GREAT, JESUS AND OTHERS
Jesus Christ holds a central and unparalleled position in the Christian faith, embodying the fullness of both humanity and divinity. His life, teachings, and sacrificial death have left an indelible mark on history and continue to inspire millions around the world. To understand His greatness, we must explore His roles and how He compares to other significant figures in the Bible.
WHO ARE GREAT IN THE BIBLE?
The Bible is replete with figures who exhibited remarkable faith, leadership, and devotion to God. Some of these include:
– Abraham: Known as the father of many nations, Abraham’s faith was credited to him as righteousness (Gen 15:6). His unwavering trust in God, exemplified by his willingness to sacrifice his son Isaac (Gen 22), marks him as a patriarch of faith.
– Moses: The leader who brought the Israelites out of Egypt and received the Ten Commandments from God (Ex 20). His leadership, patience, and intimacy with God are highlighted throughout the books of Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy.
– David: The great king of Israel, a man after God’s own heart, and the author of many Psalms (1 Sam 13:14). His psalms reveal a deep devotion to God, and his reign established Jerusalem as the central place of worship for Israel.
– Solomon: Renowned for his wisdom and the building of the first Temple in Jerusalem (1 Kgs 3:12). His writings in Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, and Song of Songs provide profound insights into wisdom, life, and love.
– Elijah: A prophet who performed many miracles and stood against the prophets of Baal (1 Kgs 18:36-39). His confrontation with the prophets of Baal on Mount Carmel is a testament to his unwavering faith.
– John the Baptist: The forerunner of Christ who prepared the way for Jesus’ ministry (Mk 1:2-4). His call to repentance and his recognition of Jesus as the Lamb of God highlight his significant role.
WHY JESUS IS GREATER THAN OTHERS?
While many biblical figures are revered for their faith and deeds, Jesus is considered greater for several profound reasons:
Jesus as the Creator
Jesus is acknowledged as the Creator of all things. Colossians 1:16 states, “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.” This establishes His supremacy over all creation.
Jesus’ Eternal Nature
Jesus’ existence predates all other figures. In John 8:58, Jesus declares, “Very truly I tell you, before Abraham was born, I am!” This statement not only asserts His preexistence but also His divinity, echoing God’s self-identification in Exodus 3:14.
Jesus’ Miraculous Works
Jesus performed miracles that demonstrated His authority over nature, sickness, and even death. He calmed storms (Mk 4:39), fed thousands with a few loaves and fishes (Mk 8:6-9), and raised the dead (Jn 11:43-44). These acts showcased His divine power and compassion.
Jesus as the Fulfillment of the Law
Jesus fulfilled the Law and the Prophets, bringing a new covenant based on grace and truth (Mt 5:17). He lived a sinless life and offered Himself as the perfect sacrifice for humanity’s sins, a role no other figure could fulfill.
Jesus’ Role as the Head of the Church
Ephesians 1:22 states, “And God placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church.” Jesus is the cornerstone of the Church, guiding and sustaining it through His Spirit.
Jesus’ Unique Relationship with the Father
Jesus is the only begotten Son of God, sharing a unique and intimate relationship with the Father. This is affirmed in John 1:14, “The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.”
REFLECTION
As Christians, reflecting on the greatness of Jesus should inspire us to deepen our faith and commitment to His teachings. Jesus’ life exemplifies humility, servanthood, and unconditional love. He taught us to love God with all our heart, soul, and mind, and to love our neighbors as ourselves (Mt 22:37-39).
In a world often driven by power and prestige, Jesus’ model of greatness through servanthood challenges us to rethink our values. Mark 10:45 reminds us, “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”
Let us strive to emulate Jesus’ example by serving others selflessly, seeking justice, and walking humbly with our God (Mic 6:8). By placing Jesus at the heart of our faith, we can live out His teachings and reflect His love and grace to the world around us.
In conclusion, Jesus’ greatness is unparalleled, not only because of His divine nature and miraculous works but also because of His profound love and sacrifice for humanity. As we follow Him, may we continually grow in grace and knowledge, becoming more like Him in our daily lives.