Don Stewart :: Is It Important to Examine the Life of Jesus?

Why is it so important to consider the life of Jesus Christ? Granted, He is a famous historical figure, but what makes Jesus so special?

The reason that it is important to examine the life of Jesus goes beyond historical curiosity. When Jesus came to earth, He claimed that the eternal destiny of every man, woman, and child would depend upon how they viewed Him. If His claims are true, the decision we make about Jesus will determine whether we spend eternity with Him or without Him. Nothing could be more important.

The Story Of God And Humanity

The message of the Bible can be summed up as follows: In the beginning an all-powerful, personal God created the heavens and the earth. In His final act of creation God created man and woman. God put them in a perfect environment giving them everything they needed for happiness. But the man and woman sinned against God; disobeying the only negative commandment He had given them. Their disobedience led to a separation between them and God. They were banished from the paradise that God had provided for them.

God's Promise To Humanity

But God did not want it to stay that way. He promised that He would take care of the sin that separated humanity from Himself. The Old Testament contains a number of promises that a Savior or Messiah would come and solve the sin problem.

He Came As Promised

The New Testament opens with the birth of this Promised One. His name is Jesus, which means "Yahweh is my salvation." He is also given the title Christ, which means "the Messiah."

The Ministry Of John The Baptist

Some thirty years after Jesus' birth, a rugged individual named John the Baptist appeared in the Judean desert announcing the soon appearance of the promised Messiah. When Jesus arrived at the Jordan river where John was baptizing, He was identified as the "Lamb of God," the one who would take away the sins of the world. After He was baptized, Jesus was tempted for forty days in the wilderness by the devil. Once His temptation was complete, the sinless Jesus began His public ministry.

Jesus' Public Ministry

Jesus' public ministry lasted some three short years, but in that time He lived a life such as no one has lived before or since. He did things that no one else has ever done. He healed the lame, the blind, the deaf and the mute. On one occasion Jesus caused a storm to immediately cease. His friend Lazarus was four days dead but Jesus brought him back to life. The people of His day, upon seeing the miracles that Jesus did, testified, "We never saw anything like this!" (Mark 2:12).

Jesus' Unmatchable Words

Jesus also said things such as no one else has ever said. After finishing the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7), the Scripture records that the people were astonished at His teaching. He spoke to them as one who had authority. Jesus claimed authority: authority over disease, authority over nature, authority over the supernatural, and authority over life and death. He claimed to be the One who had the power to forgive sins, to raise the dead on judgment day and to grant eternal life to whoever believed in Him.

Jesus Died For The World's Sins

He was betrayed by one of His own disciples and crucified under the Roman governor, Pontius Pilate. Yet the New Testament records that three days later He appeared to Peter-and to others-alive. He had risen from the dead just as He said He would. By doing this, Jesus demonstrated the truth of His claims. The Bible says Jesus' death on the cross was for the sins of the world. His death has made it possible for mankind to be back in relationship with God. One must believe in Jesus and accept His sacrifice on their behalf to have forgiveness of sin and life everlasting.

He Will Return Someday

The Bible also says that Jesus will return again someday. Those who believe in Him will enjoy everlasting life; those who do not believe in Him will spend eternity apart from God.

Jesus Christ's identity is of utmost importance. It is crucial that we consider Him and see if He is the one whom He made Himself out to be. If He is the eternal God who became man, then what we decide about Him will determine our eternal destiny. There is no issue more important.