Jesus: More Than a Prophet

"Now when the Pharisee which had bidden him saw it, he spake within himself, saying, This man, if he were a prophet, would have known who and what manner of woman this is that toucheth him: for she is a sinner." (Luke 7: 39)

Jesus was a prophet during His earthly ministry. He told His disciples to prepare for the destruction of the Temple. He also informed His disciples about the end of the Age, when He would come again in full glory.

Yet Jesus is more than a prophet. He is also more than a healer. He is Savior, and through Him we receive salvation.

He is more than a teacher. He did not come to serve as an example, nor did He come to testify of the sin in people's lives.

He came to save:

"14And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up: 15That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life.

 

16For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. 17For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved." (John 3:14-17)

 

Simon the Pharisee invited Jesus as a teacher, and he even viewed Jesus possibly as a prophet.

 

For that reason, Simon received so little from Jesus, and had even less to give Him.

 

In contrast, the woman from the city, a sinner (mostly likely a harlot) anointed Jesus' feet and continued to kiss them (Luke 7: 37-41)

 

Why? Because her sins were forgiven.

 

When we see Jesus as Savior, we will love Him and serve Him.

 

If we see Him as only a prophet, we will condemn other people and spend more time looking for signs and wonders.

 

If we see Him as only a teacher, we will find His teaching impossible to keep, or we will spend more time judging others all while we never measure up ourselves.