Who Jesus Really Is
by: Steve Harney
Introduction - Tonight I have brought a friend with me. I think most if not all of you will know him. He is a traveler, speaker, physician, leader, preacher, and an encourager.
He truly cares about people, and is known to go out of his way to care for those who don’t know him, or don’t care about him. Some have called him crazy, some have called him a master, and others don’t call him at all. He is a friend, a brother, an all around nice guy, and one on whom you can rely to tell you the truth, even if it hurts. So let’s all put our hands together and welcome my friend and yours------------------------JESUS! (bring out the puppet and wait for applause)
Steve - Some of you don’t seem as excited to see Jesus as I am.
Jesus - They never are.
Steve - They’re not?
Jesus - No, never. Seems I show up at the most inopportune times.
Steve - You’ve got to be kidding me. I just figured that everyone would be excited to see Jesus. The creator of the universe. The King of Kings and Lord of Lords. All supreme being.!
Jesus - Trust me. They’re not.
Steve - I can’t help but find this hard to believe. People don’t want to see you? Although I must confess. I, myself expected you to be a little taller.
Jesus - It’s a common mistake. I’m used to it.
Steve - Sorry
Jesus - Oh don’t be. Perception is not what’s saddening. Reality, now that is heart breaking.
Steve - I am afraid you lost me.
Jesus - How people see me changes from one place to another. Whites see me as white. Blacks as black. Chinese as Chinese. Short as short. Tall as tall.
Steve - OK, I get the picture
Jesus - But in reality, how I am seen pales to how I am believed.
Steve - OOOH
Jesus - Yeah. You see, some people believe what I say. Others, however, believe what they want, while still others just make it up as they go.
Steve - Oh my.
Jesus - So how you see me is really of little importance.
Steve - Well, I’m glad you said that. Because right now, I am seeing you as a puppet.
Jesus - A what?
Steve - A puppet.
Jesus - Sadly yes, that is true.
Steve - But Jesus, you can’t be a puppet.
Jesus - Oh, but I am.
Steve - But you can’t be. Puppets don’t walk on water. Puppets don’t heal people. Puppets can’t raise the dead, or calm the sea, or save people. Puppets are just lifeless lumps of material that do only what other people want them to do.
Jesus - I’m glad you said that.
Steve - Said what?
Jesus - The part about doing what other people want them to do.
Steve - You’re welcome, but I’m not sure what I said.
Jesus - You said that I was a puppet, and that puppets only do what other people want them to do.
Steve - Yes I did.
Jesus - That’s me!
Steve - No it isn’t! I have read the Bible, and I have learned all of the stories about how you healed the lame, raised the dead, walked on the water, fed the five thousand. Why, I could go on for days of all the stories that I have read about you, Jesus. You are not a puppet just doing what other people want.
Jesus - You’re right. That is what I was. But this is what I have become.
Steve - I don’t believe that for a second.
Jesus - Well, you had better start believing it.
Steve - Why?
Jesus - Cause this is what people have made me.
Steve - I am afraid I don’t understand Jesus.
Jesus - Let me explain.
Steve - Good.
Jesus - When you have a puppet, who really does the talking, you or the puppet?
Steve - Me.
Jesus - Exactly.
Steve - So?
Jesus - I no longer get to talk.
Steve - Huh?
Jesus - I no longer get to talk. People have quit reading my book. They have quit talking to me. They have just come to a point where they talk for me. Therefore, I am a puppet.
Steve - OOOH!?............ I think? ............ I’m not sure I fully understand.
Jesus - OK, it’s like this. People say, I don’t really have to go to church every week. Or, I can worship Jesus at the lake too. Or I can read my bible some other day. Or He didn’t really mean that hell had fire. You see, I am no longer talking, they are. I am just a puppet. Get me out and have me say what you want.
Steve - Do you think people really do that?
Jesus - Look at me. Do I look like the king of kings to you. Or just a puppet?
Steve - I must confess, you look like a puppet.
Jesus - There’s a reason for that you know?
Steve - I know.
Jesus - That’s what they have made me. A puppet. Bless me when I want it Jesus. Give me what I want Jesus. Supply my every need Jesus. Take care of all my family Jesus. Give me a new car Jesus. I need new clothes Jesus. Give me more money Jesus. Make me look pretty Jesus. I thought they were supposed to be serving me!
Steve - Does seem a little messed up, I’ll agree.
Jesus - No, it just seems sad. Here I am, the creator of the universe, and all most people want is something given to them. They’re more excited to see the president than they are to see me.
Steve - Is there anything I can do to help.
Jesus - Yes there is.
Steve - Tell me. I will do my best.
Jesus - Tell them what I am really saying. Seems like most of them have been listening to the puppets too long.
Steve - I can do that.
Jesus - And
Steve - I knew there was an AND
Jesus - Tell them I am definitely coming. I don’t think they really believe me on that one at all.
Steve - I will.
Jesus - Time for me to go.
Steve - Why?
Jesus - Got to get ready.
Steve - Ready for what?
Jesus - I just told you. I’m coming again!
