You’ve probably heard me mention before that the entire Bible is ultimately about Jesus. Every phrase, every story, every detail shows us something about Him, His nature, His character, His goodness, His mercy, grace and love, and of course, His sacrificial work on the cross.
This fact of the scriptures pointing to Jesus did not originate with me, but is something that Jesus himself said and demonstrated several times, such as when talking with the two people on the Emmaus road in Luke 24:27 — where Jesus expounded the things in scripture concerning Himself. And it’s interesting to note here that Jesus “started with the books of Moses” the Law. Even the Old Covenant Law point to Jesus the Christ.
We also see a potent example of the scriptures being about Jesus in John 5:39, where Jesus is addressing some Pharisees, and He tells them the following:
39 You search the scriptures; for in them you think you have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me.
40 And you will not come to me, that you might have life.
Here, Jesus makes two critical distinctions; the first being between Himself and the scriptures (showing that the Bible is not Jesus) and the second showing how reading the Bible alone is not sufficient to save. You must come to Jesus, on a personal level. You must see and believe Him.
So today, at this Christmas-time, I would like to share with you some truths about the pure excellency of Jesus. Because it’s easy to fall into the trap of seeing Him as just another man, a good teacher, or an example to follow (as if we could!)
But Jesus is much more than that. He is savior, He is Lord, and He is the only way to salvation.
Jesus is Greater Than Man
A common idea among the world, and Christians sadly is that with enough effort, enough time, and and enough willpower, we can reach up towards God, we can grab our own blessings, and “impress” or somehow “thank” God with our good works.
You may have heard this theory expressed in church sermons, devotional studies, or small groups, in various ways — where more honor is given to our personal efforts, sacrifices, and works, than the finished sacrifice and work of Jesus on the cross.
The idea that our works and efforts are in any way sufficient in the eyes of God is a destructive trap. It’s the same error pictured by the tower of Babel from Genesis chapter 11. Man can never reach to God. As much as we try to build our tower up to heaven, our efforts will always fall short and we will be left confused.
The only way to bridge the gap between God and man that sin created, is through a sinless savior, namely, Jesus. He is the way, not merely a way.
As humans we often have an exaggerated opinion of our abilities . As Christians, we still have that inflated view, but we mask it behind false humility, claiming that we are working for God’s glory, trying to please him, or whatever religious lingo is the new hot take for the moment. But underneath the veil, it’s still the same legalistic performance mindset.
It’s when we shed that facade and see how truly excellent Jesus is that we start to understand how wretched and worthless our efforts actually are.
Consider that Adam and Eve were described as “very good” by God upon creation. They were created innocent, as full adults. And they were placed in a fully finished and completely furnished garden paradise. All of their needs were met, and they were given clear instruction from God; no confusion, no obfuscation. Everything was optimally designed for their success, and they failed.
Now consider Jesus. He came into the world after it was mangled and marred by sin and corruption. He came into the world as a newborn baby, helpless and obscure — after the line of David had been brought to its lowest point. He was hunted from his birth, mocked and challenged continually, and brought into the wilderness — not a beautiful finished garden, but literally a desert.
Rather than having his every need met, Jesus fasted forty days. Rather than being primed for success, he was setup for absolute failure; but he succeeded!
This is the excellency of Jesus on full display. Once we begin to see not only his humanity but also his divinity, then we will find the source of confidence and strength that we never knew before.
A Completely Sinless Savior
As Hebrews 4:15 details, Jesus was tempted in every way as we are, yet he is without sin.
And this being without doesn’t just mean that didn’t commit a sinful act, but that He was completely without sin.
Jesus is absolutely impeccable; He cannot sin.
The scriptures tell us that:
- Jesus knew no sin (2nd Corinthians 5:21)
- Jesus committed no sin (1st Peter 2:22)
- Jesus has no sin in him (1st John 3:5)
And that last part is an important because it means that Jesus has absolutely no sin nature. It is impossible for Him to ever sin, which means your salvation is totally secure!
Let the truth of Jesus’ excellency strengthen and encourage you today this Christmas, and every day!
Be blessed.