Jesus' Biography

Strange to only have two or three devotions that cover the entirety of the earthly lifetime of Jesus. I have thought about slowing down the pace as we come through these central books of the Bible. I feel like a driver in Nascar who wants to stop for a pit stop. Though not because I am out of fuel, but rather because we are racing through the greatest hall of the greatest museum that there is. How can we spend too much time studying Jesus? As Mr. Ryle stated:

"It would be well if professing Christians in modern days studied the four Gospels more than they do.

Now why do I say this? I say it because I want professing Christians to know more about Christ. It is well to be acquainted with all the doctrines and principles of Christianity. It is better to be acquainted with Christ Himself. It is well to be familiar with faith, and grace, and justification, and sanctification. They are all matters "pertaining to the King." But it is far better to be familiar with Jesus Himself, to see the King's own face, and to behold His beauty. This is one secret of eminent holiness. He that would be conformed to Christ's image, and become a Christ-like man, must be constantly studying Christ Himself.

Now the Gospels were written to make us acquainted with Christ. The Holy Ghost has told us the story of His life and death-His sayings and His doings, four times over. Four different, inspired hands have drawn the picture of the Saviour. His ways, His manners, His feelings, His wisdom, His grace, His patience, His love, His power, are graciously unfolded to us by four different witnesses. **Ought not the sheep to be familiar with the Shepherd? Ought not the patient to be familiar with the Physician? Ought not the bride to be familiar with the Bridegroom? Ought not the sinner to be familiar with the Saviour? Beyond doubt it ought to be so.

Surely we cannot know this Christ too well! Surely there is not a word, nor a deed, nor a day, nor a step, nor a thought in the record of His life, which ought not to be precious to us. We should labour to be familiar with every line that is written about Jesus."

-J.C. Ryle "Holiness" chapter 12 Ruler of the Waves

How true this is! I get so lost in the world that I feel I am drowning, but a look to the Savior and all is well. Lost in my performance, my sin, my innumerable frailties--I grow desparate. But my eyes of faith opened to see Him who is a Wonder and all my desparation is quieted. Peace can now attend the soul. My Father knows what He is doing--look at His Son! Weary, beaten, sleepless, homeless, bloody, broken. Yet mighty, healing, praying, responding with power and wisdom to the proud, responding with life-giving words to the humble, crushing death, and ending in victory.

Here is life! Not more than the rest of the Scriptures give life, just seemingly more dense. Delight in the amazing Spirit-inspired biography of the Savior!