'Poll Shock' - does Jesus play for Chelsea?

Yesterday’s Belfast Telegraph (11/12/14) ran a story revealing the findings of a recent survey carried out among 1000 children at a Shopping Centre in England. Children were asked the question ‘Who is Jesus Christ’ with a number of multiple choice answers, including:

(a) A footballer for Chelsea

(b) Son of God

(c) TV presenter

(d) X Factor contestant

(e) An astronaut

‘Incredibly’ (to quote the article) 20 per cent of the children surveyed opted for option (a) suggesting that at least 1/5 of an upcoming generation believe that Jesus regularly lines up at Stamford Bridge.

What caught my eye was the newspaper’s tone in reporting this story. The article ran under the headline ‘Poll Shock’ and the piece described the findings as ‘worrying’.

The Bible is very realistic about the fact that children and young people do not ‘just know’ who Jesus is, or what it means to follow Him. From the earliest pages of the Old Testament knowledge about God, and faith in Him, are described as things that cannot be assumed, rather they must be passed on. In the New Testament book of 2 Timothy knowing who Jesus is is described as a ‘deposit’ that has been entrusted to Christian people, the task is to guard it and pass it on.

At this time of year I am reminded of the huge opportunity of speaking to children and young people about who Jesus is and how His coming at Christmas really is good news. I am not shocked when I meet young people who don’t know who Jesus is, or shocked if they simply think he is a swear word or even a Premiership footballer. Rather I am constantly reminded of the wonderful privilege (and real responsibility) of making Him known to a new generation.

In many ways the pitch is clear, many young people literally know nothing about who Jesus is. This Christmas may we play our part with enthusiasm and commitment in passing on the amazing news of the one who truly is ‘the Special One’.

Find out more by clicking here (in case you are ever asked about the real Jesus in a random survey!)