“Jesus Wasn’t a Christian”
I hear that statement a lot these days. First, let’s clear something up: the term “Christian” originally denoted* “Christ-like.” And so, in the truest sense, Jesus not only was a Christian, but was the first and only perfect Christian who ever lived.
However, the statement often connotes* the idea that Jesus was nothing like the people who call themselves Christians. And this is certainly true of the “many” whom Jesus predicted would use his name, but to whom he would one day say, “I never knew you.” Why? Because, as he explains two verses earlier, “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven.” (Matthew 7:21-23) So anyone who is not sincerely striving to be Christ-like is literally not a “Christ-ian.”
My first prayer as a new believer was, “Jesus, I want to follow you. Just don’t make me a Christian.” And so, as an earnest but oh-so-green disciple, I chose instead to call myself a “Jesus-follower.” And I still do.
“Christian” is an honorable word, but there’s so much baggage attached to it. Let us strive, therefore, fellow-believers, to live in such a way that all of that baggage will eventually fall away, and we will be recognized not only as true Jesus-followers…
But as true Christians.
*Denote means the actual definition of a term. Connote refers to its secondary associations, things it has come to be thought of as meaning.
Very well argued and explained, Mitch.
Jesus did not start a religion. He proposed a way of life rooted in Judiasm. Paul spread the Gospel and in first and second centuries churches were emergintg, books wrtten [NT] and people preached and worshiped. I would credit Paul as creating the foundations of the Christian faith . It is Paul that creates doctrine.
I like the distinction that you made, Mitch. As someone who’s experienced or seen the negative side of “Christian” behaviour, I think you captured the essence of what one should aspire to be – a Jesus follower. 🙏
Well explained, Mitch. As I’m sure you know… Jesus was a fully observant Jew.
Amen.
We will get there someday. He guarantees it.
There’s probably no perfect word or phrase, but I like “the way”.
I have decided to follow Jesus, no turning back. 🕊 So thankful!
I often mention to others, He’s not a denomination.
Mitch, agree that the word Christian has much baggage attached to it. This comes from mens traditions and religion that obscures the true meaning, Jesus is the Anointed One or Messiah who brought the expression of love, compassion, and redemption. We accept him and we bring his love and compassion to the hopeless. We lost the true meaning of Christian and the word Christ became the last name of Jesus. I celebrate Jesus and leave religious tradition to moulder discardered on the trash heap.
Amen.
And this has been my prayer for years.
Amen 🙏 amen 🙏 This is very true — Jesus was not a Christian, but He is the epitome of what a Christian should be like! There will NEVER be another like Him to walk this earth and He knew that: (John 2:25) “He did not need any testimony about mankind, for he knew what was in each person.”
He provided the example, that we should strive to be!
Yes, so called “Christian’s” or better known as “Holier than thou, Christian’s,” have made many turn away from God and that there is blood on their hands. Something they will have to give account for on judgement day. But, not all Christian’s are the same as the writer stated, it’s to be Christ-like, not some religion!
This is a GREAT piece 🙏
So well and simply expressed!
Certainly a play on words – guess it’s hard to be a follower of the messiah if you are the messiah. Christos means messiah…..I have a friend, who as a child, thought Christ was the surname of Jesus until he learned that Christ is His title (one of many) – Jesus the Messiah.
Thank you, fellow-believer. Love your breakdown of this subject.