Who is This “Christ”? – Exploring the Infinite
Ok, let’s start with a blank slate, and follow Jones’ journey to understand who Christ truly is.
When I reflect on E. Stanley Jones' first devotional from In Christ, I am struck by the sheer depth and beauty of his words. He invites us to explore what it means to live "in Christ" as the only true way to live. Yet, before extending this invitation, he takes us on a journey to understand who Christ truly is. The question, "Who is this Christ?" is both profound and personal—one that cannot simply be answered by definitions. As Jones wisely notes, defining Christ is confining Him, and how can we ever hope to confine the Eternal God manifest in human flesh?
Starting with Jesus, the Incarnate One
Jones takes us to the foundational truth that we cannot grasp "Christ" until we first meet Jesus—the Incarnate One. He reminds us that Jesus gives His character to the title of Christ. Historically, the Jewish people envisioned the Messiah as a conquering hero, someone who would overthrow their oppressors with force. But Jesus shattered this mold, revealing a Messiah far greater than their limited expectations. And so, Jones challenges us to let go of any preconceived "molds" we may place on Christ today—be it as a mere teacher, a historical figure, or even an inspirational guide.
More Than a Teacher, More Than an Example
While Christ is undoubtedly the greatest teacher, His purpose extends beyond imparting knowledge. He offers Life itself. He is not merely an example to imitate but a Life to receive. This is where the devotional resonates deeply with my own journey. For decades, I tried to live a life rooted in my own effort—striving to meet expectations and imitating virtues—yet always falling short. It wasn’t until I realized that Christ didn’t want me to imitate Him but to let Him live His life through me that I truly began to experience freedom. Jones captures this truth so beautifully: "We cannot live on a remembrance; we must live on a realization."
The Word Made Flesh—God Approachable
Who, then, is Christ? He is God come near—the Eternal made accessible. Jesus is "the Word become flesh," the God who manifested Himself in time so that we might know Him, love Him, and live through Him. This thought brings a profound comfort. God is not distant or unknowable; He is "God simplified, God approachable, God lovable." Through Christ, the unsearchable and infinite God becomes someone we can intimately know. And in knowing Him, we find Life itself.
Living in Christ—An Invitation
Jones’ words remind us that the invitation to live in Christ is not an abstract idea; it is an invitation to a relationship. Christ is not a set of doctrines, a historical figure, or a moral ideal. He is Life. And He invites us to step into the freedom and fullness of that Life by knowing Him.
If you, like me, have ever felt trapped by your own striving or disillusioned by a faith that feels distant, take heart. Christ is not calling you to do more or to be better. He is calling you to know Him, to experience Him as your Life. It is in this intimate knowing that we find freedom, release, and redemption.
A Prayerful Reflection
Let’s close with the prayer Jones offered, which so beautifully encapsulates the essence of living in Christ:
"O Christ, while we cannot define Thee precisely, we can know Thee intimately. And to know Thee is to know Life, to know release and redemption. We thank Thee. Amen."
Today’s Affirmation
"This is eternal life, that they know thee, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom thou hast sent." (John 17:3)
Let us press into the mystery of Christ today—not striving to define or confine Him, but simply knowing Him, the source of our Life.