What Stands Out About the Life of Jesus?
Who exactly was Jesus? This was the big question he asked his closest friends one day: “Who do people say that I am?” Some thought he was a great prophet or an important teacher. But when Jesus’ friend Peter spoke up and said, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God,” it was a turning point. Peter recognized that Jesus was not just a remarkable human being, but something much more—God’s own Son.
This idea is at the heart of what sets Jesus apart. He wasn’t just a wise teacher or a good person; he claimed to be God’s Son, both fully human and fully divine. For the people of his time, this was a shocking claim—so much so that some were offended and ultimately, it led to his death.
So what does it really mean for Jesus to be the Son of God? It means he was born like any other person, experienced life as we do, and yet he showed a kind of love, forgiveness, and power that pointed to something greater. As the Bible tells us, Jesus didn’t just talk about God—he showed what God is like in everyday life. He healed sick people, forgave those who had messed up, and welcomed everyone, from the rich and powerful to those who were looked down on by society.
What’s especially impressive to me about Jesus’ life as a human is how he lived out compassion and love in real, practical ways. He didn’t just teach about loving your neighbor—he went out of his way to care for people others ignored or even disliked. When someone was hurting, he stopped to help, no matter how busy he was. Even when he was tired, he took time for children, for people in pain, and for those who had questions or doubts.
Another thing that stands out is how he forgave, even when it cost him. On the cross, instead of holding a grudge against those who hurt him, he prayed for their forgiveness. That’s a kind of love that goes far beyond what most of us could manage.
To me, what makes Jesus unique isn’t just what he taught, but how he lived. He brought hope and healing, he stood up for what was right, and he cared deeply about each person he met. He showed us what God’s love looks like in action—what some have called “God with a face on.”
In short, Jesus is more than just a good man or a famous religious figure. If we take his words and life seriously, he is the Son of God who came to bring us forgiveness, new life, and a relationship with God that we could never earn on our own. That’s what truly impresses me about his time on earth: the perfect blend of humanity and divinity, lived out in love, humility, and grace.
Minister A Francine Green I July 2025
afrancinegreen.com 