Jesus- The Greatest of the Great
Gentlemen, Comrades- when we reflect on greatness, we often find ourselves questioning how it should be defined and measured in human beings. Many schools of thought address this topic, each offering a different perspective. Can greatness be gauged by mental prowess, military genius, unmatched wisdom, or physical strength?1
For the purposes of this discussion, I turn to the view of the famous historian H. G. Wells, who posited that a man’s greatness is measured by “what he leaves to grow and whether he started others to think along fresh lines with a vigor that persisted after him.” While Wells did not identify as a Christian, he acknowledged that “by this test, Jesus stands first.”
The lives of historical figures like Alexander the Great and Napoleon Bonaparte, both renowned for their power and influence, are often cited as examples of greatness. Napoleon, who has occasionally been labeled as anti-Christ, once remarked that “Jesus Christ has influenced and commanded his subjects without his visible bodily presence.” This observation highlights a unique and unparalleled feat—one that places Jesus in a league of His own, even by secular standards.
Born in an obscure village to a peasant woman, Jesus was far from being born into greatness. He grew up in a humble setting, working as a carpenter until the age of thirty. Yet, despite His unremarkable beginnings, He existed before the creation of the world, as stated in John 1. He never held a political office, wrote a book, or attended any formal religious or academic institutions. Nonetheless, His profound knowledge amazed even the Jewish leaders of His time, who marveled at His understanding, asking, “How can this man have knowledge of letters when He has not studied at the schools?” (John 7:15). This extraordinary depth of wisdom sets Jesus apart from all others.
Beyond His remarkable intellect, it was Jesus’ teachings and His exemplary life that have left a lasting impact on humanity. For over two thousand years, His message has touched countless lives. One writer famously asserted that “all the armies that ever marched, all the navies that ever sailed, all the parliaments that ever sat, all the kings that ever reigned put together have not affected the life of man on Earth as has that one solitary life.” This statement encapsulates the enduring influence of Jesus Christ.
The question of who Jesus truly is has been pondered for centuries. His disciples themselves asked this question when, during the early years of His ministry, He calmed a storm by simply rebuking it. “Who is this man?” they wondered, “For He orders even the winds and the waters, and they obey Him.” (Mark 4:41).
On two occasions, God Himself acknowledged Jesus as His Son. First, at His baptism, God declared, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased; hear Him” (Matthew 3:17). This divine affirmation was a testament to Jesus’ unique nature and mission. Furthermore, Jesus’ life and teachings revealed a deep connection to His pre-human existence, something John recognized when he wrote about Jesus’ eternal nature and divine authority.
Jesus did not just teach the concept of love—He embodied it. His command to “love one another as I have loved you” (John 13:34) was more than a moral directive; it was a demonstration of how love should be lived out. His unparalleled example of selfless love has had a profound effect on people throughout history.
While critics often point to the atrocities committed in the name of Christianity—such as the Crusades, inquisitions, and religious wars—it is essential to acknowledge that these actions do not reflect the teachings of Jesus, but rather the failures of those who claimed to follow Him. Mahatma Gandhi, a Hindu leader who greatly admired Jesus, once stated, “I love Christ but despise Christians because they do not live as Christ lived.” This criticism, though harsh, underscores the importance of living according to Jesus’ teachings.
Some critics argue that the lack of contemporary records outside the Bible makes it difficult to verify the existence and impact of Jesus. H.G. Wells, for instance, claimed that “the old Roman historians ignored Jesus entirely, and He left no impress on the historical records of His time.” However, such claims overlook the existence of references to Jesus by early historians. The first-century Roman historian Tacitus, for example, wrote that “the name Christian is derived from Christ, whom the procurator Pontius Pilate had executed in the region of Tiberius.” Other Roman writers from that period also made brief references to Jesus.
Ultimately, the four Gospels provide the most detailed and powerful account of Jesus’ life and impact, leaving no doubt about His greatness. His influence continues to shape human history, transcending time, culture, and borders.
As we enter the Lenten season and prepare to commemorate another significant event in the life of Jesus, let us take a moment to reflect on the profound truth that the greatest event in human history took place over two thousand years ago, during the reign of Caesar Augustus. Jesus Christ was born into the world to give His life as a ransom for many, and through His life and teachings, He continues to inspire, challenge, and transform the lives of millions. Let us remember His unparalleled greatness and the enduring power of His love.
Footnotes
- Excerpts from an address/discussion during Lent, based on the essay “The Greatest Man Who Ever Lived” published by the Watchtower Online Library. ↩︎
