In A.D. 381, Gregory of Nazianzus described Christ thus: He began His ministry by being hungry, yet He is the Bread of Life. Jesus ended His earthly ministry by being thirsty, yet He is the Living Water. Jesus was weary, yet He is our rest. Jesus paid tribute, yet He is the King. Jesus was accused of having a demon, yet He cast out demons. Jesus wept, yet He wipes away our tears. Jesus was sold for thirty pieces of silver, yet He redeemed the world. Jesus was brought as a lamb to the slaughter, yet He is the Good Shepherd. Jesus died, yet by His death He destroyed the power of death.
Yes, this man is the focal point of all history – His birth split history fore and aft – His death initiated the church that bears His Name. This man is every bit God, but was born into flesh – He ruled heaven, but was “made a little lower than the angels” – He spoke the worlds into existence, but wept at the death of a friend. This man – the man Christ Jesus – our eternal Lamb – the Lord of glory – the Altogether Lovely One – became so marred as to not be recognized as a man. Let’s take a closer look at “this man.”
Luke 15:2 – “This man receiveth sinners, and eateth with them.” This the charge the Pharisees made against Him – oh, what a charge – He receiveth sinners. Praise God! He receiveth sinners. And I am one of them. I’m just an old sinner saved by grace. If He came only to receive good people – righteous people – spiritual people, I would be lost forever. For in me there was no goodness at all. But he receiveth sinners – Hallelujah!
Luke 23:44 – “I find no fault in this man.” This was the conclusion Pilate made about Him – oh, what a conclusion – no fault in Him. That did not stop Pilate from condemning Him to death. But he was perfect – sinless – faultless – “For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin (2 Co 5:21)” – “And in him is no sin (1 Jn 3:5).”
John 18:17 – “Art thou one of this man’s disciples?” This is the question that was asked of Peter – and Peter answered, “I am not.” What would your answer be? He was kissed by a friend – taken by a mob – judged by religious leaders – lied on by strangers – mocked by a king – beaten by soldiers – denied by his closest friend. He is still going through the same treatment today. What would your answer be? “Art thou one of this man’s disciples?”
Hebrews 3:3 – “For this man was counted worthy of more glory than Moses.” Yes, Christ is worthy – “Worthy is the Lamb (Rev 5:12).” Moses was but a servant, but Christ is the Son. If the servant is worthy of honor, then how much more the Son. Christ is worthy of all praise – all honor – all worship. Do you honor men more than Christ? Or do you give Christ the praise?
Hebrews 7:24 – “But this man … hath an unchangeable priesthood.” The next verse says, “He ever liveth to make intercession for [us].” He is our Holy Priest – He makes intercession for us – He is our Advocate – He is our Saviour. The book of Hebrews tells us that Christ’s priesthood is better than that of Levi’s. They were but men – they would die – but He is God, and He “ever liveth.” In verse 21, God said, “Thou art a priest for ever.”
Hebrews 8:3 – “It is of necessity that this man have somewhat also to offer.” He begins this verse by saying, “Every high priest is ordained to offer gifts and sacrifices.” That was the priest’s job – to offer sacrifices to God – to make intercession between God and man. And what better sacrifice could He make than Himself – He is the Lamb – He was born to die – “God will provide himself a lamb (Ge 22:8).” He was the ultimate sacrifice – the end of all sacrifices – the last of a long line of lambs.
Hebrews 10:12 – “But this man, after he had offered one sacrifice for sins for ever, sat down on the right hand of God.” Hallelujah, what a saviour who could take a poor lost sinner, lift him from the miry clay and set him free. I will ever sing the story, shouting glory, glory, glory, Hallelujah, Jesus ransomed me!
Quote – “I would propose that the subject of the ministry of this house, as long as this platform shall stand, and as long as this house shall be frequented by worshipers, shall be the person of Jesus Christ.” – C.H. Spurgeon, first words in the pulpit of the Metropolitan Tabernacle, London.
