NO MAN EVER SPOKE LIKE THIS MAN

By Nana Yaw Aidoo

At the end of the Great Galilean ministry, Jesus Christ shifted His ministry to Judea. This shift began with a trip to Jerusalem for the Feast of Tabernacles (John 7:2). Our Lord was the "hottest issue in the news." He was "the bone of contention." Everyone at this feast had made Jesus Christ "the principal topic of discussion." "He is good" said His sympathizers. "No, on the contrary, He deceives the people" ranted His opposers (John 7:12).

All of a sudden, our Lord who had moved to the feast in secret (John 7:10), "...about the middle of the feast...went up into the temple and taught" (John 7:14). David L. Roper wrote that Jesus "walked into the lions' den and pulled the lions' beards" (The Life of Christ 2, A Supplement, pp.29). So astonished were the religious leaders at His teaching that they asked; "How does this Man know letters, having never studied?" Some as a result of the things He said, even accused Him of having a demon (John 7:20).

However, John records that "...many of the people believed in Him, and said, 'When the Christ comes, will He do more signs than these which this Man has done?'" (John 7:31). This enraged the Pharisees and the chief priests so much that they "...sent officers to take Him" (John 7:32). Nonetheless our Lord remained resolute. He opened the eyes of the people to great spiritual truths, that even the officers who were sent to arrest Him were affected by His teaching. When these officers were asked why they had returned without Christ, they answered; "No man ever spoke like this Man" (John 7:46).

No man spoke so forcefully. No man spoke so frankly. No man spoke so fearlessly (Robert W. Travis). As we study the life of Jesus Christ, we too are led to say; "No man ever spoke like this Man."

No man ever spoke like this Man of equality with God the Father. To the Jews He made statements like; "Before Abraham was I AM" (John 8:58 cf.Exo.3:14) and "I and My Father are one" (John 10:30). The reaction of the Jews on both occasions prove that they understood exactly what He meant (cf.John 10:33).

No man ever spoke like this Man of having preeminence in the lives of men. He said; "He who loves father or mother more than Me is not worthy of Me. And he who loves son or daughter more than Me is not worthy of Me" (Matt.10:37).

No man ever spoke like this Man of being the only way to God. He said; "I am the way, the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me" (John 14:6).

Friends, the only conclusion that can be drawn is that Jesus Christ spoke with such authority because He was indeed who He claimed He was - The Only Begotten Son of God. He still bids all men "come" (Matt.11:28) and His words; "He who believes and is baptized will be saved" (Mark 16:16) still echo across the ages. The officers were overawed when Christ spoke and our curiosity causes us to wonder whether or not they became His disciples. Even if they didn't, the real question is whether or not you would obey His words so as to become His disciple?

He who no man ever spoke like has spoken. Will you listen to Him?