Jesus Christ is undeniably an inspirational figure. The Bible and Christian tradition indicate that Jesus is the Son of God and that supernatural circumstances surround everything about Him, from His birth all the way to His death and beyond. In spite of that, He accepted a very humble position during His time on earth. He was born into the family of a poor craftsman in a small, insignificant village. Rather than being born in a palace, as would be fitting for a king, He entered the world in a place where animals were kept, and He was laid in a manager, an animal feeding trough. He refused to occupy any position of political or religious authority. He was not wealthy, did not have a home of His own, did not marry or raise children, and did not even have an advanced education.
Despite all of these apparent disadvantages, He revolutionized the world in a way no one else ever has. Two thousand years later, men and women are still talking, thinking, and writing about Him, as well as praying to Him on a daily basis. He can be considered the founder of the largest religion in the world, followed by over 30% of the world's population.
It can and should also be argued that Jesus Christ is the leader who has had the greatest impact on humanity. His public ministry lasted only three short years, and yet, as a result of His teaching and work, His disciples were inspired to dedicate the rest of their lives to His mission. They believed so strongly that Jesus truly was the Son of God. In their hearts, they knew it was true - they had witnessed His miracles with their own eyes. The disciples were even willing to die a martyr’s death if called upon to do so (tradition holds that all of the original disciples except John and Judas were martyred). Hospitals, universities, and even governments have been established in His name. Judeo-Christian values serve as a foundation for democracy, laws, and the very moral fabric of many societies worldwide.
Today, faithful Christ-followers continue laying down their lives to fulfill the Great Commission. Reach A Village works with incredible Christian leaders in over 20 countries across Eurasia and Southeast Asia. They dedicate their time, talents, and energy to sharing the message of God’s love and grace with unreached people, often in remote villages. May we continually allow this great leader, God’s own Son Jesus Christ, to inspire and motivate us to love and serve one another, especially those waiting to hear the Good News.
“How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them?” Romans 10:14
By Dr. Andrea Hildebrant, Assistant Director of Partner Relations
