Chapter 4 -JESUS CHRIST THE KEY TO THE KNOWLEDGE OF GOD

JESUS' LIFE COURSE ON EARTH

The second stage of Jesus' life course was here on earth.  He willingly submitted  as God transferred his life from heaven to the womb of a faithful Jewish virgin named Mary.  Jehovah's powerful holy spirit, or active force, 'overshadowed' Mary, causing her to become  pregnant and eventually give birth to a perfect baby.  (Luke 1:34, 35)  Jesus inherited no imperfection, since his life came from  a perfect Source.  He was reared in a humble home as the adopted son of the carpenter Joseph and was the first of several children in the family. -Isaiah 7:14; Matthew 1:22, 23; Mark 6:3.

Jesus' deep devotion to Jehovah God was already evident when he was 12 years old.  (Luke  2:41-49)  After growing up and embarking on his ministry at the age of 30, Jesus also demonstrated his profound love for his fellow humans.  When God's holy spirit empowered him to perform miracles, he compassionately healed the sick, the lame, the maimed,the blind,the deaf, the leprous.  (Matthew 15:35-38)   Jesus fed hungry thousands .  (Matthew 8:2-4;  15:30)  He calmed a storm that threatened the safety of his friends.  (Mark 4:37-39) In fact, he even resurrected the dead.  (John 11:43, 44)  These miracles are well-established facts of history.  Even Jesus' enemies acknowledged that he "performed many signs.' -John 11:47, 48.

Jesus traveled throughout his homeland, teaching people about God's Kingdom.  (Matthew 4:17) He also set a sterling example of patience and reasonableness.  Even when his disciples failed him, he sympathetically remarked:  "The spirit, of course is eager, but the flesh is weak."  (Mark 14:37, 38)  Yet, Jesus was courageous and forthright with those who despised the truth and oppressed the helpless.  (Matthew 23:27-33) Above all, he perfectly imitated his Father's example of love.  Jesus was even willing to die so that imperfect mankind would have a hope for the future.  No wonder, then, that we may well refer to Jesus as the key to the knowledge of God!  Yes, he is the living key!   But why do we say the  living key?   This brings  us to the third stage of his life course.

Next time: JESUS TODAY

The Book - KNOWLEDGE That Leads To Everlasting Life, 1995