Who is jesus?
It just occurred to me that covering Jesus, Christianity, and Lent in one message might be a bit much! Since Jesus is the central figure we'll be following for these 47 days, it makes sense to spend some time exploring who he is.
I also want to acknowledge that everyone has different levels of availability to dedicate to this pilgrimage. I'll provide a main write-up, and for those who want to delve deeper, I'll include links to additional resources below some of the paragraphs.
So, today, we'll focus solely on who Jesus is. I'll share insights on Christianity and Lent in the coming days.
First things first: Jesus or Yeshua?
The difference between "Jesus" and "Yeshua" is mainly one of language and transliteration. "Yeshua" is the original Hebrew and Aramaic name, while "Jesus" is the English form derived from the Greek "Iēsous." Essentially, they refer to the same person. "Yeshua" is the more historically accurate pronunciation, while "Jesus" is the form that has become widely used in English.
For this pilgrimage, I will use "Jesus" out of convenience and habit, but feel free to use "Yeshua" if it resonates more with you.
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Yeshua which is a shortened form of "Yehoshua" (Joshua), meaning "Yahweh is salvation." This is the name Jesus would have been called during his lifetime.
As the name traveled through languages, it evolved: from the Hebrew "Yeshua" to the Greek "Iēsous," then to the Latin "Iesus," which eventually became "Jesus" in English. Over time, "Jesus" became deeply intertwined with theological interpretations, the development of Christology, and the Europeanization of his image.
While they refer to the same being, "Yeshua" roots him in his historical and Jewish context, whereas "Jesus" carries layers of later interpretation. Some prefer "Yeshua" to reclaim his Jewish heritage and historical authenticity, while others embrace "Jesus" as the universalized, transcendent Christ.
Who was Jesus?
Jesus, also referred to as Jesus Christ, Jesus of Nazareth, or simply Christ, is a central figure in Christianity and an important prophet in other religions. As one of the most influential spiritual figures in history, with Christianity being the world's largest religion, there's extensive literature about him. Scholars, mystics, novelists, and people from all walks of life have been fascinated by Jesus. He holds a complex and multifaceted position in various religious and historical contexts. Over the centuries, different traditions have interpreted him in diverse ways, shaping distinct beliefs about his identity, mission, and significance.
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A Historical Perspective
From a historical perspective, Jesus was a Jewish preacher and reformer who lived under Roman rule in first-century Palestine. Scholars generally agree that he was a real historical figure who gathered followers, taught about the "Kingdom of God," and was crucified by the Romans. Some view him as a radical social revolutionary, others as an apocalyptic prophet expecting an imminent transformation of the world.
Christianity: Son of God, Messiah, and Savior
Most Christian denominations believe Jesus is the Son of God and part of the Holy Trinity (God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit). They see him as both fully divine and fully human, the incarnation of God.
Christians believe his death and resurrection atoned for humanity’s sins, offering salvation and eternal life. While the Trinitarian view is the most common, some non-Trinitarian groups hold different beliefs about his nature.
Islam: A Prophet, Not the Son of God
In Islam, Jesus (known as Isa in Arabic) is honored as a great prophet and messenger of God, born of the Virgin Mary (Maryam) and granted miracles. However, Islam does not consider him divine or the Son of God. The Quran rejects the Trinity and the crucifixion, stating that Jesus was not killed but was raised to God. Islamic eschatology holds that Jesus will return at the end of time to defeat the Antichrist (Dajjal) and restore justice.
Judaism: A Jewish Teacher, Not the Messiah
From a Jewish perspective, Jesus was a Jewish teacher or rabbi who lived in first-century Palestine. While some view him as a reformer or even a prophet-like figure, Judaism does not recognize him as the Messiah or the Son of God. Traditional Jewish teachings hold that the Messiah has not yet come and that Jesus did not fulfill the messianic prophecies.
Hinduism: An Enlightened Being or Divine Incarnation
Some Hindus regard Jesus as a great teacher, a yogi, or even an avatar (divine incarnation) of God. Figures like Swami Vivekananda and Paramahansa Yogananda have spoken of Jesus as a realized master, akin to Hindu sages. Hindu perspectives on Jesus vary widely, with no single doctrinal stance.
Buddhism: A Wise Teacher or a Bodhisattva
From a Buddhist viewpoint, Jesus is often seen as an enlightened teacher, someone who embodied wisdom and compassion. Some compare him to a bodhisattva, a being who seeks enlightenment for the benefit of others. However, since Buddhism does not recognize a creator God or a personal savior, Jesus is understood more as a moral guide than as a divine figure.
Mystical and New Age Interpretations: A Cosmic Christ or Universal Teacher
Mystical and esoteric traditions often view Jesus as an enlightened being, a spiritual master, or a symbol of divine consciousness. The idea of the "Cosmic Christ," explored by thinkers like Teilhard de Chardin and Richard Rohr, sees Jesus as a universal, eternal principle of divine love and wisdom beyond religious boundaries. Some esoteric traditions associate him with ascended masters, presenting his teachings as part of a broader universal truth.
