Why I Often Say “The One Referred to as Jesus”

For some people, that wording feels unusual.

Others assume I’m trying to distance myself from Jesus.

Nothing could be further from the truth.

In fact, my respect for the teacher known to the world as Jesus is so profound that I try to approach His life with humility rather than certainty.

My choice of words isn’t about diminishing Him.

It’s about honoring both history and truth.

A Name Can Carry More Than One Story

When most people hear the name “Jesus,” they immediately think of a particular image shaped by their church, denomination, culture, or upbringing.

But history is often more complex than the traditions we inherit.

The first-century Jewish teacher we know today as Jesus lived in a different language, culture, and historical setting than most of us. Scholars have long discussed how names were translated across Hebrew, Aramaic, Greek, Latin, and eventually English.

For me, saying “the one referred to as Jesus” is a reminder that while names matter, the life, teachings, and example matter even more.

It encourages me to focus less on labels and more on the person.

My Respect Could Not Be Greater

Regardless of how one understands every theological question surrounding Him, I believe the teacher known as Jesus stands among the most influential figures humanity has ever known.

His teachings on love, forgiveness, compassion, humility, mercy, and reconciliation have shaped civilizations.

He challenged hypocrisy.

He defended the overlooked.

He called people to love even their enemies.

He consistently redirected attention toward God rather than toward personal power.

Whether someone approaches Him through faith, history, or philosophy, it is difficult to deny the extraordinary impact His life has had on the world.

If there has ever been someone who inspired humanity toward love in the name of God on such a global scale, He is certainly among the greatest we have ever known.

I Want People to Hear the Teachings Again

One concern I have is that many people stop listening the moment they hear certain religious words.

Some carry painful experiences from churches.

Others have spent years rejecting organized religion.

Some simply assume they already know everything Jesus taught.

I don’t believe most people have rejected the actual teachings as much as they have rejected the versions of those teachings they encountered.

By occasionally saying “the one referred to as Jesus,” I hope to invite people to pause.

To listen again.

To reconsider His words without immediately filtering them through old assumptions.

Sometimes changing a phrase helps people hear an ancient truth with fresh ears.

Truth Is Bigger Than Labels

Throughout history, human beings have argued endlessly over names, titles, doctrines, and traditions.

Meanwhile, the deeper questions remain:

Are we becoming more loving?

More compassionate?

More truthful?

More humble?

More forgiving?

Those are the questions I believe matter most.

The teacher known as Jesus consistently pointed people toward transformation.

He didn’t simply ask people to memorize ideas.

He invited them into a different way of living.

That invitation is as relevant today as it was two thousand years ago.

Experience Over Identity

One of the foundations of my work through Who Programmed You?, The Divine Algorithm, and The Way Within Church is that truth must become lived experience.

You can call yourself religious without becoming compassionate.

You can know Scripture without practicing forgiveness.

You can defend doctrine while neglecting love.

The teacher referred to as Jesus repeatedly challenged that kind of disconnect.

Again and again, He emphasized the condition of the heart over outward appearances.

That message continues to challenge me personally.

I Don’t Want to Create Distance

Some people hear my wording and assume I’m trying to create distance from Jesus.

I’m not.

If anything, I’m trying to remove unnecessary barriers between people and His teachings.

I want people to wrestle with what He actually said.

To ask difficult questions.

To study.

To reflect.

To pray.

To experience the transformation His message invites rather than merely debate it.

For me, that is a deeper form of respect than simply repeating familiar language without thoughtful consideration.

Humility Before Certainty

History leaves us with remarkable records, but it also leaves us with unanswered questions.

Rather than pretending I possess certainty about every historical detail, I prefer language that reflects humility.

Humility doesn’t weaken faith.

It strengthens it.

It reminds us that sincere seekers can continue learning throughout their lives.

My Hope

When I speak about the one referred to as Jesus, my hope is simple.

I hope people become curious enough to explore His life.

I hope they encounter His teachings with fresh eyes.

I hope they discover the extraordinary emphasis He placed on love, mercy, forgiveness, truth, and the Kingdom of God.

And above all, I hope they move beyond merely knowing about Him to allowing those teachings to transform the way they live.

Because if the teacher known as Jesus spent His life pointing humanity toward God, then honoring Him means more than speaking His name.

It means living what He taught.

Final Thoughts

Language matters.

History matters.

Truth matters.

But love matters most.

Whether I say “Jesus” or “the one referred to as Jesus,” my intention remains the same.

It is an expression of respect for a teacher whose life has inspired countless people to seek God, love their neighbors, forgive those who have wronged them, and pursue a higher way of living.

I don’t use the phrase to create controversy.

I use it to create thoughtfulness.

Because I believe the greatest tribute we can offer the one referred to as Jesus is not merely agreeing about Him.

It is allowing His example of love, humility, courage, and devotion to God to become visible in our own lives.