” … Having carefully investigated everything from the beginning, I also have decided to write an accurate account for you, … so you can be certain of the truth of everything you were taught.“
(Luke 1:3 – 4)
QUESTION 1: Is there any solid proof that Jesus really lived?
ANSWER (March 2024)
Yes, there is more than ample historical, archeological and sociological evidence that Jesus existed, all of which are extra-biblically validated by objective, non-religious data. Beyond that, the Bible itself is a compendium of 66 books spanning several centuries and written by many different authors. Its constitutional congruence and predictive accuracy are impossible to have been humanly orchestrated across the vast dichotomy of eras, authors, locations, scholarship (and lack thereof), and other considerations. Many of its predictions were of Jesus Himself (birth, assignment, manner, location, and events surrounding His birth, mode, location, and events surrounding His death, human parentage, etc.), all of which He fulfilled to a tee. While it is true that the Gospels were written by Jesus’s original disciples, most of the New Testament and all of the Old Testament (obviously) were not.
If you’re interested in researching those evidenced-based sources to validate Jesus’ historicity, the validity of his claims as God the Son, the predictions concerning his life, and other other extra-biblical sources, let me know and I’d be happy to share. Too many of us have knee-jerk reactions and responses to things we have never objectively researched or validated for ourselves; NOT the smartest way to go about living in an information era where answers could literally determine the difference between life and death – in this current life AND afterwards.
QUESTION 2: What is the reasoning for everyone’s hate towards Jesus?
ANSWER (March 2024)
I don’t think everyone hates Jesus; I certainly don’t, and neither do scores of people I know!
That said, Jesus has been sadly misrepresented by many. If people knew Him for Who He really is, no one but satan (and self-serving externally pious folks – such as the religious leaders of His day) would hate Him. What’s there NOT to love in a merciful, life-giving God who came to earth as a man – just so He could rescue humanity from sin (everyone’s inbred tendency towards evil and rebellion) and its resultant decadence?
People really just hate the misrepresented version of Him: a long-haired, long-robed, hippie-style, self-sacrificing, goody-two-shoes Who preached nice sermons, did kind things for people and espoused peace and love towards all, raising zealous followers who would enforce their stringent religious views on the world. That’s the essence of how most people portray & perceive Him. Many feel threatened, uncomfortable, and agitated by His teachings and counter-cultural world views which challenge the status quo, their oppositional desires, lifestyles, and sense of autonomy. Worse still, others have encountered those who claimed to know or represent Him, and having viewed the despicable, want nothing to do with that Jesus if those representations are truly reflective of Who He is.
The best way to overcome these misconceptions is to embark on veracity-guided research. I suggest you examine His life and claims for yourself (don’t take anyone’s word for it) by studying His primary communiqué – the Bible. If you don’t believe the Gospels or the rest of the Bible, research extra-biblical sources that corroborate (or contravene) their authenticity and weigh all the evidence before you to come to your own conclusion of validity or spuriousness. In so doing, you may surprisingly stumble upon a personal, intimate, and irrefutable knowledge of the greatest human Who ever graced this earth, encounter the most exceptional love of your life, and discover your intricately intertwined destiny – should you choose Him.
You don’t want to be on the short end of believing if Jesus truly is Who He says He is – the only way to the one true God and the glorious life He offers (see John 14:6; Acts 4:12; John 1:1-5, 10-14; 10:9; 11:25-26; 1 John 5:11-12, 20, etc.).
Just sayin’ 🤷🏽♀️ …
For questions on how to get to know God personally through Jesus, develop a relationship with Him, or other inquiries, please email: [email protected]