The Life and Times of Jesus

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.