"What shall I do, then, with Jesus who is called the Christ?"

A quote from Pilate as noted in Matthew (27:22). Mark also includes this question posited by Pilate, "What shall I do, then, with the one you call the king of the Jews?" (15:12)
Ultimately, that is the question that we are all asked- "what are we going to do with Jesus Christ?"
You see, most people have no problem swallowing the concept of there being a god or a higher power; Hindus, Christians, Jews Muslims, Mormons and most Animists can all agree on that. I recently heard that 2/3rds of Americans believe in the God spoken of in the Bible. In fact, most of the world believes in a god or gods. It is when we bring up the Nazarene that controversy starts and battle lines are drawn.
Why?
I read an article on CNN.com today about a scientist that is also a Christian, in fact, Lance Collins is also the Director of the Human Genome Project (he's pretty smart). Collins used to be in the minority, that vocal minority called atheist, but after trying to prove that there was no God, he ended up becoming a believer and follower of Jesus Christ.
The article garnered some reaction as you can imagine. Here are two of the responses:

John Borland, Waukegan, Illinois
"I am with Dr. Collins until he broaches the subject of Jesus... It seems to me that believing in Jesus, or any other divine prophet, requires an egocentric view of creation that goes far above and beyond Dr. Collins' argument for belief in God. To casually insert a reference to Jesus in this piece without addressing that issue seems to me to be an obvious attempt to blur the distinction. It makes the piece seem more like an advertisement for Christianity than a thoughtful discussion of spirituality."

Suzanne Spinelli, Middlebury, Connecticut
"I agree with the scientist in the report, however, why is it only Judeo/Christian creation myth that can be 'real.' There are many different creation myths from the past until the present. I think it is offensive to negate all those other myths for the "one true 'real'" myth (depending on one's point of view). After all, who is to say which one is right? Could it be that they are all right in their own way?"

See what I mean? Talk about God- no problem, talk about Jesus- and it's time to bring in the ACLU stormtroopers... or at least the overly-PC critics.
To address Mr. Borland's comments first, which is more egocentric the idea that a God who created the universe could in fact have a divine Son or that there is really a weak god that is just slightly better than egotistical people? This seems to be the prevalent thought that God is up there and He created things, but He lost control and we can work to make this a better place by being good people. Equality with God- such a lofty ambition, yet it has a familiar ring to it..."For God knows that when you eat of it [the fruit] your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil" (Genesis 3:5, the words of the serpent). One of Satan's first lies and one that still is around today.
Second, Mr. Borland's other complaints that bringing up Jesus instead of either vaguely talking about God or going into a lengthy discussion of about "why Christ". First, when you read the title on the video player, it says, "What is a Christian?" Obviously, if Mr. Collins is a Christian then Jesus Christ has to be a part of any discussion and not just God. Furthermore, the piece is edited, certainly the video is. We don't have the whole story, just what CNN wanted to print or broadcast. I'm sure if Mr. Collins had the time and space, he could delve into "why Christ", but if he did, that part was edited out (we'll assume because of space and time, not other reasons).
Next, Ms. Spinelli rails against the thought that other "myths" could be 'real' also, not just the Judeo/Christian beliefs. First of all, there is archaeological and historical evidence that Christ did in fact live. Can the same be said about Vishnu, Neptune or Hera? Second, we have accounts from witnesses that Jesus was who He claimed to be. But finally, we have the claim of Christ: "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." Mohammed can't lead you to God. Buddha can't lead you to God. Tom Cruise can't lead you to God. And neither can Stephen Hawkings. I do believe that we should be better at learning about others beliefs, but I will not surrender to the thought that many different ways (which are contradictory) can all be correct.

But let's get back to the original question of "what are we going to do with Jesus Christ?" Is He going to be a myth? Is He going to be a great teacher or philosopher? Is He going to be a madman? Is He going to be just another historical figure? Is He going to be a Jewish carpenter? Or is He going to be Savior and Lord of our lives? For anyone that hears the Name and the Gospel of Jesus Christ, they must come to grips with those questions.
Pilate had just had Jesus beaten until He was almost unrecognizable. He had just let Barabbas go instead of a man He could "find no basis to charge". Then He asked a question to the crowd... and they made their decision. Like the curtain that was torn later than day when Jerusalem shook, this world was ripped into two camps- those that would put their faith in Christ and follow Him, and those who would forever deny Him and despise Him.
Even if we believe in the claims of Jesus as the Christ, the question still looms... what are we going to do with Him? Are we going to keep Him safe and sound in a book on our shelf? Are we going to meet Him once a week in a church? Or are we going to shoulder the cross- our cross? Are we going to share in His sufferings knowing that one day we will share in His inheritance? Are we going to listen to His teachings and follow them? Are we going to love God and our neighbor? Are we going to drop our nets and follow wherever He leads?
I can assure you there certainly was no great teacher- just read His sermon on the mount or His dealing with an adulterous woman. I can assure that there was never a better model of a merciful or obedient servant- just read about the Last Supper or the words He spoke to a criminal and His executioners while He was on the cross. I can assure you there was never another Emmanuel- just read how He commanded the winds on the Sea of Galilee. I can assure you there no other one that would welcome us into the presence of God- just read about the road to Emmaus or the road to Damascus.
So this holy season, like Pilate did almost 2000 years ago, I ask, "what shall I do, then, with Jesus who is called the Christ?"