Google Trends allows users to compare popularity for popular search terms over time. Users can input topics and see which search terms have garnered the most interest over the last ten years.
We live in a virtual world where what’s #trending is considered more important what’s timeless and true.
That said, you may be surprised how many popular cultural icons, religious figures, and big ideas draw less people to search bar than Jesus Christ.
On average, each of the following search terms have not performed as well as the phrase “Jesus Christ.”
This data could mean absolutely nothing, but it could mean everything. The Lord Jesus Christ is in no competition with the celebrities of our culture. After all, “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever. So do not be attracted by strange, new ideas. Your strength comes from God’s grace” (Hebrews 13:8-9a).
1. Taylor Swift
“You shall not bow down to them or worship them; for I, the Lord your God, am a jealous God….” (Exodus 20:5a)
2. Barack Obama
“‘For (God) has set a day when he will judge the world with justice by the man he has appointed. He has given proof of this to everyone by raising him from the dead.’” (Acts 17:31)
3. George W. Bush
“For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him.” (Colossians 1:16)
4. Muhammad
“‘Who do you say I am?’ Simon Peter answered, ‘You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.’ Jesus replied, ‘Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, for this was not revealed to you by flesh and blood, but by my Father in heaven.'” (Matthew 16:15b-17)
5. Krishna
“Jesus answered, ‘I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.'” (John 14:6)
6. Brad Pitt
“He had no beauty or majesty to attract us to him, nothing in his appearance that we should desire him. He was despised and rejected by mankind….” (Isaiah 53:2b-3a)
7. Peyton Manning
“But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” (1 Corinthians 15:57)
8. American Idol
“For all the gods of the nations are idols, but the Lord made the heavens.” (Psalm 96:5)
9. Mahatma Gandhi
“He came and preached peace to you who were far away and peace to those who were near.” (Ephesians 2:17)
10. Depression
“You make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.” (Psalm 16:11)
Why So Much Interest?
Jesus is unchanging, and he’s still alive today (Psalm 102:27). And according to an early text that was circulated not long after his death and resurrection, Jesus is the one and only human form of God (Philippians 2:6-11).
If you haven’t given Jesus Christ much thought lately, you may want to start a search of your own.
Image credit: Carlos Luna (CC 2.0)
Alex Kocman 