In Christianity, discerning between falsehood and truth is of paramount importance. Jesus Christ is the central figure of Christianity, and His name holds profound significance. However, in these last days, Satan exploits the name of Jesus, presenting counterfeit versions of Christ that appear attractive but are designed to deceive. These counterfeits aim to lead people away from the genuine Jesus, the Savior of humanity.
The Warning about Deception
Jesus Himself warned about the rise of false Christs and false prophets. In Matthew 24:5 (KJV), He said, “For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many.” These deceivers know how to use Jesus’ name to mislead people, presenting a distorted version of Him that appeals to human desires but ultimately leads away from the truth.
Similarly, in Matthew 7:15 (ESV), Jesus cautioned, “Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves.” Outwardly, these deceivers may appear righteous and harmless, but their true nature is destructive. Today, countless individuals and groups claim to represent Jesus, but not all are genuine. It is crucial to distinguish between the counterfeit Christ used for deception and the true Christ who delivers humanity.
The Humble Appearance of Jesus
The genuine Jesus, as described in the Bible, was born in humble circumstances. He was born to Mary in Bethlehem of Judea, a town associated with poverty and obscurity. His appearance was ordinary, indistinguishable from the poor people of His time. Yet, His being was extraordinary, for He was God incarnate.
For example, in Matthew 26:47-50, Judas Iscariot had to use a kiss to identify Jesus to those who sought to arrest Him. This indicates that Jesus did not stand out physically; He looked like any other ordinary person. His parents, Joseph and Mary, were not religious elites or Temple officials. Joseph was a carpenter, a humble profession that likely left little time for elaborate religious rituals.
Despite this, some people today portray Jesus’ birth and upbringing as extraordinary, elevating Mary to a status of sainthood that is not supported by Scripture. Artistic depictions often show Mary as a highly revered figure, but the Bible presents her as an ordinary woman who faithfully followed God’s calling. Even Jesus, at one point, seemed to downplay His familial ties, emphasizing spiritual kinship over biological relationships. In Matthew 12:49-50 (NIV), He said, “Here are my mother and my brothers. For whoever does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother and sister and mother.”
The Misunderstood Jesus
The Jesus of the Bible does not align with the popular image many Christians hold today. The prophet Isaiah described Him in Isaiah 53:2-3 (ESV): “He had no form of majesty that we should look at Him, and no beauty that we should desire Him. He was despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief.” This description contrasts sharply with the majestic, radiant figure often depicted in art and media.
If Jesus were to appear today as Isaiah described, many Christians might struggle to recognize or accept Him. They might even reject Him, just as the religious leaders of His time did. For instance, Nicodemus, a Pharisee, visited Jesus at night, likely to avoid being seen with someone considered disreputable (John 3:1-2). Today, many might similarly distance themselves from a Jesus who does not fit their expectations of holiness and grandeur.
The Deception of False Prophets
Satan’s strategy is to present a counterfeit Jesus who appeals to human pride and desires. False prophets often promise blessings, prosperity, and comfort, focusing on what people can receive rather than what they are called to give. This distorted message attracts many, but it leads them away from the true Gospel.
For example, in Luke 14:25-34, Jesus made it clear that following Him requires sacrifice and self-denial. He warned that those who seek to be His disciples must be willing to give up everything. Yet, many today are drawn to preachers who promise wealth and success, ignoring the call to take up their cross and follow Him.
The True Jesus: A Life of Giving
The genuine Jesus is not focused on receiving but on giving. He taught that it is more blessed to give than to receive (Acts 20:35). His life was marked by service, sacrifice, and love for others, even those who rejected Him. He associated with sinners, tax collectors, and the outcasts of society, seeking to bring them hope and redemption.
In Matthew 11:19, Jesus was criticized as “a friend of tax collectors and sinners.” He did not seek the religious elite’s approval or the crowds’ admiration. Instead, He focused on adding value to the lives of those in need. This selfless love stands in stark contrast to the pride and self-interest that often characterize false prophets.
The Danger of Pride
Pride is one of Satan’s most effective tools for deception. It appeals to our desire for recognition, respect, and admiration. Many are drawn to leaders who exude confidence, charisma, and success, but these traits can mask a ravenous wolf in sheep’s clothing.
For instance, in 1 John 2:16, the Bible warns against “the pride of life,” which is not from God but from the world. Pride leads us to focus on ourselves rather than on God and others. It blinds us to the truth and makes us vulnerable to deception.
The Call to True Discipleship
True Christianity is not about receiving blessings but about giving ourselves to others. It is about following the example of Jesus, who “came not to be served but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many” (Matthew 20:28). This requires humility, selflessness, and a willingness to be misunderstood or even rejected.
In Matthew 5:10-12, Jesus said, “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” True discipleship often involves suffering and sacrifice, but it also brings the joy of knowing we are following in the footsteps of our Savior.
Conclusion
The two contrasting representations of Jesus—the counterfeit and the genuine—reveal the importance of discernment in Christianity. The counterfeit Jesus appeals to our desires for comfort, recognition, and prosperity, but he leads us away from the truth. The genuine Jesus calls us to a life of humility, service, and sacrifice, offering us the true riches of His Kingdom.
By focusing on giving rather than receiving, we align ourselves with the true Christ and resist the deception of false prophets. Let us strive to know the real Jesus, the man of sorrows who gave His life for us, and follow Him with all our hearts.
Andrew Masuku is the author of Dimensions of a New Civilization, laying down standards for uplifting Zimbabwe from the current state of economic depression into a model for other nations worldwide. A decaying tree provides an opportunity for a blossoming sprout. Written from a Christian perspective, the book is a product of inspiration, bringing relief to those having witnessed the strings of unworkable solutions––leading to the current economic and social decay. Most Zimbabweans should find the book as a long-awaited providential oasis of hope, in a simple conversational tone.
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