Who is the Jesus of the Christmas and Easter accounts? That's a popular question in today's media and it seems that everyone has an opinion on the subject. Interestingly enough Jesus asked that same question of His closest friends at the height of His popularity during His earthly ministry.

The Gospel of Mark in the 8th chapter records that Jesus asked His disciples; "Who do men say that I am?" To which His disciples responded, "Some say John the Baptist."

In other words, there were some in Israel at the time Jesus preached who were attracted to Him because they thought of Him as an ascetic like John. To these people getting close to God, or being spiritual was achieved by a life style of strict self-denial. But Jesus didn't affirm that opinion - He was not John the Baptist, nor like him.

His disciples continued "...but some say Elijah". Many were drawn by the supernatural wonders which Jesus did, after all, how often do you see someone raised from the dead, or the blind given their sight?! Though Jesus did do many wonders He did not identify Himself primarily as a miracle worker like Elijah.

The last opinion held by the crowds was that Jesus was "...one of the prophets."

Some saw Jesus as one in a long string of messengers sent by God to communicate God's Truth to mankind. It is true that Jesus came bringing the Word of God, however, Jesus said of Himself that he was greater than the prophets. Jesus then asked another question, a more personal question. He said to them, "But who do you say that I am?" In other words, the really important question isn't what others think about Jesus; but what do you think about Him? Peter, always quick to speak, replied "You are the Christ of God."

To this Jesus could attest that Peter was correct. For Jesus is much more than a spiritual leader, or a prophet sent by God, or even a worker of supernatural wonders. Jesus is the Christ - literally the "anointed one" sent by God to redeem Mankind from the penalty of sin by His substitutionary death on the cross.

So, in answer to our question "Who is Jesus?", if we are going to be honest with what Jesus said about Himself, we can not simply call Him a spiritual leader like John the Baptist, or a miracle worker like Elijah, or even one of the many prophets of God; Jesus demonstrated by His words and deeds that He is much more than all of those - He is quite literally God in human flesh.