In the annals of human history, few figures stand as remarkably as Jesus Christ, the central figure of Christianity. His life, teachings, and impact on the world continue to captivate and inspire millions of people. Here, we delve into some of the extraordinary aspects of his life and legacy, as documented in the Bible and reflected in the words of theologians and thinkers.
Birth and Nativity:
According to Christian tradition, Jesus was born in Bethlehem, a small town that fulfilled ancient prophecies about the Messiah's birthplace (Micah 5:2). His birth is celebrated on December 25th, a date observed with joy and reverence in many parts of the world. This humble birth in a stable would set the stage for a life filled with profound purpose.
Miracles:
Jesus' life was marked by a series of extraordinary miracles, each a testament to his divine power and compassion. Among the most remarkable were his ability to turn water into wine at a wedding in Cana (John 2:1-11), his fearless walk on water during a storm (Matthew 14:22-33), and the miraculous feeding of thousands with just a few loaves and fish (Matthew 14:13-21). These events not only showcased his authority over the natural world but also served as symbols of his abundant grace.
Teachings:
Jesus' teachings, as recorded in the New Testament, are a wellspring of wisdom and compassion. In the Sermon on the Mount, he delivered some of his most profound teachings, emphasizing love, humility, forgiveness, and the coming of the Kingdom of God (Matthew 5-7). Theologians throughout history have marveled at the depth and impact of his words. Augustine of Hippo once said, "Love, and do what you will," encapsulating the essence of Jesus' message of love.
Healing:
Compassion flowed through every action of Jesus. He healed the sick, restored sight to the blind, enabled the deaf to hear, and gave strength to the paralyzed. One touching example is the healing of a blind man in John 9:1-12, showcasing not only his miraculous power but also his empathy for those suffering.
Resurrection:
The central miracle in the life of Jesus, and the cornerstone of Christian belief, is his resurrection. According to the Gospels, he was crucified, died, and was buried, only to rise from the dead three days later, signifying victory over sin and death (Matthew 28:1-10). This event has shaped the Christian faith for centuries, offering hope and redemption to believers.
Crucifixion:
The crucifixion of Jesus is a pivotal event in Christian theology. It is seen as the atoning sacrifice for humanity's sins, allowing believers to be reconciled with God. As the Bible states, "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life" (John 3:16). His death served as the ultimate act of love and redemption.
Jesus' Followers:
Jesus' ministry attracted a diverse group of disciples, including fishermen like Peter and Andrew, tax collectors like Matthew, and even zealots. Despite their differences and moments of wavering faith, they became fiercely obedient to his call. They witnessed his crucifixion and, following his resurrection, boldly preached the Gospel. As the Apostle Paul wrote in Galatians 2:20, "I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me."
Legacy and Reflections:
In contemplating the life and claims of Jesus, C.S. Lewis offered a profound perspective, saying, "A man who was merely a man and said the sort of things Jesus said would not be a great moral teacher. He would either be a lunatic... or else he would be the Devil of Hell." Lewis highlighted the radical nature of Jesus' claims – that he was indeed the Son of God.
Jesus Today:
Equally astonishing is the ongoing influence of Jesus in the world today through prophecy and the obedient response of his followers. Throughout history, individuals have claimed to hear and obey God's voice, often with astounding results:
Joan of Arc:
Guided by divine voices, she led the French army to victories during the Hundred Years' War, making an indelible mark on history.
Martin Luther King Jr.
Heeding a divine calling, he championed civil rights and inspired significant social change through nonviolent protest.
Mother Teresa
Responding to a "call within a call," she dedicated her life to serving the poor and suffering in Calcutta, India.
Dietrich Bonhoeffer
Confronting the rise of Nazism, he followed his convictions and actively opposed Hitler's regime, even at the cost of his life.
So Jesus Christ's life is a testament to the extraordinary. His birth, miracles, teachings, healing, death, and resurrection have left an indelible mark on humanity. His legacy endures, as his followers, both past and present, heed the call to love, serve, and proclaim his message of hope and redemption to the world, to hear his voice today and we all need to learn that God’s is speaking to us ”first one way, then another, though man doesn’t perceive it” Job 33
Can prophecy be learned or developed, or is it purely a gift from God?
While prophecy is a gift from God, it can be developed through seeking His presence and studying His word (1 Corinthians 14:1). it's our belief that every Christian can prophesy, to say it's possible have a living relationship with God but not expecting to hear his voice in your life, is mad....right! So our experience that learning to be prophetic is more "caught" than "Taught" you need to be around people who are prophetic and see how it's supposed to be a normal way of life, to that end we have setup a Prophetic School that will help our brothers and sisters around the world move in this incredible gift.
