Christ Was Famous

~ The Crowds Sought Him ~

Because of His words, works, and wisdom Jesus Christ became well-known.  “From there He arose and went to the region of Tyre and Sidon.  And He entered a house and wanted no one to know it, but He could not be hidden” (Mark 7:24).

His Appearance  ~  It was clear to those who interacted with the Messiah that this was no ordinary man.  It was not that He was a particularly handsome man of great physical appeal.  “He [The Messiah] has no form or comeliness; and when we see Him, there is no beauty that we should desire Him” (Isaiah 53:2b).  There may have been an almost magnetic attraction to His grace, mercy, and love.

His Words  ~  “Then the officers came to the chief priests and Pharisees, who said to them, ‘Why have you not brought Him?’  The officers answered, ‘No man ever spoke like this Man!’” (John 7:45-46).

His Works  ~  “But He said to them, ‘Why are you fearful, O you of little faith?’  Then He arose and rebuked the winds and the sea, and there was a great calm.  So the men marveled, saying, ‘Who can this be, that even the winds and the sea obey Him?’” (Matthew 8:26-27).

His Wisdom  ~  “Now it came to pass, when Jesus had finished these parables, that He departed from there.  When He had come to His own country, He taught them in their synagogue, so that they were astonished and said, ‘Where did this Man get this wisdom and these mighty works?  Is this not the carpenter's son?  Is not His mother called Mary?  And His brothers James, Joses, Simon, and Judas?  And His sisters, are they not all with us?  Where then did this Man get all these things?’ So they were offended at Him” (Matthew 13:53-57).

His Purpose  ~  “I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly” (John 10:8b).  Speaking of His coming crucifixion the Messiah said, “Now My soul is troubled, and what shall I say?  ‘Father, save Me from this hour?’  But for this purpose [a sacrifice for our sins] I came to this hour.  Father, glorify Your name” (John 12:27-28).  “So I said, ‘Who are You, Lord?’  And He said, ‘I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting.  But rise and stand on your feet; for I have appeared to you for this purpose, to make you a minister and a witness both of the things which you have seen and of the things which I will yet reveal to you’” (Acts 26:15-16).

Application  ~  As CHRISTians we are to bear CHRIST’s likeness, possess His qualities, and walk as He walked.  An authentic Christian living today in the pattern of Christ’s life will also have a magnetic appeal regarding their love and compassion for others.

the key question:  “Who do you say that I am?” (Matthew 16:15).  This is the most important question you will ever answer.  If you do not answer it, or answer it incorrectly, you have made the biggest mistake anyone can make!

~ Robert Lloyd Russell, ABUNDANT LIFE NOW

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