The Baháʼí Faith considers Jesus a manifestation of God, one in a progressive series of divine messengers.
The Universal Christ
I want to highlight a perspective that resonates deeply with me, that of Father Richard Rohr, a Franciscan priest and one of my favorite contemporary spiritual teachers.
Richard Rohr presents Jesus as the Universal Christ, a concept that expands beyond the historical person of Jesus of Nazareth to encompass a cosmic, divine presence woven into all of creation. In his book The Universal Christ, Rohr distinguishes between "Jesus" and "Christ," emphasizing that Christ is not just Jesus' last name but a much larger, eternal reality.
Rohr describes Christ as the blueprint of creation, the divine presence that has existed since the beginning of time. In this view, Christ is not limited to one historical figure but is the indwelling presence of God in all things. Jesus of Nazareth uniquely embodied and revealed this Universal Christ, but the Christ has been present throughout history, in nature, in people, and even in other religious traditions. Rohr sees this understanding as deeply in line with mystical Christianity and early Christian thought, where Christ was recognized as the Logos, the divine order and wisdom present from the beginning.
One of Rohr’s most radical claims is that recognizing Christ in all things leads to a much more inclusive spirituality. Instead of seeing Jesus as belonging exclusively to Christianity, the Universal Christ is a presence that speaks to all people and traditions. This understanding shifts the focus from merely worshiping Jesus to following his way, living in alignment with love, mercy, and divine presence in all aspects of life.
At its core, Rohr’s vision of the Universal Christ invites people to see divinity not as distant or exclusive but as intimately present in the world, in each person, and in all creation. It is a mystical and deeply incarnational perspective, one that calls for a shift from doctrinal belief to experiential awareness of God’s presence in everything.
Jesus in This Pilgrimage
For some, Jesus is God incarnate, the Son of God made flesh.
For others, he is an enlightened master, a revolutionary teacher, or even an archetype.
Across cultures and traditions, Jesus has been understood in diverse ways, and for thousands of years, these perspectives have sparked both division and unity.
The intent of this pilgrimage is not to debate these interpretations but to focus on what is essential for deepening our relationship with God.
Each person has their own journey in discovering Jesus. In this pilgrimage, we will walk with Jesus as a deeply awakened and radical spiritual teacher, one who challenged the status quo, embodied a transformative presence, and illuminated a path to divine intimacy and inner transformation. He will be our guide, our teacher. This is the aspect of Jesus we will center on, though at times, I may introduce additional insights and more Christian perspectives of Jesus.
“John 1:1-14 is a profound and poetic passage that speaks to the mystery of Jesus’ identity, his divine essence, his presence from the beginning, and his embodiment of light and life among us. As you read, let the words stir your heart and invite you into a deeper contemplation of who Jesus is and what his presence means for you.”
Reflection/ journal prompt
Before we walk closely with someone, we often pause to ask: Who are you to me? That question is just as important in divine friendship.
Take a moment to reflect:
Who has Jesus been in your life story so far? A healer? A mystery? A judge? A comforter? A stranger?
What have you inherited about Jesus from family, church, books, culture, or silence? Which of those stories feel alive? Which feel heavy or wounding?
If you could meet Jesus without any expectations or past interpretations, what would you want to know about him?
What kind of relationship do you long to have with him on this journey, guide, friend, teacher, mirror, brother, beloved?
What might you need to release, research, or reclaim in order to feel safe walking alongside him?
You may wish to explore art, music, poetry, or biographies that reflect different faces of Jesus across cultures and traditions. Let your own connection take shape in a way that feels personal, spacious, and true.
This is your invitation to meet Jesus not as you were told he must be, but as he wishes to reveal himself to you now.
A Call to Embodiment
Jesus' story speaks of universal spiritual truths, truths that transcend religious boundaries.
For me, the heart of Jesus' story lies in embodiment, not just belief. It's about living the spiritual truths he taught, making them real in our lives. He pointed toward a direct, personal experience of the divine, beyond rigid structures. His actions, rooted in love and unity, challenged the norms of his time. So, we journey with Jesus, the radical who upended conventional beliefs and embodied transformation. We'll focus on the inner experience, shifting from traditional interpretations to the living, experiential dimension of his teachings.
As we step into this pilgrimage, let us open our hearts to the living presence of Jesus, not as a distant figure confined to history or doctrine, but as a guiding light within. Let us move beyond intellectual understanding and embrace the transformative power of embodying his teachings.
Wherever you find yourself in your understanding of Jesus, may these days open new pathways of insight, devotion, and embodied love.
May this pilgrimage be a time of deep reflection, personal discovery, and renewed connection with the Divine.
Let us walk forward together, guided by the Spirit of Jesus, into a season of grace, growth, and profound inner peace.
