Who is this Man? – Day 13

A while ago, I heard children singing in Sunday School: “Hy is magtig; Hy is pragtig.” (He is powerful; He is beautiful). I considered these words when I meditated on Jesus. Powerful and beautiful are striking words to describe Jesus. Normally, we would not describe Jesus as beautiful. We would say that of something or someone, a car or a person. But, Jesus was a beautiful person. He showed us how God had intended us to be. This is how we, as human beings, could have been. Yet, Jesus was so much more than a human being.

At the age of twelve, he astounded the Bible scholars of his day with his insight. These scholars were not unintelligent; we can say that they were professors in theology.

Jesus understood the words in the Old Testament that applied to Him, like no one else. He had perfect insight into the Old Testament. The people were surprised by his method of teaching. He did not only quote various beautiful sayings, but his characteristic way of teaching was: “I say to you …” According to Mark (1:22), He did not teach like a teacher of the law, but as one who had authority. He re-interpreted the current laws and revealed that it is even more radical in his kingdom. (Matthew 5:31,33,38).

The teachings of Jesus are simple and can be easily understood. He used recognisable examples. He talked about things that everyone could understand: a shepherd, a vine, how to build a house, a mustard seed, a farmer who sows, weeds and so on. Through his ordinary language, Jesus showed that God wants to be close to people and that God is interested in the everyday stuff.