The uniqueness of Jesus

In the middle of April I will be giving a presentation to the post-college group at our church on the topic of the uniqueness of Jesus. I’ve been doing some research on the topic--it's amazing how many different ways Jesus stands out from other religious leaders.

First, the sources of information about him are unique. They are much closer to his time than any source for other religious leaders. Plus, there are so many of them – roughly 5000 Greek manuscripts survive. In addition, these sources are written by eyewitnesses or by those who talked to eyewitnesses, so there's a great authenticity to what is reported.

Jesus is also unique in the prophecies made about him and the fulfillment of these prophecies. I won't take the time here to list all the Bible references, but throughout the Old Testament there are passages that relate to the coming of the Messiah – his lineage, the tribe he will belong to, when he will be born, where he will be born, the type of birth he will have, his childhood in Egypt, the purpose of his death, the method of his death, and, finally, a resurrection.

Events surrounding the life of Jesus were unique as well. His birth, his miracles, and his exorcisms all were unique when compared to other religious leaders. Something that is particularly special for a Jewish man was his acceptance of worship from his followers. No Jew was supposed to be worshiped; this was reserved for God.

What Jesus said was unique. Instead of being a typical rabbi who tried to explain the law, Jesus reinterpreted it, taking the role of God himself (“. . . but I tell you”). He made startling claims about his divinity, his existence, his ability to forgive sins, his future role as judge of all. Besides this, he made promises for his followers then and now – if they believed in him, he would grant them eternal life. Can you imagine someone at work telling you, “I am the way . . . I am the resurrection and the life”?

What friends said about him was unique. Peter called him Messiah, Thomas exclaimed “My Lord and my God,” and John said Jesus existed with God before the world began and was responsible for creating everything. No other religious leader had his/her followers saying anything like this.

What his enemies said about him was also unique. Jewish leaders of the time accused him of blasphemy because they knew he claimed to be God. In the Jewish Talmud, written after Jesus ascended to heaven, references are made to his supernatural powers, which are credited to satanic influence. But note that this Jewish source does admit Jesus performed miracles. Plus, there are Roman historians, no friends of Jesus, who talk of him receiving worship reserved for the gods.

Jesus is also unique because of his positive impact on the world. No other religious authority has done so much to improve the human race. Women were esteemed more highly, hospitals were founded, universities were set up, capitalism and free enterprise came about, civil liberties were proclaimed, modern science got its start, the common individual was elevated, life was considered more precious – all in the name of Jesus.

Finally, his relationship to the religion he founded was unique. All other religious leaders can be taken out of their religions. For example, Islam functions perfectly well with or without Mohammed. So does Buddhism, Mormonism, Jehovah's Witnesses, Christian Science, Scientology, and all the others. But this is not the case with Christianity. Take Jesus out of Christianity, and the entire structure collapses. The old cliché is true: "Christianity is a relationship, not a religion."

When we look at all of these points, we have to make a decision. Jesus has to be one of four things – liar, lunatic, legend, or Lord. But Jesus doesn't exhibit characteristic traits of a liar. In addition, his teaching does not suggest a disturbed mind. But what about Jesus as legend? That's not a good option either because very little time elapsed between the events of his life and the writings of the Gospels. Much more time is required if legend is to creep in. So, were left with one choice – Jesus is Lord.