The Greatest Man in History

Who is the greatest man in history? Some will point to presidents. Others will name kings, generals, scientists, scholars or billionaires. History books are filled with men who commanded armies, built empires, accumulated fortunes and changed nations. But there is one Man who stands above them all. His name is Jesus.

He had no servants, yet they called Him Master. He had no college degree, yet they called Him Teacher. He had no medicine, yet they called Him Healer. He had no army, yet kings feared Him. He won no military battles, yet He conquered the world. He lived in no palace, yet they called Him Lord. He ruled no earthly nation, yet they called Him King. He accumulated no fortune, yet for more than 2,000 years people have considered His words priceless. He wrote no book, yet more books have been written about Him than we could ever count. He never traveled the world, yet His name has traveled to virtually every corner of it. He never held political office, yet His teachings have influenced nations. He never commanded an army, yet millions have willingly surrendered their lives to follow Him. He committed no crime, yet they arrested Him.

He was innocent, yet they condemned Him. They mocked Him. They beat Him. They placed a crown of thorns upon His head. They nailed His hands and feet to a cross. And finally, they crucified Him between two criminals. They thought the cross would silence Him. They thought the nails would stop Him. They thought the grave would hold Him. But they were wrong. Because early Sunday morning, the stone was rolled away. The tomb was empty. And the One they crucified got up!

That's what separates Jesus from every other great figure in history. You can visit the resting places of kings, presidents, generals and emperors. But Christianity stands on a declaration that changed history: The tomb is empty. He was buried — yet He lives. And more than 2,000 years later, people are still calling His name. When we're hurting, we call Jesus. When we're frightened, we call Jesus. When the doctor gives us news we weren't prepared to hear, we call Jesus. When the money gets funny and the change gets strange, we call Jesus. When friends walk away, family doesn't understand and life brings us to our knees, there is still something about calling the name Jesus.

His kingdom is not of this world, yet His kingdom lives within the hearts of those who believe. And perhaps that's the greatest miracle of all. Jesus didn't come simply to establish monuments. He came to change hearts. He didn't come looking for a throne made of gold. He came looking for a throne inside you and me. That's why I don't need somebody else to tell me who the greatest Man in history is. I know who He is. He is the Alpha and the Omega. The Beginning and the End. The Lily of the Valley. The Bright and Morning Star. The Prince of Peace. The Wonderful Counselor. The Good Shepherd.  The Bread when you're hungry. Water when you're thirsty. Shelter in the time of a storm. Hope when you're hopeless. Strength when you're weak. And a friend when everybody else has walked away.

His name is Jesus. Kings have come and gone. Empires have risen and fallen. Generals have fought their battles. Presidents have served their terms. Celebrities have watched their fame fade. But Jesus? He's still here. Still saving. Still healing. Still forgiving. Still restoring. Still changing lives. Still making ways out of no ways. And still doing what nobody else can do.

So if somebody asks me, “Who is the greatest Man in history?” I don't have to think about it. I don't have to Google it. I don't need a history book. I know the answer for myself.

The greatest Man in history is the One who died on Friday, rested in the grave, and rose with all power in His hands. Jesus Christ. And here's the good news from my pew: The greatest Man in history can still become the greatest presence in your life. And that's A View From A Pew.