Just A Thought

A ton of granite pebbles is sold for ten dollars. The Hope Diamond, could be sold for two hundred fifty million dollars - more than most of us will earn in a lifetime. What’s the difference? Aren’t they all hard rocks? Yes, but the 45.52 carat Hope Diamond is many times harder, infinitely more transparent, much more beautiful, and extremely rare; it is in a class of its own.

The same is true of people. Throughout history, there have been millions of important religious leaders, prophets and teachers. But none of them have affected mankind as powerfully and positively as Jesus Christ. Someone might ask, “What makes Jesus different?” He is in a class of His own. He is one of a kind.

Perhaps, like me, you have often been surprised at the intellectual dishonesty of many people who are attempting to be politically correct and refer to Jesus as just one of the great prophets or teachers. Jesus was not like other great religious leaders. He is in a league of His own. Consider a short list of exceptional qualities that set Jesus Christ far apart from any other historical, religious leader:

1. His birth, ministry, death, and resurrection were accurately predicted by hundreds of scriptures, which were written by multiple prophets, who lived in varied times and places.
2. He was virgin-born.
3. Angels declared His birth and a star marked His birthplace.
4. He healed many diseases and performed many miracles.
5. He raised three people from the dead – one of them had been dead for three days.
6. He claimed to be God.
7. He predicted his own death and resurrection.
8. He rose from the dead.
9. He ascended into heaven with a promise to return.
10. He left with a promise to fill believers with His Spirit, which took place 10 days later and continues to take place until this day.

In addition to the distinctive qualities mentioned above, it must be noted that Jesus didn’t claim to be a prophet -- He claimed to be God in flesh. That is why the Jews considered Him to be a blasphemer. (John 8) Jesus’ contemporaries didn’t object to His good teaching; they objected to His claim to be God. In fact, the primary doctrine that still sets true Christianity apart from other religions is the claim that Jesus is God and that “there is none other name under heaven, given among men, whereby we must be saved.” (Acts 4:12)

If Jesus were just a good man, the greatest doctrine of Christianity would not be possible. Christianity is all about the redemptive death of Jesus Christ. The death of a great man would not have been valuable enough to pay for the sins of mankind. Only the blood of a spotless Lamb could do that. Jesus was not simply a prophet, a great teacher, or the founder of a great religion. Jesus was God manifested in flesh. (I Timothy 3:16) He was God in Christ, reconciling the world to himself. (2 Corinthians 5:19) He was “the image of the invisible God.” (Colossians 1:15) He was, and is, “the Mighty God, the Everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace...”(Isaiah 9:6)

The uniqueness and divinity of Christ may not be evident to everyone quite yet, but one day every knee will bow and every tongue will confess that He is Lord.” (Philippians 2:10-11) And, because Jesus is so rare… so special… so priceless, true believers commit every aspect of their lives to Him. They do not lump Him in with other prophets and teachers. They recognize that He is in a class of His own. He is one of a kind.

# posted by John W. Hanson @ Friday, January 25, 2008