The exclusive claim of Christianity about Christ is not centered on our belief that Jesus was right about God. It is centered on our claim that God was fully present in Christ to reconcile the world to Himself (2 Cor. 5:18). It is the theological claim about Jesus (that He is God) that makes the spiritual claims of Jesus potent. Jesus’ words are right because those words are God’s words (Jn. 14:10b). Jesus’ “way” is not superior because it promotes a higher ethic or because it champions values that resonate with our spiritual sensitivities. Jesus’ way is true because in Him we find God drawing us to Himself.
— Gary Burge (b. 1952), Theologe und Neutestamentler
Related Bible passage: 2CO.5.18
Topics: God, Jesus & the Holy Spirit, Grace & Redemption, Freedom & Truth
Occasions: For Reflection
Gary Burge
Gary Burge (* 1952) ist ein US-amerikanischer presbyterianischer Neutestamentler und Theologe, der langjährig am Wheaton College sowie am Calvin Theological Seminary lehrte. Bekannt ist er für seine Auslegung des Johannesevangeliums im Licht des antiken Nahost-Kontexts, während seine theologische Kritik am christlichen Zionismus und seine Positionen zum Nahostkonflikt wiederholt Kontroversen auslösten. Bibellesern vermitteln seine Kommentare fundierte historische Hintergründe zur Umwelt Jesu und verbinden wissenschaftliche Exegese mit praxisnaher Auslegung.
You have made us for yourself, O Lord, and our heart is restless until it rests in you.
Augustine of Hippo
Jesus calls us not to a new religion, but to life.
Dietrich Bonhoeffer
I would not be able to seek you if you had not already found me.
Augustine of Hippo
When you see a child, you catch God in the act.
Martin Luther
God does not love us because we are lovable, but because his nature is love.
Oswald Chambers
God seeks you more than your offering.
Augustine of Hippo
God has his ear at your heart.
Augustine of Hippo
God is closer to us than we are to ourselves.
Augustine of Hippo