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If Jesus Had Been Like Most Of Us…

Posted by Paul Yeenie Harry on March 26, 2005

As we go through this Easter Season, the Christian world is focused on the man, Jesus. And there are many different reasons why people focus on him. Different people focus on different things about this man.

Some focus on His redemptive struggle for the world, a struggle that has reconciled us back to God. In other words, what He had to go through for the redemption of mankind. He was rejected by those for whom He meant well. He was ridiculed, mocked, etc. He was stripped naked. He was beaten. He was spat upon.

He was tortured. He was made to carry His own cross. His feet and hands were bored with nails about 5-7 inches long. He was speared. He was thirsty, and no one gave Him water to drink. He went through disgrace and excruciating pains. Finally, He gave up the ghost, shamefully dying on a Roman cross, when He could have chosen to remain in heaven. Hence, for some people, this is the focal point about the man, Jesus!

We read in Matthew 27:54 that one of those who participated in the crucifixion of Jesus was a Roman Army commander. After observing the extraordinary nature of Jesus, he remarked, “Truly, this was the Son of God.” The Apostle Paul tells us in I Timothy 1:15, “This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners…”

Others focus on His miracles. He made the blind see! He made the deaf hear! He made the handicapped walk! He fed the hungry! He cleansed the demon-possessed! He healed the sick! He raised the dead! He calmed the storm! He…

Indeed, others reflect on Jesus’ miracles and realize that He was not an ordinary man. He cannot be considered nonentity in their lives. He must be trusted, and their redemptive faith be exercised in Him. If he did all this for others, then He is still capable of performing similar miracles in their physical and spiritual lives. For many this is the focal point about the man, Jesus!

In John 20:30-31, we read: “And many other signs truly did Jesus in the presence of His disciples, which are not written… But these are written that you might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that by believing, you might have life through His name.” We read similar message in John 21 verse 25: “And there are also many other things which Jesus did, and if they were all to be written, the whole world would not be able to contain the books that should be written about His miracles.” [Paraphrase is mine]

Still, others focus on His meekness of spirit, the gentle character He possessed and the humble manner in which He helped others. He was always willing and ready to help people who needed His help, without later going around, beating His chest: “I helped this person, that person and the other person.” He didn’t even remind them of His help to them. He didn’t tell any of those whom he helped, “I helped you, so you should do what I say and want.” He did not ask them for high respect or submission in return. He still considered them as human beings with dignity, rights and choices. No! He did not do that! He was not like most of us! He was different and is still different! For others this is the focal point about the man, Jesus!

If Jesus had been like most of us, He would have told Lazarus, “Lazarus, I raised you from the dead, so you have to be submissive to me, if not, you will not receive any further help. Remember you could die again anytime.” No! He did not say that!

If Jesus had been like most of us, He would have told the thousands He fed, “You were hungry and I fed you. So, all of you have to follow me and do exactly what I request, and do it according to my timetable, if not, I will stop or suspend helping you.” No! He did not say or do such thing!

If Jesus had been like most of us, He would have told Judas, “I am the Son of God, and I know that you are not sincere. I know that you are the one who will betray me. So, you cannot be my Apostle. In fact, I don’t want you to even come around me. Or, if I allow you to be my Apostle, you will not be the one to keep the money.” No! He did not say or do such thing!

If Jesus had been like most of us, He would have told the world: “To be frank with you people, I will die only for those who do not challenge my words and deeds, those who do not intend to harm me, those who do not reject me, those who do not crucify me, etc.” No! He did not say that!

In fact, we read in Luke 23:34 that during His last few hours before dying, He looked at His accusers and those determined to put Him to death and remarked: “Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do.” Incredible, isn’t it?

If Jesus had been like most of us, He would have been suspicious of almost everyone who came around him. Judas betrayed Him for thirty pieces of silver. Peter denied Him three times. Nicodemus was a Pharisee and went to Him at night. Paul severely persecuted the Christians. Some of His disciples were concerned about being the greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven. Others went to Him only for what He could do for them. Did He reject or overlook any of these people?

No! Jesus was a different man, and is still different. He accepts people as they are and is willing and ready to interact with them. We focus on people’s weaknesses; Jesus focuses on their strengths. We are demanding and authoritative; Jesus is patient and understanding. We exclude; Jesus includes. We find faults with people; Jesus encourages people. We play on the weak and the needy; Jesus accepts the rejected and consoles the weak. We are unfaithful; Jesus remains faithful. We are highly undependable; Jesus is hundred-percent dependable. We accepted people on the basis of their strengths; Jesus accepts them in spite of their weaknesses.

The good news is that all these striking differences guarantee our hope that He will not let us down in our moment of distress, desperation, frustration, disappointment, doubts, etc. He is always there for us! We can always count on Him! Isn’t this wonderful?

To conclude, let’s read I Peter 5 verse 7: “Cast all (not just some, not just a few, not most, but ALL) your cares/problems/burdens upon Jesus, because He cares for you.” [Paraphrase and emphasis are mine]

Glory be to God Almighty for sending His Son into the world!