Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
How often have we used the phrase, or heard the phrase used, “That’s amazing!” According to Webster, something amazing causes astonishment, great wonder, or surprise. To be truly amazing, it catches our attention. It may be something which we have never seen or experienced before. It is likely something unexpected. . . . we can’t believe that it actually happened. It is usually an event or happening out of the ordinary. Throughout the Scriptures, we see amazing things: the creation of the world in six literal days. . . the worldwide flood. . . the Red Sea parted. . . water pouring from a rock. . . to mention a few. Miracles are performed which transcend the laws of nature. When we come to the New Testament, we see One who is more amazing than anyone else on earth. What He did, what He said, and how He lived were truly amazing.
This month I’m beginning a new series devoted to this One who is so amazing: the Lord Jesus Christ. There is no greater person to ever live on this earth. No one else in history can catch man’s attention like He can. We see the effect that He had on others during His earthly ministry. He was amazing in the impact which He made. When you study the word “amazed” in the Scriptures, you see that it is used mostly of the Lord Jesus and how He affected others. What was so amazing about Jesus? Let’s see what the Gospel writers say.
People were amazed at the works of His power.
They were amazed when He calmed the raging winds and waves (Matt. 8:26-27; Mark 6:51; Luke 8:24-25).
They were amazed when He made the paralytic walk (Matt. 9:6-8; Mark 2:11-12; Luke 5:25-26).
They were amazed when He cast out the demon and enabled the man to speak (Matt. 9:32-33; 12:22-23; Luke 11:14).
They were amazed when He cast out the demons and set men free (Mark 1:26-27; 5:18-20; Luke 4:35-36; 9:42-43).
They were amazed when He healed the mute, maimed, lame, and blind (Matt. 15:30-31).
They were amazed when He raised Jairus’ daughter from the dead (Mark 5:41-42).
They were amazed when He withered the fig tree (Matt. 21:18-20).
People were amazed at the words of His wisdom.
They were amazed at His understanding and answers as a 12-year-0ld in the temple (Luke 2:45-50).
They were amazed when He proclaimed gracious words in the Nazareth synagogue (Luke 4:16-22).
They were amazed when He taught the people with authority on the mountain (Matt. 7:28-29).
They were amazed when He taught in the temple during the Feast of Tabernacles (John 7:14-15).
They were amazed when He answered the Herodians regarding paying taxes (Matt. 22:17-22; Mark 12:13-17; Luke 20:22-26).
They were amazed when He answered the Sadducees regarding resurrection life (Matt. 22:23-33).
People were amazed at the ways of His conduct.
They were amazed at His supposed violation of ceremonial laws (Luke 11:37-45).
They were amazed at His supposed violation of cultural customs (John 4:27-30).
They were amazed at His composed silence at multiple accusations (Matt. 27:12-14; Mark 15:3-5).
People were amazed at the wonder of His resurrection.
They were amazed at the angelic announcement (Mark 16:4-8).
They were amazed at the empty tomb (Luke 24:12).
They were amazed at the risen Christ (Luke 24:36-43).
When people saw and heard Jesus, their common reaction was one of amazement. What He did and said was amazing because He Himself is truly amazing. No one who has ever lived on this earth can begin to compare with the Lord Jesus Christ. Why was He so amazing? In upcoming letters we will see those aspects of His character and His nature which reveal how glorious He is. I welcome you to join me in this study.
Because of His Grace—Pastor Charlie