The Greatest Man Who Ever Lived

Walk the hallowed halls of historical legends and measure the greatness on display. Ponder the genius of the Greek philosophers, mathematicians, scientists and artists. Weigh the vast holdings of King Solomons’ golden-drenched majesty. Admire the military might amassed by Alexander the Great who sat astride a mighty steed called “The World” before he reached the age of forty, or empire builder Napoleon Bonaparte who also swallowed up nearly all of continental Europe while in his thirties. Contemplate the unequalled compositions of Shakespeare, the Bard of Avon. Gaze, with bated breath, at the delicate artistry of Michelangelo, who sculpted David and The Pieta. Research the vaunted biographies of Charlemagne, William the Conqueror, Washington and Lincoln. Study the incredible accomplishments of the world’s inventors, explorers, pioneers and statesmen. Stare in disbelief at the inconceivable wealth of Rockefeller, Getty and Gates. After all this, you would not have even begun to describe the greatest of them all.

The One who came from Bethlehem thrusts the world’s celebrated personalities and their famed achievements into the shadows of insignificance. He shook the earth with each step he took. Without writing a word, he inspired Gutenberg’s press and filled the world with volumes. With no political power, he forged the basis of the most powerful civilizations in history. He wielded no sword, yet he vanquished all his foes. He boasted no academic degree, yet he became the essential subject for the most eminent scholarship of all time. He was beholden to no earthly teacher, yet he confounded doctors with his wisdom. While on earth, he gathered few close friends around him. After ascending, his devoted followers numbered in untold millions.

And no wonder. This Nazarene anomaly triumphed over disease, healed infirmities, forced devils to surrender and subjugated death itself to his authority. The touch of his hand caused loaves and fishes to multiply, raising his hand calmed the wind and waves and the extension of his hand reconstructed limbs and organs. He could not be stopped and would not retreat. He challenged the prevailing powers of his own time and fundamentally changed all time. The world acknowledged his presence to be so profound that it converted its calendar from B. C. to A. D. Those who knew him best worshipped him most.

Every important holiday during the year enjoys its highest fulfillment on this one day. Christmas Day is the New Year’s Day of a fresh start, Valentine’s Day of love, Memorial Day’s sacrifice, Independence Day’s freedom from sin’s bondage, Labor Day’s respite, and the greatest expression of Thanksgiving. Every day worth celebrating, every song worth singing, every fact worth knowing, every story worth telling, every book worth reading, every journey worth taking, every task worth doing, every word worth speaking, every friend worth meeting and every life worth living finds its vital source in Jesus Christ.

I wish you and yours a blessed Christmas. May it be a time of peace and warm fellowship with family and friends. The true blessedness of Christmas, however, flows only from the worship and exaltation of Jesus Christ, the greatest man who ever lived. Experience him anew during this glorious season. He is Yeshua—-Jehovah has become our Salvation.

J. Mark Jordan 12-25-00