The most influential person to ever walk this earth is Jesus Christ.
Jesus has affected the lives of scores of people over thousands of years. He continues to have as large an impact today, nearly 2,000 years after He left this earth, as ever.
The Bible only speaks about a portion of the amazing things Jesus did (John 21:25), but it provides enough to demonstrate why He was so influential, and why His influence was for good.
Some of what makes Jesus such a wonderful influence is unique to Him as Deity and as the Savior of the world, but much of what made Him so influential as He walked the earth is helpful to us as we seek to lead others to salvation. For instance…
Jesus’ Doctrine is Divine: Jesus’ manner of teaching was far different from the religious leaders of His day. Much of this is due to the fact that He has authority to establish doctrine (cf. Matt. 7:28-29; 17:5). It is also evident, though, that the content of what Jesus taught had (and still has) powerful positive effects in the lives of those with good and honest hearts. The doctrine He taught was not worldly wisdom, but wisdom from above.
Such wisdom is revealed to us today through His written Word. The truth has as much power today as it ever has. God’s Word is the seed that builds faith (Rom. 10:17), and yields good fruit when it is received rightly (Matt. 13:23). Just as Jesus helped others greatly by sharing divine truth, so too can we.
Jesus “Practiced What He Preached”: Jesus not only taught the way, but He also showed the way. After He washed His disciples’ feet in John 13, Jesus said “For I have given you an example, that you also should do as I have done to you” (verse 15). Washing His disciples’ feet showed meekness, humility, and selflessness. He taught (with words) the importance of these principles frequently. John 13 exemplifies, though, that Jesus also taught through His example.
This is true in general of Jesus’ life on earth. No one could (reasonably) accuse Jesus of being a hypocrite. His conduct perfectly matched the doctrine He promoted (1 Pet. 2:21). One of the greatest hindrances to leading others to salvation is the hypocrisy of some who, unlike Jesus, don’t practice what they preach. People who “say, and do not” (Matt. 23:3) are harmful to seed that is sown among non-believers.
We can’t control the actions of all who claim to be Christians, but we must control our own actions to ensure that we are truly exemplifying holiness, like Jesus did (cf. 1 Cor. 11:1).
Jesus Cared Deeply for Others: One of the best things Jesus exemplified is how to love others (John 13:34). He showed His deep concern for mankind not only by giving His life on the cross, but also through the way He treated others throughout His time on earth. Jesus showed care and compassion (cf. Matt. 14:14; 15:32; 20:34), as He went about constantly doing good for others (cf. Acts 10:38).
We must imitate the selfless concern Jesus had for others (Phil. 2:4-5). We must hate sin, but love sinners, speaking the truth in love (Eph. 4:15). Such love tends to have a powerful, positive impact on others, as the Master exemplified. Like Jesus, we can lead others to truth and help save souls from death. May we share the powerful doctrine He’s given, teach His will through our lives, and love like Jesus. We never know who we might help lead to Him.
– Michael Hickox