"Finding Out" Study1-p2

“LET ANOTHER PRAISE YOU and not you yourself” is a wise piece of biblical advice. People always speak well of themselves, whether or not it is justified. Others have a more accurate assessment of us, so that when they praise, it is praise indeed. For this reason a biography usually reflects more of the truth than an autobiography. If we could only see ourselves through the eyes of others we might learn more of the truth about ourselves!

Self praise goes hand in hand with being a sinner and feeling full of one’s own importance. However, such boasting does not fit the person of Jesus Christ who was so evidently humble and selfless. For this reason, no fair minded person can dismiss what Jesus said about Himself.

His claims were astonishing, but does that rule them out? As we consider the life and teaching of Jesus, we may well come to the conclusion that they are fully justified!

SUMMARY: Jesus made bold claims about Himself. In brief, He claimed to be the answer to all man’s problems, especially the problem of man’s estrangement from God.

But more than that, He spoke of His existence before the world was made, and claimed a unique relationship with God. And by the terms Jesus used, He gave the impression that He was equal to God.

We could easily dismiss such claims as wild and exaggerated but for one fact: the character of the person who made them! If there was ever a person who lived a blameless life, this is that person! His claims, therefore, should be seriously considered.