By Nancy Virden (c)2023

A secular psychiatrist said about Jesus, “Jesus’ experiences can be potentially conceptualized within the framework of paranoid schizophrenia, or psychosis with no other symptoms.” *

This false diagnosis is not new. In John 10:20 we read, “Many of them said, ‘He has a demon, and is insane; why listen to him?'”

While not much has changed in how some people view Jesus, we are warned in 2 Peter 3:3, “…knowing this first of all, that scoffers will come in the last days with scoffing, following their own sinful desires.”

Instead of me shouting Jesus was not insane, how about I show you?

How we know Jesus had a healthy brain

#1 Jesus is God  

It is not actually possible for the God of creation to have a flaw or illness in Himself. He is perfect.

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made.                                                            

Jesus is the Word. John 1:1-3

# 2 Jesus was full of truth

He was not confused, irrational, or believing lies.

“… grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.” John 1:17

“He has come from above and is greater than anyone else. We are of the earth, and we speak of earthly things, but he has come from heaven and is greater than anyone else. He testifies about what he has seen and heard, but how few believe what he tells them!” John 3: 31-32

#3 Jesus loved perfectly

During episodes of mental illness, people tend to not experience unfailing love either for themselves or toward others. Pain and fear or confusion lock us in a mental tunnel vision. Jesus’ ability to love without fail is evidence of a healthy brain.

“Now before the Feast of the Passover, when Jesus knew that his hour had come to depart out of this world to the Father, having loved his own who were in the world, he loved them to the end.”

To the end means “perfectly” in the Greek text (eis telos) John 13:1

“And when they came to the place that is called The Skull, there they crucified him, and the criminals, one on his right and one on his left. And Jesus said, ‘Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.’ And they cast lots to divide his garments.”

He even loved his enemies while they killed him! Luke 23:33-34

#4 Jesus’ prophecies came true

There are at least seventeen specific predictions that Jesus made that have been fulfilled exactly as he said. A few examples are: His words would be everlasting Matthew 24:35; The story of Mary of Bethany would be told everywhere Matthew 26:11-13;  His own betrayal by one of His disciples   Matthew 26:21; The Temple would be destroyed within a generation Matthew 24: 1,2; and more.

No one who is delusional would end up with correct, specific prophecies

#5 Jesus felt difficult emotions yet did not sin

Mental illness is not sin. Emotions, even strong ones, are not sin. Consider the weight and urgency of Jesus’ ministry – the demands of the people – knowing how he would die carrying the sins of the world – he loved people who rejected him – he left his home in heaven to be here. Yet powerful emotions did not lead him into unhealthy coping mechanisms or sinful decisions. He was focused on his mission. He was not deterred or distracted by any factor.

“For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are yet was without sin.” Hebrews 4:15

“He was despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief; and as one from whom men hide their faces he was despised, and we esteemed him not.” Isaiah 53:3

#6 Jesus was full of joy

Not too many people show up to the hospital emergency room or the psychiatrist’s office because they are joyful! Mania could temporarily mimic joy, but it is delusional and often ends in severe depression. Denial of one’s difficult emotions could simulate joy, but it too is not based on truth and will either bring us unprepared for an emotional battle or at least prevent us from being all God designed us to be . Jesus’ joy was grounded in the Holy Spirit and truth.

 ” I have told you these things so that you will be filled with my joy. Yes, your joy will overflow!” 

– Jesus in John 15:11

-COMMENTS WELCOME

Today’s Helpful Word

James 1:5

If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.

If you are feeling suicidal, or concerned about someone who is, in the U.S. call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988, or for a list of international suicide hotlines, go here.

If you are suicidal with a plan, immediately call 911 in the U.S. or go to your nearest emergency room. In the EU call 112. (For other international emergency numbers, go here ). Hope and help are yours!

Always the Fight Ministries (ATFM) has been displaying compassion for those fighting mental illness, addiction, or abuse since 2012. Nancy is the founder and voice of ATFM and openly shares her emotional resurrection from despair. NOTE: Nancy is not a doctor or a mental health professional, and speaks only from personal experience and observations. In no way is this website intended to substitute for professional mental or behavioral health care.

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*Evan D. Murray , M.D., Miles G. Cunningham , M.D., Ph.D., and Bruce H. Price , M.D.  The Role of Psychotic Disorders in Religious History Considered | The Journal of Neuropsychiatry and Clinical Neurosciences (psychiatryonline.org)