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His Life |
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One has accurately observed, "Of the religions of the world, Christianity is
unique because it stems from the uniqueness of Jesus Christ, the greatest
man who ever lived." The life of the Lord was marked with His character of
life and His treatment of others.
We acknowledge His uniqueness when we see He was sinless. He was tested in all things in like manner as we, yet without sin (Heb. 4:15). Even His enemies could find no fault (Luke 23:4, 14-15, 21-22). The cross was the most difficult test (Heb. 5:7-9). Eyewitnesses describe the Lord's suffering as exquisite sorrow, literally crushing out the Savior's life (Matt. 26:37-39). His agony produced sweat "as it were great drops of blood falling down upon the ground" (Luke 22:44 ASV). Except for Jesus, none has ever lived sinless (Rom. 3:23). All must be born again (John 3:3-5). We acknowledge His uniqueness when we see Him as the powerful prophet of God. While Jesus walked the earth, Rome ruled in all power and glory. But, Rome also ruled in all cruelty. Contrast the compassionate, caring, yet powerful Jesus, "...Jesus went about all the cities...teaching...and healing all manner of disease and all manner of sickness. But when he saw the multitudes, he was moved with compassion for them..." (Matt. 9:35-36 ASV). While on the earth, Jesus walked on water, not people. He laid on curing hands, not cruel hands. He lifted the hearts of the downtrodden, not the politic fortunes of the rich and famous. He viewed all without respect of person. Napoleon Bonaparte said, "I know men, and I tell you that Jesus Christ is no mere man. Between him and every other person in the world, there is no possible comparison. I have founded empires, but upon what do they depend? Upon force. Jesus alone founded His empire upon love, and to this very day millions would die for Him." We acknowledge Jesus as unique when we see He practiced what He preached. Though the attitude and action of the world is "You only go around once in life, so grab for all the gusto," Jesus taught and practiced the principle of denying self (Matt. 16:24-26; Luke 9:58). Though the attitude and action of the world is "Look out for number one," Jesus taught and practiced the principle of loving others more than self (Matt. 22:39). Though the world's attitude and action is "Winning is everything," Jesus taught and practiced the principle of dying for others (Matt. 16:25-26; 20:28). Jesus Christ is the greatest person who ever lived. His moral character, His teachings and His influence upon history demonstrate that He is indeed unparalleled. |