Have you ever wondered how accurate the story of Jesus is? Have you ever contemplated what Jesus said? The older you are, the more likely you’ve heard naysayers claim that the events and characters in the Bible are purely fictional.
Currently, Christians, Jews, and Muslims make up over half of the world’s population. Moreover, Christians, Jews, Muslims, and many others agree that Jesus was, at the very least, a great spiritual teacher and prophet.
Furthermore, modern-day historians and archeologists mainly accept the primary events surrounding the life of Jesus Christ. Although the accuracy in the retelling of events is always suspect, the record continues to be further substantiated with each new archaeological discovery.
Are there any discrepancies? A few.
For example, the Wise Men. Matthew describes them as magi. Magi refers to men skilled in mystical arts, and this is probably why most translate magi as Wise Men. The Bible doesn’t say how many magi there were but describes three gifts.
Then, rather than on the night of his birth and in a manger, the magi arrived later. The Bible states they saw the young child with Mary, his mother when they entered the house. The date is not given, but the Bible tells us that Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of King Herod.
The magi were east of Jerusalem when they saw a star and followed it to pay special honor to Jesus. Along the way, they met with King Herod, who told them to go to Bethlehem, look for the child, and report back. The Bible says as they went their way, the star they had seen in the East appeared ahead of them until it stopped above Jesus.
God warned the magi not to return to King Herod because he saw Jesus as a threat. When King Herod learned the magi had left, he flew into a great rage. Based on the information provided by the magi regarding the birth of the savior, and as the one prophesied to be King of the Jews, he ordered all boys under two years of age killed.
So, the magi were the spiritual men of the day, and some were possibly high priests or kings.
Melchizedek is a king and priest appearing in the Book of Genesis. Melchizedek means King of Righteousness and is the first to be given the Bible title of priest. The priesthood of Melchizedek is a line through which future rightful kings would be ordained. Many believe Jesus is the Messiah, referred to as the priest forever in the order of Melchizedek. Some believe Melchizedek to be a previous incarnation of Jesus.
The magi possibly lived in exile east of Jerusalem, awaiting the arrival of the Messiah, and after seeing astrological signs and receiving spiritual messages, traveled to Jerusalem. Presenting the three gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh had deep spiritual significance.
The three gifts represented prophecies about Christ—gold for kingship, frankincense for divinity, and myrrh for anointing his sacrificial death.
In other words, the magi came to anoint the Savior as the high priest forever in the order of Melchizedek.
So, there are some discrepancies, but they don’t change the message. Although there have been many attempts, for the past two thousand years, all who have attempted to silence Jesus have failed.
There isn’t much dispute over what Jesus said; instead, it appears to be over what he meant. Therefore, let’s look at what Jesus said.
Jesus said the kingdom of God is at hand. At hand does not mean some event in the far-off future. So, how can the kingdom of God be at hand? Because it’s a state of consciousness, not a destination.
Jesus said the kingdom of God is within us. How can a kingdom exist within us? Because we are the kingdom of God!
Jesus said, I am in this world but not of this world. Jesus was referring to our spiritual essence. Although we are temporarily in the human condition, Spirit is not of the physical world.
Jesus said, let the one among you without sin be the first to cast a stone. Jesus is speaking about judgment. We should always strive for the greater good, working from the spiritual to the physical. However, humans are imperfect and often project our pain onto others, so we need forgiveness. Compassion is understanding we all make mistakes.
Jesus said, for what shall it profit a man if he shall gain the whole world and suffer the loss of his soul? What did Jesus mean by this? Rather than the greater good, many pursue individual gain. Some have no problem doing it at the expense of others. This predatory behavior denies our spiritual essence and connection. Even if we gain the whole world, we will only rule over hell.
Jesus said I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life. No one comes to the Father except through me. What was Jesus talking about? Spiritual consciousness is the way to God consciousness.
Jesus said, and know that I am with you always; yes, to the end of time. How is this possible? We are streams of consciousness emanating from the one eternal reality we call God. We are immortal and collectively supreme consciousness. Thus, we are forever spiritually connected. Ultimately, we are one.
Jesus said these things I do, you too shall do, and even greater. How is this possible? Jesus saw the future of humanity. When we spiritually awaken, we will create heaven on earth.
Jesus said, as he was dying on the cross, forgive them, Father, for they know not what they do. Jesus was speaking not just from spiritual consciousness but from God consciousness. In God consciousness, there is only unconditional love.
He prophesied his death, and although he had the chance, he did not run or hide. He was tortured and hung on a cross by the very people he was trying to help. And during it all, to maintain that level of consciousness, forgive them, Father, for they know not what they do… words cannot describe.
Jesus is a master the likes of which the world has never seen before nor since.
We celebrate Christmas to honor the birth of Jesus Christ.
We have discussed some of the sayings attributed to Jesus.
He walked the earth over 2000 years ago, and his message is even more vital today.
Whether you consider Jesus a great spiritual teacher and prophet or the Messiah, there is salvation in his words and actions.
In his final act, in an act of unconditional love, he willingly gave up himself in a gruesome and painful death.
Something else Jesus said,
A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another!
