answered him, 'Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah! For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father who is in heaven.'"

Reflection: Consider your current understanding of Jesus' identity. How does exploring historical evidence challenge or affirm your beliefs about Him today?


Day 2: Faith and Understanding: A Dynamic Relationship
Anselm's concept of "faith seeking understanding" emphasizes the intertwined nature of faith and understanding. This relationship is not linear but dynamic, where hearing and believing lead to deeper comprehension. As we engage with our faith, we are invited to explore and question, allowing our understanding to grow and evolve. This process enriches our spiritual journey, as faith and understanding inform and strengthen each other, leading to a more profound relationship with God. [11:17]

Proverbs 2:2-5 (ESV): "Making your ear attentive to wisdom and inclining your heart to understanding; yes, if you call out for insight and raise your voice for understanding, if you seek it like silver and search for it as for hidden treasures, then you will understand the fear of the Lord and find the knowledge of God."

Reflection: In what ways can you actively seek to deepen your understanding of your faith this week? What steps can you take to ensure that your faith and understanding continue to grow together?


Day 3: The Legend Perspective: Evaluating Skepticism
The perspective of Jesus as a legend, which emerged from Enlightenment skepticism, fails to account for the disciples' sacrifices and the historical reliability of the New Testament. This skepticism overlooks the complexity and depth of Jesus' message and the commitment of those who followed Him. By examining the historical context and evidence, we can better understand the authenticity of the New Testament accounts and the profound impact Jesus had on His followers. [12:27]

2 Peter 1:16 (ESV): "For we did not follow cleverly devised myths when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but we were eyewitnesses of his majesty."

Reflection: How do you respond to skepticism about the historical reliability of Jesus' life and teachings? What evidence or experiences strengthen your belief in the authenticity of the New Testament?


Day 4: Historical Reliability of the New Testament: Preserving Jesus' Memory
The New Testament's historical claims are supported by a vast number of manuscripts, emphasizing the early church's commitment to preserving Jesus' memory. This historical consciousness is vital for our faith today, as it provides a foundation for understanding the life and teachings of Jesus. By examining these historical documents, we can gain insight into the early Christian community's dedication to accurately recording and transmitting the message of Jesus. [24:01]

Luke 1:1-4 (ESV): "Inasmuch as many have undertaken to compile a narrative of the things that have been accomplished among us, just as those who from the beginning were eyewitnesses and ministers of the word have delivered them to us, it seemed good to me also, having followed all things closely for some time past, to write an orderly account for you, most excellent Theophilus, that you may have certainty concerning the things you have been taught."

Reflection: How does the historical reliability of the New Testament influence your faith? What steps can you take to explore the historical context of Jesus' life and teachings further?


Day 5: History Matters for Faith: Understanding the Resurrection
The historical events of Jesus' life, particularly the resurrection, are central to Christian faith. Understanding these events with the same diligence as other life decisions enriches our faith in today's complex world. By examining the historical evidence and testimonies, we can gain a deeper appreciation of the significance of the resurrection and its impact on our lives. This understanding invites us to live out our faith with confidence and conviction, knowing that our beliefs are grounded in historical reality. [30:52]

1 Corinthians 15:3-8 (ESV): "For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures, and that he appeared to Cephas, then to the twelve. Then he appeared to more than five hundred brothers at one time, most of whom are still alive, though some have fallen asleep. Then he appeared to James, then to all the apostles. Last of all, as to one untimely born, he appeared also to me."

Reflection: How does the historical reality of the resurrection impact your daily life and faith? What actions can you take to live out the truth of the resurrection in your interactions with others today?

