Easter often brings talk of Jesus’ death, burial and resurrection, as well it should! In all of that, what is often lost in the discussion is His birth and its uniqueness. We leave that for Christmas.
But we really shouldn’t do that.
There is a cult belief that Jesus is just one of God’s children. Another is Jesus was not fully God and fully man from birth to death. The former is a belief of the JW’s and Mormons. The JW’s even go so far as to say Jesus was a created being, Michael the Archangel. They use the term “only begotten” to defend that. (John 1:14) *But only begotten is a mistranslation of that word. According to Greek scholars, that doesn’t come from the term meaning “beget” but instead has the idea of “the only beloved one.” Therefore, it has the idea of uniqueness, of being loved like no other. John is emphasizing the exclusive character of the relationship between the Father and Son in the Godhead. It does not refer to origin but unique prominence.*
Jesus was no mere man. At birth. Or death. He was unique in every way. He was one of a kind.
{Note: the more “intellectual” Greek thoughts (denoted by *) were taken from One Perfect Life by John MacArthur- (p.55). I am using the book for my morning Quiet Time. It is a different approach to reading through the Gospels and the life of Jesus.}
One must understand Who Jesus is and Where He came from to grasp the full significance of Easter. If Jesus was just another man on a cross, then the death, burial, and resurrection would be insignificant. — Thankfully, this is not the case.
I agree Ryan. The failure to grasp that ruins Easter. In fact, it ruins life in Christ. Period.
I love that phrase “the only beloved one,” Bill – what a fresh, insightful way to look at who Jesus is!
Blessings!
I thought so too Martha.
Absolutely!
How can you miss the words of Christ when he said, “Before Abraham I AM”?
Spot on!
“Jesus was no mere man.” Amen to this, Bill! Thanks for your Lent series because I never picked up a book or anything on my own this year.
You’re welcome Lisa. I hope it has been beneficial to you and to others.