Beware Of Fake Jesuses

“So the Word became human and made his home among us. He was full of unfailing love and faithfulness. And we have seen his glory, the glory of the Father’s one and only Son.” (John 1:14, NLT)

“Jesus answered, ‘I tell you the truth, before Abraham was even born, I am!’” (John 8:58, NLT)

“Though he was God, he did not think of equality with God as something to cling to. Instead, he gave up his divine privileges; he took the humble position of a slave and was born as a human being.” (Philippians 2:6-7, NLT)

I (Lindsey) once met a woman on a plane who made many claims about Jesus—he was a good teacher, he was a spiritual guide, he was a good role model. She had followed a variety of worldviews, including Buddhism and the New Age. As she told me about her beliefs, I was getting ready to respond, but then she asked me a question that stopped me in my tracks: “What’s your favorite interaction involving Jesus in Scripture?” This was about as close to someone asking about the hope within me that you can get, and I couldn’t believe it. I didn’t have to dig deep into my memories from seminary. I just had to know about the one in whom I have hope. Sometimes, it’s just that easy. Other times, though, it helps to know what others believe about Jesus, just in case you get an opportunity to respond to their claims. Let’s look at how Scripture confronts these fake Jesuses.

First, we know that Jesus is not a universal energy that inspires all religions, as some false teachers claim. Instead, Jesus calls us to win the whole world to his unique gospel (Matthew 28:18-20; John 14:6).

Nor was Jesus merely a sage, like Buddha, Confucius, or Lao Tzu. He was the wisest man, and his wisdom contradicts much of these other teachers’ “wisdom.” Moreover, Jesus was God in the flesh, not a mere human (John 1:14; Philippians 2:5-11).

Hindus often claim that Jesus was one manifestation of God (an avatar) among many, like Krishna. But Jesus didn’t teach Hindu beliefs like karma or reincarnation, nor did he offer himself as one option among many. His way was the narrow way of life (Matthew 7:13-14; 11:28-30; 1 Timothy 2:5).

Muslims consider Jesus a prophet and a miracle worker, but they deny that he physically died on the cross or that he is God Incarnate. However, the real Jesus—one who is a prophet, a miracle worker, and God—shines in the pages of the New Testament (2 Corinthians 11:13-14; Galatians 1:6-11; 1 John 4:1-6).

Latter-day Saints and Jehovah’s Witnesses have a high view of Jesus, but deny that he is the eternal God, saying he was created just like humans. But Jesus said he was the God who revealed himself to Moses (Exodus 3:14; John 8:58), and John affirms Christ as the divine being who created everything that has been created (John 1:1-3).

It’s helpful to know what others claim about Jesus, especially as you consider engaging with others about him. You may know people who have a false view of Jesus. Begin with the people in your circle—who do you know? Buddhists? Muslims? Atheists? How can you show them that there is only one true Jesus and one true gospel (Galatians 1:6-11; 1 John 4:1-6)? Ask the Lord to help you speak the truth in love to them about the real Jesus, the one who gives you hope.