The Definition of Perfection

Not too long ago, a smooth-talking, arrogant television commentator by the name of Don Lemon had the audacity to say, “Jesus Christ, admittedly, was not perfect” (CNN, July 6, 2020). He said this immediately after criticizing those patriotic Americans who revere the Founding Fathers for the legacy they gave us – enshrined in the Constitution. We conservatives collectively put our hands to our foreheads. “Again?” we asked incredulously. “Again, we have to hear really weird nonsense from some of the worst ‘woke’ people on American television?”

However, since there might be someone who doesn’t understand exactly why this is a rather stupid – no make this the most idiotic – statement in the history of television, let’s explore Lemon’s lemon of a statement.

Let’s start with “Jesus Christ”…er… let’s just start with “Jesus.” “Everyone knows” He lived 2,000 years ago; He taught some stuff and He helped some people and stuff. According to Don Lemon, that pretty much sums up why there are millions and millions of people who love this Person.

But there’s something Lemon’s not clear about. This Jesus is not “perfect” – oh, no! That “Christ” thing – according to Lemon – that’s just a surname attached to an historical figure (like “Attila the Hun”). 

** An aside: If Jesus’ last name is just “Christ” – what does that mean? And while we’re on the subject, what does “Lemon” mean (besides the obvious slang)? **

Well, it just so happens that quite a few people listened to Him (and still listen to Him). They wrote about Him (and still do). They healed people through His power (and still do). They spoke about Him (and still do). They even died for Him (and still do). It’s common knowledge that He died; it’s also common knowledge that He rose from death and will never die again. His “last name” is “Christ” because He is the “Anointed One” from God. (While Lemon’s name…still rings “sour.”)

OK, let’s go on to Lemon’s word “admittedly.” Who “admitted” what? Who was present with Jesus who “admitted” that He was “not perfect”? Well, let’s see…there was Pontius Pilate, except that he’s (admittedly) dead. He died about 1,964 years ago (give or take a year). I don’t think he’s around to dump on Jesus (plus, there’s a rumor going around that he repented of having sent Jesus to the cross – ask someone from the Ethiopian Orthodox Church). Pilate – the Roman wimp – bowed out when it came to defending an innocent man (Matthew 27:24). Not exactly the perfect Roman (or anything else), was he?

Then there’s Caiaphas. When Jesus told him how perfect He was, Caiaphas tore his (admittedly) expensive high priestly robe (Matthew 26:65). Historic sources say he was thrown out of office and died about three years after Jesus’ crucifixion. Caiaphas was not exactly a model of perfection, was he?

And then there’s Don Lemon himself. When did he ever meet Jesus? When did he ever learn how to evaluate the perfection of the Son of God? Admittedly, Don Lemon might think that he has the perfect job, the perfect smile, the perfect voice – but that doesn’t exactly match the biblical definition of perfection. 

You see, Jesus Himself is the only example of what it means to be perfect.

He had a perfect understanding of God the Father. “Therefore, you are to be perfect as your Heavenly Father is perfect” (Matthew 5:48).

He had a perfect connection to God’s holiness: “I and the Father are One” (John 10:30).

He had a perfect answer to the direction one’s life should take. “Jesus said to [Thomas], ‘I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me’” (John 14:6).

He offered the perfect sacrifice for sin. “…By a single offering He has made perfect for all time those who are being sanctified” (Hebrews 10:14).

Perfect understanding. Perfect connection. Perfect answer. Perfect direction. Perfect sacrifice. Jesus Christ did it all – perfectly – for mankind. What has Don Lemon done for mankind?