Jesus of Nazareth - All The LORD is near Daily Devotionals for 2024

Learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart.
Matthew 11: 29 NKJV

Jesus of Nazareth
The Lord Jesus was no ordinary man. He was “the second Man … the Lord from heaven” (1 Cor. 15:47). Furthermore, He was pure and perfect. There was never a sinful thought that entered His heart, nor any corrupt communication that proceeded out of His mouth. You would not have found Him drinking from the “broken cisterns” of earthly pleasures. True, He had a human nature, for He could be weary, He could experience hunger, He could sleep, and He could weep. But He did not possess a fallen nature; therefore, He could not succumb to sin. He was “tempted in all things in like manner, sin apart” (Heb. 4:15 jnd).

He did not move among royalty, nor was He found in kings’ palaces, even though He was a king! If you had sought Him in that day, you would probably have found Him on the Galilean shore calling disciples to follow Him; or in the Mount of Olives alone with God; or perhaps in a poor home in Bethany for a meal. You may have found Him teaching in the synagogues, or keeping Passover. You would have found Him ministering to the needs of the hungry, the blind, the leper, and those with diseases. You may have found Him at a marriage in Cana of Galilee, or visiting a home where death had cast its dark shadow to comfort the grieving, or at a grave to mingle His tears with those who wept.

He did not seek political office; He simply went about doing good. When Satan offered Him the kingdoms of the world if He would fall down and worship him, He said, “Away with you, Satan! For it is written, ‘You shall worship the Lord your God, and Him only you shall serve’” (Mt. 4:8–10). When the people wanted to make Him king by force, He left them, and went into a mountain alone (Jn. 6:15). Then, this lovely Man laid down His life on the cross, tasting death for everyone (Heb. 2:9). He can still be found today, by those who seek Him by faith.

-- Richard A. Barnett