Lunatic, Liar, or LORD
THE TRILEMMA REVISITED
Many are familiar with this triad expression I used as the title of this message. It is credited to C.S. Lewis, but as I am about to briefly explain, especially for those who are unfamiliar with it, Lewis did not use these words in his book, Mere Christianity. That was not his intent. As many Christian apologists have done over centuries, Lewis did his usual excellent job presenting a case defending the deity of Christ. He did use the dilemma of lunatic or Lord. Arguments against the deity of Christ began in Jesus’ own day and continue. Following is a brief overview of the origin of this “trilemma”.
In 1859, the word “trilemma” was first used by John Duncan, a Scottish Christian preacher, in his book, Colloquia Peripatetica. In 1936, Watchman Nee, the great Chinese Christian teacher, used this triad of words (lunatic, liar, Lord) in his book, Normal Christian Faith. C.S. Lewis’ Mere Christianity was published in 1952. (credit blog from The Gospel Coalition, Taylor, 2016)
We are going to examine the trilemma using Jesus’ words and then those of the apostles who followed Him and spent their lives (literally) teaching and defending what would centuries later take on this title – Trilemma.
Lunatic and Liar
Dictionaries use words like the following to give us an informal definition of this word:
“a person who behaves in a wildly foolish, reckless, or uncontrolled manner.”
The original word has meanings associated with crazy behavior related to phases of the moon, hence the part of the word, luna. Everyone knows what a liar is!
Most religious leaders of Jesus’ day considered Him a lunatic. Jesus made what they considered outrageous, crazy, even blasphemous statements. I am quite sure, early in His ministry, even the disciples did at times. There are many examples in the Bible. Today we consider just five that led to the “lunatic” conclusions.
(Lunatic) Jesus answered them, “Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.” The Jews then said, “It took forty-six years to build this temple…”John 2:19-20
(Lunatic)“…there arose a great storm on the sea, so that the boat was being covered with the waves; but Jesus Himself was asleep. And they came to Him and woke Him, saying, “Save us, Lord; we are perishing!” He said, “Why are you afraid, you men of little faith?” Then He got up and rebuked the winds and the sea… Matthew 8:24-26a
(Liar) “Your father Abraham rejoiced to see My day, and he saw it and was glad.” So the Jews said to Him, “You are not yet fifty years old, and have You seen Abraham?” Jesus said to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, before Abraham was born, I am.” Therefore they picked up stones to throw at Him…” John 8: 51-59
(Lunatic, Liar) “Now all wept and mourned for her; but He said, “Do not weep; she is not dead, but sleeping.” They ridiculed Him, knowing that she was dead. Luke 8:52-53
(Lunatic) “So Jesus, again being deeply moved within, came to the tomb. Now it was a cave, and a stone was lying against it. Jesus said, “Remove the stone.” Martha, the sister of the deceased, said to Him, “Lord, by this time there will be a stench, for he has been dead four days…When He had said these things, He cried out with a loud voice, “Lazarus, come forth.” John 11: 38-39; 43
We can clearly understand why many in Jesus’ day heard these seemingly outrageous commands and claims and considered Him a lunatic an/or a liar! The same may be said today of those who hear about or read them. BUT if Jesus could back up any of them, they would at least have to stop and consider His words. Jesus did not back up one of these claims and commands; ALL of them became reality and truth. Following are the proof texts.
LORD (better said, “Lord of all!”) Proof texts against the lunatic claims.
(Resurrection)“And the angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid; for I know that you are looking for Jesus who has been crucified. He is not here, for He has risen, just as He said.” Matthew 28: 5-6
“…you nailed to a cross by the hands of godless men and put Him to death. “But God raised Him up again, putting an end to the agony of death…” Acts 2:23-24
(Nature) “and it became perfectly calm. The men were amazed, and said, “What kind of a man is this, that even the winds and the sea obey Him?” Matthew 8:26b-27
Many have falsely stated Jesus never claimed to be God. Jesus stated clearly, He is God. God the Father confirmed it.
“I and the Father are one. The Jews picked up stones again to stone Him. Jesus answered them, “I showed you many good works from the Father; for which of them are you stoning Me?” The Jews answered Him, “For a good work we do not stone You, but for blasphemy…You, being a man, make Yourself out to be God.” John 10: 30-33
(Eternal) “that they may all be one; even as You, Father, are in Me and I in You…for You loved Me before the foundation of the world.” John 17:21, 24b
(Death) “(Jesus), however, took her by the hand and called, saying, “Child, arise!” And her spirit returned, and she got up immediately;” Luke 8:54-55
(Death) He cried out with a loud voice, “Lazarus, come forth.” The man who had died came forth, bound hand and foot with wrappings, and his face was wrapped around with a cloth. Jesus said to them, “Unbind him, and let him go.” John 11: 43b-44
Invitation
Those who do not believe the Bible argue my “proof texts” are more false conclusions from a book of lies; those of a man who did not really exist, or the old argument: Jesus did exist and was just a good teacher. This has been satan’s plan and pattern of lies to and deception of mankind since Genesis 3.
To all who watch the video of this message, listen to the audio version, or read these words in my blog, consider this carefully. You did not come across this accidentally. The Holy Spirit of the living God, Who is Himself God, brought you here because He is loving and kind; gracious and merciful to all. I plead with you not to close this message, however you are receiving it, without confronting yourself in light of these truths presented. I may be the last evangelist/Bible teacher the Lord puts before you to beg you to respond to Jesus in the only way that will secure your salvation. He called all sinners (all of us) to repent. That means confess your sins and change your mind about Who He is and who you are apart from His saving grace. He taught that those who believe in Him receive eternal life thru His merciless crucifixion on that cross. (John 1: 12) Will you humble yourself and receive Him today? I am praying that you do!
For Christ’s sake,
