I am currently reading Centennial by James Michener. Like most
of Michener’s books, it’s a giant, sweeping historical fiction epic. It
literally covers about 500 years in more or less detail. This particular novel
is about the migration into the American West. What I find so interesting is
the various characters’ interactions with real people from history. The reader
encounters Daniel Boone, Lewis and Clark, Jim Bridger and many others. It’s
thought-provoking to see how the fictional characters relate to the real ones. As
I read Michener, he makes me feel like I’m in his character’s shoes.
It makes me think what it would have
been like to encounter Jesus as He walked throughout Judea, Galilee and
surrounding areas. I know fictional accounts have been written which include
meetings with Jesus. But, it makes me think, what if I were the character
meeting this man Jesus? What would I think? What if Andrew would have come to
me and said, “We have found the Messiah”
(John 1:41 – NKJV)? How would I have reacted to Philip declaring, “We have found Him of whom Moses in the law,
and also the prophets, wrote – Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph”
(1:45)?
We know many believed that. We know
crowds of people followed Jesus for a while. Would I have been in that crowd?
Would you? More importantly, would you, would I have been in the crowd – a much
smaller crowd – when Jesus prayed in the Garden for His apostles and for you
and me, “I do not pray for these alone,
but also for those who will believe in Me through their word” (17:20).
The life Jesus lived on this earth
was remarkable. He taught, He ministered, He healed and He amazed the
multitudes. It would have been incredible to see. But, even Jesus would say His
emphasis was not to astound and amaze. He did all He did to save us (Luke
19:10).
It would’ve been amazing to meet
legendary mountain men or famous leaders of the past. But, none of them could
really change your life – none could offer what Jesus offered.
Forgiveness. Hope.
Jesus came to this earth, walked
among us, and changed the world…so He could change your life.
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