Liar, Lunatic, or Lord?

 

And Jesus went on with his disciples to the villages of Caesarea Philippi. And on the way he asked his disciples, “Who do people say that I am?” And they told him, “John the Baptist; and others say, Elijah; and others, one of the prophets.” – Mark 8:27-28 (ESV)

A few years ago, a friend asked me if I truly believed that Jesus was God. I must admit that I was quite surprised at his question because I knew him as an ardent church attendee. Before I answered I enquired, “What’s this about; do you have doubts?” to which he responded with a sheepish yes.

Jesus asked His disciples what people were saying about His identity. From the disciples’ response, none of the people identified Him as the Lord. My friend believed that Jesus lived, however he was now leaning on the side of Him being just another prophet rather than the “only begotten Son of God” or God incarnate.

All his life he clung to his faith and belief but after going through many challenges that left him broken, it wasn’t making sense to him anymore. He was questioning everything and the more he questioned the more his belief and faith dwindled.

What could I say to him that might steer him back onto the spiritual path he had obviously abandoned?

Would he be willing to hear me out; to just look again at some of the things about Jesus that he already knew? I shouldn’t simply walk away, though that would be easiest, I couldn’t.

In cases like these, we must set aside our judgments, our biases, and our assumptions. We need to not bulldoze others with theology and religion but take a gentle approach. Our job is to guide not push, and to allow the Holy Spirit to do the rest; we don’t convict, that’s His job. It is He who awakens and re-awakens our hearts to our need for Jesus.

And when he comes, he will convict the world of its sin, and of God’s righteousness, and of the coming judgment. – John 16:8 (NLT)

Perhaps you’re in a similar situation where your faith and belief in Jesus as God is see-sawing.

Throughout the Gospel, Jesus claimed to be God and this claim can either be true or not. If Jesus was not being truthful, then chances are He knew that He wasn’t and if He did not know then we can draw but one conclusion.

Apostle John, referring to Jesus tells us,

In the beginning the Word already existed. The Word was with God, and the Word was God. – John 1:1 (NLT)

And throughout this same Gospel, Jesus is recorded as laying claim to be God. In the Gospel of Matthew, chapter 16, verses 15-16 (ESV) says,

He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” Simon Peter replied, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.”

Hundreds of years earlier, Isaiah prophesied of Jesus saying,

For a Child will be born to us, a Son will be given to us;
And the government will rest on His shoulders;
And His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Eternal Father, Prince of Peace. – Isaiah 9:6 (NASB)

I asked my friend a few questions.

“Do you believe that Jesus was deceiving His followers then and us now?”

With a quick shrug he responded, “Perhaps.”

“So, why would Jesus keep up with this colossal deception of being God even during His trial, or when He was being whipped mercilessly, or made to carry the frightfully heavy cross, or being nailed to it?”

“Not sure…people have their reasons for what they do.” Was his answer. I continued,

“At some point along this torturously agonizing experience He would have confessed, don’t you think?”

At this point he offered, “Jesus was a good man, with good morals, a great teacher and orator, like a motivational speaker, life coach or an influencer in His days.”

“Seriously?” I thought but did not voice.

Instead, I said, “Okay, but if you believe that Jesus possessed all those admirable characteristics, how could you believe that He is lying about His identity?”

After a short pause I said,

“What I’m getting from you is that Jesus was either a liar, a lunatic or both?”

I could tell that he was taken aback by that question, thought about it for a moment, but did not respond.

“You realize that that’s your only logical conclusion, right?”

Silence. I continued undaunted.

“Now, if Jesus was sincere, He could still have been a lunatic.”

My friend smiled in agreement.

“As you’re aware, there have been a lot of people over the years who claimed to be God, and they sincerely believed themselves and were able to convince others, especially people who were searching for something to believe in, a tangible thing they could see and feel, that gave them purpose. But those proclaiming their divinity nowadays, always seem a little erratic in their behaviour.” I suggested, and he nodded.

“Reading the Gospel accounts, Jesus does not come across as deluded. Does He?”

He shook his head.

“I know that people with mental challenges can be some of the most intelligent among us but Jesus, in all His actions and profoundness in what He said, doesn’t appear to have a mental disorder. Does He?”

Again, he shook his head.

“As a matter of fact, you are well acquainted with the four Gospels, so you would know that in three Gospel accounts, Jesus is recorded as delivering a mentally afflicted, demon possessed man.”

“Of course.”

“Now, it’s not up to me to change your mind, but as your friend, and as a believer in Jesus, I can’t not attempt to point you in His direction. It’s really up to you to investigate the evidence for yourself.”

“I guess” was a murmur escaping from his mouth.

Beloved, with everything I personally know and have experienced spiritually, it will be dishonest of me to tell you that Jesus was either a liar or a lunatic. I can only conclude that Jesus was who He claimed to be – Lord.

My friend could not, with any conviction, say that Jesus was a liar, and neither could he commit to Jesus being a lunatic but at that time, he was still on the fence as to Jesus as Lord.

Finally, I said to my friend, “Liar, lunatic or Lord, any one is possible but which of the three is the most probable? You must make that choice for yourself.”

Our conversation ended on a cliffhanger, as he did not let me know what his conclusion was, but it wasn’t for me to know. We have since lost touch, but I trust that he has found his way.

I will end today’s reflection as John ended his Gospel,

But these are written (recorded) in order that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ (the Anointed One), the Son of God, and that through believing and cleaving to and trusting and relying upon Him you may have life through (in) His name [through Who He is]. – John 20:31 (AMPC)

Amen †

 

Shelley Johnson “Liar, Lunatic or Lord?” ©2026, January 6, 2026