What Made Him The Greatest

Because he carefully imitated his heavenly Father, Jesus was the greatest man who ever lived. As a faithful Son, Jesus copied his Father so exactly that he could tell his followers: "He that has seen me has seen the Father also." (John 14:9, 10) In every situation here on earth, he did just as his Father, almighty God, would have done. "I do nothing of my own initiative," Jesus explained, "but just as the Father taught me I speak these things." (John 8:28) So when we study the life of Jesus Christ, we are, in effect, obtaining a clear picture of just what God is like.

Thus, even though the apostle John acknowledged that "no man has seen God," he could still write that "God is love." (John 1:18; 1 John 4:8) John could do this because he knew God's love through what he saw in Jesus, who was the perfect reflection of his Father. Jesus was compassionate, kind, humble and approachable. The weak and downtrodden felt comfortable with him, as did people of all kinds-men, women, children, the rich, the poor, the powerful, even gross sinners. Only those with wicked hearts did not like him.

Indeed, Jesus did not merely teach his followers to love one another, but he showed them how. "Just as i have loved you," he said, "you also [should] love one another." (John 13:34) Knowing "the love of Christ," explained one of his apostles, 'surpasses knowledge." (Ephesians 3:19) Yes, the love of Christ demonstrated ascends above academic head knowledge and "compels" others to respond to it. (2 Corinthians 5:14) Thus, Jesus' surpassing example of love, in particular, is what made him the greatest man who ever lived. His love has touched the hearts of millions through the centuries and had influenced their lives for the good.

Yet, some may object: 'Look at all the crimes that have been committed in the name of Christ-the Crusades, the Inquisition and the wars that have seen millions who claim to be Christian kill one another on opposing battle lines.' But the truth is, these people belie their claim to be followers of Jesus. His teachings and way of life condemn their actions. Even a Hindu, Mohandas Gandhi, was moved to say: 'I love Christ, but I despise Christians because they do not live as Christ lived.'

Next time: Benefit By Learning About Him

The Greatest Man Who Ever Lived, 1991