The Reality of Jesus: More Than Just History

1 John 1:1-4

Have you ever met someone whose faith was so vibrant, so infectious, that it made you stop and reconsider your own spiritual journey? Perhaps you've encountered a person whose life was so dramatically transformed by their relationship with Jesus that it left you wondering if you were missing something in your own walk with God.

This is precisely the kind of faith we encounter when we delve into the opening verses of 1 John. The apostle John, writing with the passion of someone who has experienced something truly extraordinary, invites us to embrace a faith that goes beyond mere historical facts or religious traditions. He challenges us to experience Jesus in a way that is real, personal, and life-changing.

John begins by emphasizing the historical reality of Jesus. He doesn't present abstract theology or secondhand accounts. Instead, he offers his personal, eyewitness testimony: "That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, concerning the Word of life" (1 John 1:1). John wants us to understand that Jesus was not a myth or a symbol, but a flesh-and-blood person who walked this earth.

But John doesn't stop at the historical facts. He quickly moves from history to transformation, inviting us to experience the spiritual reality of Jesus. It's not enough to know about Jesus; we must know Jesus personally. John uses the word "manifested" twice in verse 2, emphasizing that God the Father has to reveal Jesus to us spiritually. It's a reminder that true faith is not just about accumulating knowledge, but about having our spiritual eyes opened to see who Jesus really is.

This spiritual revelation is crucial because it leads to the third invitation John extends: to enjoy the personal reality of Jesus. He writes, "that which we have seen and heard we declare to you, that you also may have fellowship with us; and truly our fellowship is with the Father and with His Son Jesus Christ" (1 John 1:3). Here, John gets to the heart of what it means to be a Christian – it's about entering into a deep, personal relationship with God through Jesus Christ.

This fellowship John describes is not some exclusive club for the spiritually elite. It's an open invitation to join in the profound, joy-filled relationship that exists between God the Father and God the Son. It's as if God is saying, "Our family is having such a wonderful time together, we want to adopt you so you can be part of it too!" What an incredible privilege to be invited into this divine fellowship!

The result of this fellowship, John tells us, is fullness of joy. "And these things we write to you that your joy may be full" (1 John 1:4). This joy isn't just a nice extra in the Christian life; it's essential. As John Piper often points out, "We cannot glorify God properly unless we enjoy him thoroughly."

So, how do we know if Jesus is truly real to us? Here are some questions to ponder:

1. Is your life dominated by Jesus?
2. Is your knowledge of Jesus the greatest thing that has ever happened to you?
3. Is He the biggest factor and influence in your life?
4. Are you more proud of your association with Him than anything else?
5. Are you actively declaring Him to others?
6. Is your greatest joy based on what Jesus has done for you?
7. Do you know that your sins have been forgiven?
8. Is your mind at rest because you know Jesus Christ?

These questions challenge us to examine whether our faith is merely intellectual assent to historical facts, or if it's a living, breathing relationship that transforms every aspect of our lives.

The story of Ed, the former motorcycle gang member turned zealous Christian, illustrates what it looks like when Jesus becomes real to someone. Ed's enthusiasm for prayer, his constant proclamation that "Jesus is real," and even his misguided but sincere incorporation of pop song lyrics into his spiritual life, all point to a faith that goes beyond mere knowledge to heartfelt experience.

Ed's transformation reminds us that when Jesus becomes real to us, it changes us in profound ways. We can't help but talk about Him. We can't contain our joy and excitement. Our priorities shift, and our greatest satisfaction comes from knowing and serving Him.

This kind of faith isn't just for "super Christians" or those with dramatic conversion stories. It's available to all of us. John's invitation is for everyone – to embrace the historical reality of Jesus, to experience His spiritual reality in our lives, and to enjoy personal fellowship with Him.

As we reflect on this message, let's ask ourselves: Is Jesus real to me? Not just as a historical figure or a set of doctrines, but as a living, active presence in my life? Am I experiencing the joy and transformation that comes from true fellowship with Him?

If we find ourselves lacking in this area, the good news is that God desires to reveal Himself to us. He wants us to know Jesus in a deep, personal way. We can start by asking God to open our spiritual eyes, to help us see Jesus for who He truly is. We can immerse ourselves in Scripture, particularly the Gospels, to encounter Jesus as He revealed Himself during His earthly ministry.

Moreover, we can seek out fellowship with other believers who demonstrate this vibrant faith. Their enthusiasm and joy can be contagious, spurring us on to seek a deeper relationship with Jesus ourselves.

Ultimately, the reality of Jesus in our lives should lead us to share Him with others. Like John, we become witnesses, declaring what we have seen and heard, inviting others to join in this incredible fellowship with God.

May we all come to know Jesus in such a real and personal way that, like Ed, we can't help but proclaim to the world around us: "Jesus is real!" And may that reality transform our lives, fill us with joy, and draw others to experience the living Christ for themselves.