By: Undre Griggs, Jr.
When you think of Jesus and the life He lived, what do you remember most about Him? He had such a profound impact on the world that a dozen of us may mention something different. Some may remember Jesus for the miracles He performed. They will talk about the healing of the sick (Matthew 8:13), walking on water (Matthew 14:25-27), and raising Lazarus from the dead.
John 11:43-44 (NKJV): Now when He had said these things, He cried with a loud voice, “Lazarus, come forth!” And he who had died came out bound hand and foot with grave clothes, and his face was wrapped with a cloth. Jesus said to them, “Loose him, and let him go.”
Others may want to consider His compassion and humility. They will recall His compassion when He defended a woman accused of adultery from a mob seeking to stone her (John 8:5-11). Or they may mention Him washing the feet of His disciples as a powerful example of humility and selflessness.
John 13:3-5 (NIV): Jesus knew that the Father had put all things under his power, and that he had come from God and was returning to God; so he got up from the meal, took off his outer clothing, and wrapped a towel around his waist. After that, he poured water into a basin and began to wash his disciples’ feet, drying them with the towel that was wrapped around him.
I suspect there will be those who speak on the wisdom of His teachings. Recalling the emphasis He put on loving others more than we love ourselves; as well as loving those who wish ill on us (Matthew 5:43-48). The clarity in which He tackled fear and anxiety (Matthew 6:25), judging others (Matthew 7:1-2), forgiveness (Matthew 18:21-22), and obedience (John 14:15) are lessons we use to this day. It is hard to discuss Jesus’ teachings without mentioning His willingness to always speak the truth. Jesus was not afraid to tell it like it was; even if that meant ruffling a few people’s feathers.
Mark 7: 6-8 (NIV): He replied, “Isaiah was right when he prophesied about you hypocrites; as it is written: ‘these people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me. They worship me in vain; their teachings are merely human rules.’ You have let go of the commands of God and are holding on to human traditions.”
It is an encouragement to think of the impact Jesus had on the world through His words and actions. May our words and deeds afford us the same opportunity to be as influential as Jesus; and may we be remembered as someone who was honest, loving, selfless, and brave.
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