Jesus Christ stands alone as the most significant person in human history. While there have been many influential people that have come and gone, none compare to the profound impact that Jesus has made on the world. Here are some key reasons why Jesus is greater than all the other great figures throughout history:
Jesus claimed to be God incarnate
A stunning claim that sets Jesus apart is that he did not simply claim to be a prophet or great teacher, but God himself in human flesh. Jesus made statements like “I and the Father are one” (John 10:30) and “Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father” (John 14:9). He applied God’s holy name “I AM” to himself on multiple occasions (John 8:58, John 8:24). Jesus received worship from his disciples, something reserved only for God (Matthew 14:33). Even his Jewish opponents understood that Jesus was making himself equal with God (John 5:18). If Jesus was not actually God, then He would just be another lunatic or liar. But Jesus backed up his audacious claims with his character, miraculous power, and resurrection from the dead.
Jesus is the fulfilment of Old Testament prophecies
Jesus fulfilled over 300 specific prophecies written in the Old Testament scriptures hundreds of years before his birth. The statistical probability of anyone fulfilling just 8 of these is 1 in 10 to the 17th power. Some of the key prophecies Jesus fulfilled include being born of a virgin (Isaiah 7:14), being born in Bethlehem (Micah 5:2), entering Jerusalem on a donkey (Zechariah 9:9), being betrayed for 30 pieces of silver (Zechariah 11:12), having his hands and feet pierced (Psalm 22:16), and rising from the dead (Psalm 16:10). The prophecies were so specific and numerous that it would have been impossible for any person to deliberately try to fulfill them all. Jesus’s life evidenced divine orchestration at work.
Jesus performed astonishing miracles
During his 3-year ministry, Jesus performed incredible miracles that displayed his divine nature and care for people. He walked on water (Matthew 14:25), calmed a raging storm with a word (Mark 4:39), healed every kind of disease and sickness (Matthew 4:23), restored sight to the blind (John 9:1-7), cast out demons (Mark 1:25-26), fed thousands with a few loaves and fish (John 6:5-13), and even raised the dead on multiple occasions (John 11:43-44). The primary purpose of these miracles was to demonstrate that the kingdom of God had arrived in power through Jesus (Luke 11:20).
Jesus lived a perfect, sinless life
Jesus is the only person who ever lived who never sinned (Hebrews 4:15). He perfectly obeyed and fulfilled God’s moral laws in thought, speech, and action. This is astounding considering the universal human problem of sin and selfishness. Jesus’ moral perfection shows that he truly was divine. He was tempted in every way yet did not sin (Hebrews 4:15), proving that it is actually possible for humans to resist temptation and obey God. Jesus’ sinless example shows us the standard we should strive for.
Jesus made the most significant sacrifice in love
Jesus willingly laid down his life on the cross to pay the penalty for the sins of the world (1 John 2:2). He sacrificed himself to reconcile sinful people with a holy God (Romans 5:8). Jesus endured brutal beatings and crucifixion when he was completely innocent of any wrongdoing. He patiently endured undeserved suffering out of love for us. The cross demonstrates the depths of Jesus’ love and humility in the most poignant way imaginable. His sacrifice is unequaled in all of history.
Jesus rose victoriously over death
The resurrection is what sets Jesus Christ above every other religious leader or influential figure. After being crucified and buried for three days, Jesus rose from the dead and appeared to his disciples and over 500 others (1 Corinthians 15:3-6). His resurrection demonstrated his power over mortality and ability to give eternal life to those who follow him. It authenticated his claims to divinity and proved he was no mere martyr. He conquered sin and death once and for all (Hebrews 2:14-15). Muhammad, Buddha, and every other leader remains trapped in their tombs to this day. Only Jesus has victoriously defeated death.
Jesus is transforming lives today
Billions of people across 2000 years of history have had their lives radically changed for the better because of a personal encounter with Jesus Christ. Through his Spirit, Jesus continues transforming hearts and minds today. Addictions are broken, relationships are restored, purpose and hope are renewed all in the name of Jesus. No other figure in history has had such a continually powerful and widespread influence. Jesus remains as relevant today as he was 2000 years ago because he is alive and actively working in people’s lives today.
Jesus is returning to fulfill the rest of prophecy
The Bible promises that Jesus will physically return again to rule and reign over a restored world. Although Jesus accomplished salvation during his first coming, he will fulfill the remaining messianic prophecies during his second coming. He will return as a conquering King to defeat evil, execute justice, and establish his Kingdom on earth (Revelation 19:11-16). Jesus will rule in perfect righteousness and peace for eternity. All of humanity will one day recognize and bow before the majestic greatness of Jesus Christ (Philippians 2:10-11).
In summary, Jesus stands unequaled among all great people of history. His divine identity, miraculous works, unparalleled life, atoning death, defeating resurrection, current ministry, and coming Kingdom set Him above all others. That is why Jesus alone can provide forgiveness of sins and the hope of eternal life to those who place their faith in Him.