Jump Start # 3909
John 1:14 “And the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us, and we saw His glory, glory as of the only begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth.”
THROWBACK THURSDAY: An article written years ago
BEFORE ALL
The message and life in Christ is not a secret, unknown mystery. Christianity is the light that is shone before men, the epistle that is known and read by all men, and the good deeds that are done in all men (Gal 6:10). We learn that the events in the life of Christ were witnessed before the eyes of the world. It would be these events that the faithful would refer to as the “proof of Christianity.”
THE TEACHING OF CHRIST WAS BEFORE ALL. “Jesus answered him, ‘I have spoken openly to the world; I always taught in synagogues and in the temple, where all the Jews come together; and I spoke nothing in secret” (Jn 18:20). The results of His preaching and teaching produced amazement and the glorifying of God (Mt 7:28).
THE MIRACLES OF CHRIST WERE BEFORE ALL. Matthew records the Lord in Galilee healing all manners of sickness and disease among the people (4:23-25). The healing of the cripple (Mt 9:1-8) was before the multitudes. The resurrection of the widow’s son was seen by many (Lk 7:11-16). Peter reminded the crowds, “…Jesus the Nazarene, a man attested to you by God with miracles and wonders and signs which God performed through Him in your midst, just as you yourselves know” (Acts 2:22). As a result of these miracles the Bible says, “So the crowd marveled as they saw the mute speaking, the crippled restored, and the lame walking, and the blind seeing; and they glorified the God of Israel” (Mt 15:31).
THE DEATH AND RESURRECTION OF CHRIST WAS BEFORE ALL. Jesus was beaten and mocked before “the whole band of soldiers” (Mt 27:12). While on the cross, the chief priests elders and scribes saw Him (Mt 27:41). Many women were gathered at the cross (Mt 27:54, 55). After His resurrection, God “showed Him openly” (Acts 10:40). Paul lists that the resurrected Lord was witnessed by the apostles, and as many as five hundred brethren, and by Paul himself (1 Cor 15:1-8).
The life of Christ was before all. From this we must learn that our faith, our seasoned speech, our talents, our convictions, and our good deeds are to be seen by all.
Are you shining your light?
Roger
November 1984