by Ed Short

Books, magazines, TV and radio programs, movies, and other forms of media all enable us to know people and to empathize with them. Through a novel or a biography, we can become very close to someone we've never met or someone who doesn't even exist. Untold millions of Chinese practically consider Bao Yu of "Dream of the Red Chamber" a blood relative.

Through the four gospel accounts of the New Testament (Matthew, Mark, Luke and John), readers meet a man named Jesus. These four writers tell us that Jesus made incredible claims, did incredible things, and spoke incredible words.

Jesus made incredible claims. Think about it! Jesus claimed to be the Savior of the world, King of kings, and Creator of all things! Jesus said, "I am the way and the truth and the life." He called himself the Bread of life, the Lamb of God, and the Son of God!

If we were to meet on the street today someone who makes claims like these, what would we think? Most of us would question his sanity. But Jesus dared to say these things!

Jesus did incredible deeds, including miracles: The blind received sight, the lame walked, and the dead were raised back to life. Jesus fed the hungry, encouraged the depressed, and gave new life to sinners who repented. He knew what was in people; he understood them. Jesus was with people; he contacted them and touched them.

I once was at a children's home when a group of well-dressed women came to visit and make a donation to the home. It was obvious, however, that the women did not want to contact the children. I guess the women thought the children were dirty, as they avoided even touching them.

Jesus, on the other hand, didn't fear dirt, wasn't afraid of poverty, didn't fear the unfamiliar; he only cared about people. Most wonderful of all, however, is that Jesus gave himself for mankind, was crucified, and was raised back to life on the third day. Through Jesus' death, our sins can be forgiven and we can receive a new life. Yes, Jesus did incredible deeds!

Jesus spoke incredible words. Please listen to some things Jesus said: "Happy are those who know they are spiritually poor; the Kingdom of heaven belongs to them ... You are like salt for all mankind ... You are like light for the whole world ... Love your enemies, and pray for those who persecute you ... If you forgive others the wrongs they have done you, your Father in heaven will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive the wrongs of others, then your Father in heaven will not forgive the wrongs you have done" (Matthew 5:3,10,13,14,44; 6:14,15, TEV).

Those who first listened to Jesus speak these words really appreciated his messages; today you and I can also admire the words of Jesus, as they will greatly encourage and benefit us.

Jesus made incredible claims, did incredible deeds, spoke incredible words.

May I ask what is your reaction to this man, Jesus? Do you believe His claims — Savior of the world, King of kings, Creator of all, Bread of life, Son of God? Do you want him to do some incredible things in your life, such as forgive your sins and change your way of living? Do you believe his incredible words, and will you allow them to influence your life?

I encourage you to read the Bible more and get better acquainted with this man Jesus.

Thanks to The Voice of Truth International, vol. 41, pp. 14-15.