It is undeniable and indisputable.  Jesus was the most extraordinary person the world has ever known.  Even atheists and those who are cynical of any spiritual nature in Christ and humanity readily acknowledge the overwhelming impact Jesus has made on our civilization.  The famous historian--and self-professed skeptic--W.E.H. Lecky conceded the importance of the life of Jesus Christ with this statement:

"The character of Jesus has not only been the highest pattern of virtue, but the strongest incentive in its practice, and has exerted so deep an influence, that it may truly be said that the simple record of three short years of active life has done more to regenerate and to soften mankind than all the disquisitions of philosophers and all the exhortations of moralists."

But just as his impact cannot be denied, we can't ignore the controversy he has generated, especially at this special time of year.  No individual has caused more debate than Jesus Christ.  For such a central figure in history, there is little consensus about him.  Jesus has split public opinion about himself into two divergent opposing camps.  it seems that either he is respected and revered, or he is despised and denigrated.

So what's all the fuss about?

Is it about his morality?  No. Jesus is universally recognized as the greatest moral teacher of all time.  No one argues with his admonitions on interpersonal relationships or his concepts of right and wrong.

Is it about the legitimacy of his miracles?  Not really.  Whether they were supernaturally caused or were a grand illusion is not what impassions the debate.

Is it about the fact or fiction of the resurrection?  Nope.  It didn't appear to be the issue that fueled the controversy in the first century A.D., and it doesn't appear to be the center of the dispute now.

There would be no controversy if Jesus were merely: (a) a respected ethicist; (b) with a knack for supernatural theatrics; (c) who appeared to defeat death; and then (d) disappeared into thin air without a trace.  Those listings in his biographical profile would make him famous and mysterious, but they wouldn't put him in the center of the world's greatest debate.

Beyond all of this, the controversy about Christ centers on his theology.  In the holly hullabaloo that swirls around Christ, some consider his theological doctrine to be his greatest attraction, while others consider it to be a grand offense.  The different viewpoints are understandable considering that he claimed to know God.  Beyond that, he claimed to be God.  And most controversial of all, he claimed that his death on the cross was the only way a sinful humanity could be forgiven by God and experience eternal life.

Any honest study of the life of Christ will embroil you in the debate.  It is not possible to look only at the extraordinary part of Jesus without dealing with the controversial part.  His teaching, miracles, and resurrection are integrated with his theology.  His promises for a life of truth, peace, and meaning are all based on a belief in him...not just an intellectual assent of his existence, but a faith that he was and is the sole solution for humanity's spiritual void.

Every person must take a side in the controversy.  Every person must decide if he was just a good man, or if he was the God-man.  That decision will take you far beyond knowing why Jesus matters.  On a more important level--a very personal level-you will know why Jesus matters to you.