Christ Was A Mighty Man

The New Testament presents Jesus as a man of action. His words and works were like earthquakes, for they shook the earth. Observe the record of His life. You will not see a frail featured fellow walking around or sitting down with a little lamb in His arms or lap. You will find a mighty man indeed!

Jesus was not received or believed by everyone, but even His enemies felt the force of His life. “And it came to pass when Jesus had ended these sayings, the people were astonished at his doctrine: For he taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes” (Matt. 7:28-29). They knew this was no ordinary teacher! His doctrine stirred up debate and raised questions which the religious leaders could not answer. This is shown in that they placed a quarantine on Him and His teaching. “Howbeit no man spake openly of him for fear of the Jews” (Jn. 7:13; 9:22; 12:42). The word came down from the highest echelons of the Jewish hierarchy: “This man is not to be considered under threat of excommunication.”

Excerpts from Luke are also revealing. “And they watched him, and sent forth spies, which should feign themselves just men, that they might take hold of his words, that so they might deliver him into the power and authority of the governor” (Lk. 20:20). “And after that they dared not ask him any question at all” (Lk. 20:40). Why resort to underhanded tactics? Why were the wisest men shamed into silence? They were selected for their guile. They were sly and clever, but they were stifled. Their speechlessness is an eloquent oration on Jesus’ divine authority.

The general public hummed and buzzed with imagination in consideration of Him. Some said He was John the Baptist; some said He was Elijah, Jeremiah, or one of the other Old Testament prophets. Some suspected that He might be the Christ. Others said He was “mad,” but none took Him lightly (Jn. 6:15 cf; 7:12, 31, 32; 10:19-42 f; Matt. 16:17). When they stooped beneath the weight of His impeccable life and doctrine, conniving councils sent “front men” to investigate and castigate him (Matt. 22:15). Whether for good or ill, all men sought and were drawn to Him. The attention which Jesus generated frustrated the Pharisees. In desperation they said among themselves, “Perceive you how you prevail nothing? Behold, the world is gone after him” (Jn. 12:19).

The Gospel according to Mark is crowded with action. For example, you have in Mark a spirit of restless activity; he recognized in Christ just that which satisfies the demand of his particular nature. There is no word in the whole Gospel according to Mark that is more characteristic and significant than the word `immediately,’ or `straightway.’ You find that word two or three times in Matthew; two or three times in Luke; but in Mark it is perpetually recurring. In Mark it occurs 41 times. In Mark, whatever is done is done ‘straightway,’ `immediately,’ and there is rapid passage from one event to another. As soon as Christ works a miracle, straightway something else happens. Mark seems to be bent upon passing rapidly from one thing to another, and recognizing the continual activity of the Savior’s life. It is Mark that tells us that the room where they were was so full they could not stand. It is Mark that tells us that our Savior was so busy with the disciples that they had no time to eat. It is Mark that tells us that Jesus was so restlessly active that the people thought he was beside himself.

The Lord’s words could not be successfully resisted. As we have seen, He squelched captious conspirators who were sent to “entangle him in his talk.” His works were no less powerful. They show us the power of His life and influence. As witness thereto, Lazarus, the brother of Mary and Martha, whom He raised from the dead, led many to believe on Him (Jn. 12:11, 18). So, they plotted to kill Lazarus. They could not discredit the miracle of Lazarus’ resurrection, thus, “The chief priests consulted that they might put Lazarus also to death” (Jn. 12:10). Everyone was talking about Lazarus being raised; the people were clamoring to meet the young Nazarene. Can you sense the furor Jesus’ raising of Lazarus created (Jn. 12:10, 11, 17-19)?

In Matthew 12:22-24, Jesus healed a blind, speechless man who was possessed with a demon. “All the people were amazed!” The area was all “a-flutter” about it! They said, “Is not this the Son of David?” They asked their religious overseers about it. The Pharisees said, “Well, he casts out devils, but he does it by the power of the devil.” This shows the miracle was genuine. Their charge proves the man was healed. All they could do was to try to attack His reputation and prejudice the minds of the people.

Conclusion: Zacchaeus and the woman with a bloody malady could not get to see Jesus, nor could the paralytic man. Why? Because of the masses thronging to see and hear Him! Even as a child Jesus demanded the attention of the learned. When his parents found him thus, “And He said to them, “Why did you seek Me? Did you not know that I must be about My Father’s business” (Lk 2:49)? And when Christ comes again, He shall come with his mighty angels in flaming fire prepared to take vengeance upon the earth against those who know Him not and have not obeyed the gospel of Christ (2 Thess 1:7-9). This proves that Jesus was a man of action from his youth till the moment He was taken back into heaven. It proves Jesus was a mighty man.

He was the focal point of thought because of His deeds. How does this compare with the description of the weak and frail Jesus who was barely strong enough to stand on his own two feet? Jesus was a mighty man in Word and in Deed for He came with power on high. Jesus spoke the very Words of God and He did what He was commanded to do (Jn 12:40, 50). When we as Christians speak the very Words of God (Oracles), when we preach the gospel, and when we teach the doctrine of Christ and His apostles, we too stand in the power of Almighty God (1 Pet 4:11 ff; Mk 16:16; 2 Jn 9; Jn 7:16,17; Jn 16:13). When we follow in the steps of the Savior, we too are men of action in Word and in Deed (1 Pet 2:20-21)! “Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might” (Eph 5:10). Christians are soldiers for Christ, who march into battle wearing the whole armor of God and the Word as our sword, both defending and contending for the faith (2 Tim 2:3-4 ff; Eph 5:11-18; Php. 1:17; Jude 3). This is who Christ was, and this is who Christians are today_a Mighty Man indeed!