No Ordinary Man: Discovering the Extraordinary Nature of Jesus

Gary Bush January 7, 2025

In a world filled with ordinary people and everyday occurrences, there stands one figure who transcends the boundaries of the everyday – Jesus Christ. His life, teachings, and actions set Him apart as truly extraordinary, inviting us to explore the depths of His character and the implications for our own lives.

Imagine for a moment being transported to a remote island, isolated from the rest of the world. Your entire reality is confined to the shores of this small landmass. Then, suddenly, strangers arrive, bringing with them technologies and concepts beyond your wildest imagination. This scenario, while extreme, mirrors the impact Jesus had when He began His ministry. He brought a message and a way of life that was foreign, revolutionary, and often difficult to comprehend for those steeped in the traditions and limitations of their time.

Jesus taught like no other. His words, captured in the famous Sermon on the Mount, challenge our very understanding of blessedness and success. “Blessed are the poor in spirit,” He declared, “for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” In a world that often equates happiness with wealth, power, and status, Jesus flipped the script. He spoke of a different economy, one where meekness, mercy, and a hunger for righteousness are the true measures of success.

Consider the parable of the Good Samaritan. In this story, Jesus not only redefined the concept of neighborly love but also challenged deeply ingrained prejudices. The hero of the tale wasn’t a respected religious leader or a person of high standing, but a Samaritan – someone despised by the Jewish audience. This radical narrative calls us to examine our own biases and to extend compassion beyond our comfort zones.

But Jesus didn’t just teach differently; He acted in ways that defied expectations. His power over nature, demonstrated when He calmed a raging storm with mere words, left His disciples in awe. “Who is this?” they marveled, “Even the wind and the waves obey him!” This display of authority over the elements reveals a God who is intimately involved in His creation, capable of bringing peace to the storms of our lives.

Jesus’ extraordinary nature was further evident in His ability to meet everyday needs in miraculous ways. The feeding of the 5,000 with just five loaves and two fish isn’t merely a story about multiplication; it’s a powerful reminder of God’s ability to take our meager offerings and turn them into abundance. Interestingly, Jesus involved His disciples in this miracle, telling them, “You give them something to eat.” This challenges us to consider how God might want to use us as instruments of His provision and grace in the lives of others.

Perhaps the most profound aspect of Jesus’ extraordinary character was His relentless pursuit of the lost. The parables of the lost sheep, the lost coin, and the prodigal son paint a picture of a God who doesn’t wait passively for us to find our way back to Him. Instead, He actively seeks us out, rejoicing when we return.

The story of the prodigal son, in particular, shatters our notions of justice and forgiveness. The father in the parable, representing God, doesn’t merely accept his wayward son back – he runs to him, embraces him, and throws a celebratory feast. This is a God who doesn’t just tolerate our return; He celebrates it with unhinged joy.

As we reflect on the extraordinary nature of Jesus, we’re confronted with a choice. How will we respond to this no ordinary man? Will we be like the rocky soil, initially receptive but quick to fall away when challenges arise? Or will we be the good soil, allowing the truth of who Jesus is to take deep root in our lives and bear fruit?

The decision to follow Jesus is not an easy one. It’s countercultural and often fraught with difficulties. Yet, as Peter so eloquently put it, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life.” In a world of shifting sands and temporary solutions, Jesus offers a foundation that cannot be shaken.

As we navigate the complexities of life, we’re invited to build our lives on the rock of Christ’s teachings and character. This means embracing a different set of values – valuing mercy over judgment, generosity over greed, and love over indifference. It means recognizing that true greatness lies not in worldly success but in serving others and seeking God’s kingdom.

Moreover, we’re called to be active participants in God’s work of redemption. Just as Jesus told His disciples to feed the multitude, He calls us to be His hands and feet in a world hungry for hope and healing. This might mean stepping out of our comfort zones, crossing cultural barriers, or simply showing kindness to someone society has deemed unworthy.

In closing, let us remember that while we may strive to do great things for God, nothing we accomplish can ever surpass what God has already done for us through Jesus Christ. His life, death, and resurrection remain the greatest gift ever given – everything else is just “whipped cream and cherries on top.”

As we go about our days, may we be continually amazed by the extraordinary nature of Jesus. May His teachings challenge us, His actions inspire us, and His love transform us. In doing so, we too might become a little less ordinary, reflecting the light of the One who sought us, saved us, and continues to shape us into His image.