Quotes



I remember thinking about this question when I was on a mission trip as a young adult in Egypt. And one of the things that we did in these six weeks when we were in Egypt was we'd try to go to the marketplaces, and we would try to make friends and meet people, and we would begin to share with them the reasons for us being there. We would begin to share with them who Jesus was. And I remember making friends with, our group did, with one individual whom we invited back to our apartment. We had conversations, and we talked about who Jesus was. [00:01:21] (34 seconds)


There is a science of history that we ask certain questions and we can answer with certain probabilities or certain plausibility, but what probably happened in history? Now, history is not like chemistry, is not like physics, in the sense that there are proofs about what happened, but actually, we know with 100 % certainty that this happened, or we cannot reproduce again, historically, what happened 2 ,000 years ago. So how history operates is with probabilities. We look at all of the data that we know today about that past, and we try to understand what most likely explains that data. That's what history is about. [00:03:06] (52 seconds)


And he thought, as he was writing his theology, that our minds are corrupted by sin. And so to think clearly about God, to think clearly, in the first place, to think clearly about God, place. We actually have to believe because believing in God somehow helps us to recover some of that corruptedness of our minds, which are already tainted by sin. And I remember experiencing something of that principle or of that truth when I was in my first year of university. I've shared some of this story before, so I apologize if you've heard it before. But remember, my first year of university, I hit a kind of a spiritual crisis. Growing up in a Christian home, in a Christian church, I really... [00:07:17] (45 seconds)


took for granted the truth of all that I was taught and all that I believed. But going to university, I remember meeting friends who were not Christian. In particular, this friend who was a Muslim, a Muslim, and he got into conversations with me, and we talked about Christian faith, we talked about Islamic faith, and we had these discussions. And I remember struggling in that time, in those weeks and months in university, is all that I was believing really true? Or is it true simply because, for me, because I had learned it growing up? And wrestling with these questions. [00:08:01] (45 seconds)


It's not, maybe I should say it's simplistic. It's not just faith leads to understanding and therefore understanding our faith is good. It's not faith first and then understanding. I don't think that also is the biblical model. What does Paul say? Faith comes from hearing. Hearing that Jesus is Messiah. Romans 10, 17. I'm paraphrasing. But this is what Paul is saying. That faith comes through hearing. Hearing what? Hearing about Jesus. Hearing about the message of Jesus and believing that Jesus is Messiah. And of course, to believe, we need to understand. [00:10:27] (45 seconds)


The more we understand, the more that we can believe, the more we can trust. And as we believe, we hopefully can dive deeper into our understanding of our belief and flush it out more for ourselves. So faith and understanding, I believe, are intertwined. Now, going back to C .S. Lewis. This is trilemma for us. second. Liar, lunatic, or Lord, that trilemma, liar, lunatic, or Lord. There's something else, actually, a fourth option that evangelicals rarely talk about as we talk about history and Jesus and the historical Jesus. And it's actually a very important option that we need to talk about, and that is legend. Liar, lunatic, Lord. [00:11:37] (50 seconds)


Well, biblical scholars, both then and now, realize that this is an extreme form of skepticism that does not help us understand what actually happened in history. So here's just a few counterpoints that both in his day, as well as in our day, that it doesn't give a good explanation, historically, of what happened. In terms of the resurrection, the disciples simply fabricating these stories, and then being willing to die for them. That didn't really square historically. Jesus, simply as a political revolutionary, that he died simply as a political revolutionary and for no other reason, that ignores the complexity of his message. It's not just about power and politics. [00:15:25] (57 seconds)


The second reason that history really matters to faith, we had these passages read out from Luke chapter 4 and 1 John chapter 1, is that the New Testament documents themselves that we have, they claim to be historically reliable. So Luke says that he's taken pains to do his research and to give an accurate account of what actually happened in the life of Jesus. Now, Luke is not writing history in the sense that we understand it today. In fact, he's not even writing history in the sense of the ancient world. He's writing more of an ancient biography. And that's different than a modern biography. And we'll talk a bit more about that. But what he's trying to get at is that what he's giving you an account of is actually grounded in real facts, in real history, in actually what happened. [00:22:46] (60 seconds)


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Transcript
What was the most surprising thing in this sermon?
Were there any personal stories shared?