As a historical character Jesus stands alone, even though his life was but thirty-three and a half years. His work was only three and a half years, yet he changed the world! His life was viewed so important to the world, that the way we refer to time was changed, in the year of our Lord 2014; people of every nation and language have an opinion about him; and his teaching has been translated into, if not every language, nearly every language; and men and women around the globe have obeyed his teaching and become his followers.
So, who might one compare Jesus to in history? Just for the sake of it, let us look at Alexander III of Macedon, better known as Alexander the Great, who lived nearly thirty-three years. He is well known throughout the world and considered a military genius. In fact, most of his life is seen as in unprecedented military action. His military campaign through Asia and northeast Africa created one of the largest empires of the ancient world and this before the age of thirty. His empire reached from Greece to Egypt into northwest India. Alexander the Great was undefeated in battle and is even today, considered one of world’s most successful military commanders. It is believed, that his death was at the hand of one who knew him well, like Jesus’ death. But, unlike the kingdom of Christ, the kingdom of Alexander has long been lost; while to the kingdom of Christ is now worldwide. While Alexander was conquering lands and nations, the gospel of Christ was/is changing minds and saving souls. While Alexander was putting people to death, Jesus was giving people eternal life.
Yet, it is most interesting that only eighty-nine chapters were written about Jesus by four writers. Three of the writers cover much of the same material; these being Matthew, Mark, and Luke. John, the fourth writer, tells us that the greater of what Jesus did was not written, while at the same time revealing why what was written was done so: “And many other signs truly did Jesus in the presence of his disciples, which are not written in this book: But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name. (John 20:30 –31). John also wrote: “And there are also many other things which Jesus did, the which, if they should be written every one, I suppose that even the world itself could not contain the books that should be written” (John 21:25). Clearly, Jesus did more in the three and a half years than the four writers wrote, yet, as they wrote by inspiration, it is fully sufficient for the purpose.
The purpose being announced by John, “that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing ye might have life through his name.” Notice the word “that,” as it appears three times in these few words. First, “that ye might believe,” second, “that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God,” and third, “that believing ye might have life through his name.” The gospel is sufficient for these three purposes! The gospel accounts, one gospel in four accounts, is sufficient evidence to create a faith that stands upon a solid rock of evidence. Notice: “Now faith is the substance (hupostasis – foundation) of things hoped for, the evidence (elegchos – proof – conviction) of things not seen” (11:1). The “faith” God requires is never a “leap in the dark!” Just as God does not ask us put our faith in his existence as a “leap in the dark:” “The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handywork” (Psa. 19:1). Neither does he do so in the gospel of our salvation.
Therefore, God gave us Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John; to reveal to the world the greatest one who ever lived upon this earth: Jesus; the one who came to change man from the inside, to change the mind, then, to the change the actions on the outside. So Paul wrote: “Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus” (Phil. 2:5). By this, one mind at a time is changed, one soul at a time is saved and so the world is changed and souls are prepared for heaven. Of all the world’s great leaders, both good and evil, Jesus stands alone, doing what no one else has been able to do!
The real question, why is it that so few of the 7.125 billion people that are living today, fail to embrace the highest standard of daily life, which has the hope of eternal life? When using the word “few” remember this is the word Peter used in referring to those saved by water the days of Noah (I Peter 3:20-21). My friend, only you can answer this question for yourself!
— Frank R. Williams