Jesus—Just a Good Teacher?

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Mark 2:5-7 “When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralyzed man, ‘Son, your sins are forgiven.’ Now some teachers of the law were sitting there, thinking to themselves, ‘Why does this fellow talk like that? He’s blaspheming! Who can forgive sins but God alone?’”

Think

Ask just about anyone what they think of Jesus, and odds are, you’ll get a respectful answer. “He was a good man.” “A wise teacher.” “A spiritual guide.” Even people who don’t claim Christianity often admire him. Islam, for example, teaches that Jesus was born of a virgin, lived a sinless life, performed miracles, and is coming back again. That’s a pretty high view. But it stops short. Because while Jesus is deeply respected in many religions, he’s not worshiped. And that’s where Christianity draws a line that can’t be erased.

This past Sunday, Cliffe Knechtle unpacked this tension. He said, “Jesus doesn’t allow that option. He’s either a false teacher or he’s God in human form.” That may sound blunt, but he’s right. Jesus made claims no ordinary teacher ever made. He didn’t just give wisdom. He claimed authority. He forgave sins. He accepted worship. He called himself one with the Father. In John 10:30, he said it directly: “I and the Father are one.” His audience didn’t need a theology degree to understand what he meant. They picked up stones to kill him for blasphemy.

In Mark 2, when a paralyzed man was lowered through the roof, Jesus didn’t start with healing—he started with forgiveness. “Son, your sins are forgiven.” The teachers of the law were stunned. They asked, “Who can forgive sins but God alone?” It’s a fair question. Only God can pardon the moral debt someone carries in their soul. So either Jesus was committing the ultimate fraud—or he was telling the truth.

Philosopher C.S. Lewis once said that Jesus can’t just be a good moral teacher. He has to be either a liar, a lunatic, or Lord. That might sound harsh, but it holds up. Think about it: if someone today walked around claiming to be God, forgiving sins, and predicting their own resurrection, would you call them wise? No. You’d question their sanity. Or you’d fall at their feet in worship. But admiring them as a “really good guy” wouldn’t make sense.

So why do so many still try to keep Jesus in the “nice guy” category? Because saying he’s Lord means we aren’t. It means we don’t get to write our own definitions of truth, love, or morality. If Jesus is God, then he doesn’t just offer advice. He issues a call to follow, submit, and trust. That’s not easy. It confronts our pride. It challenges our autonomy. But it’s also what leads to real freedom.

And here’s what makes Jesus so compelling. He doesn’t wield power the way others do. He doesn’t coerce or manipulate. He serves. As Cliffe reminded us, Muhammad came with a sword. Jesus came with a towel. He washed feet. He fed the hungry. He touched lepers. He wept with the grieving. He didn’t just preach love—he became love, even to the point of dying on a cross.

If Jesus was just a man, then his death was tragic. But if he’s God, then his death was purposeful. It was a ransom. A rescue. A display of divine mercy. And the resurrection? That’s the confirmation. That’s the moment when everything he said, everything he promised, was proven true.

So when someone says, “I think Jesus was just a good teacher,” maybe it’s worth gently asking, “Have you really read what he said?” Because Jesus didn’t leave that option open. He wasn’t crucified for being polite. He was crucified because he claimed to be the Son of God—and backed it up.

The question today isn’t, “Was Jesus a good teacher?” The real question is, “Will I trust him as Lord?”

Apply

Take inventory today. Is there any area in your life where you’re treating Jesus like a good advisor instead of Lord? Maybe it’s how you handle your money, saving, spending, giving. Maybe it’s how you treat your spouse, date, or roommate. Or maybe it’s in the quiet corners—your thought life, your addictions, your pride.

Choose one area, and instead of saying, “Jesus, what’s your opinion on this?” try saying, “Jesus, what do you command here?” Then act on it.

Pray

Jesus, you are not just a wise teacher or a spiritual guide. You are the Son of God. Forgive me for the times I’ve tried to soften your words or sidestep your authority. Help me see you clearly—and surrender completely. Teach me to trust that your commands aren’t burdens, but blessings. Lead me to live not just with admiration, but obedience. In Jesus’ name. Amen.