The Personality of the Savior
The great French leader, Napoleon, said,
Everything in Christ astonishes me. His spirit overawes me, and his will confounds me. Between him and whoever else in the world, there is no possible term of comparison. He is truly a being by himself…. Search in vain in history to find the similar to Jesus Christ, or anything which can approach the gospel. Neither history, nor humanity, nor the ages, nor nature, offer me anything with which I am able to compare it or to explain it. Here everything is extraordinary.
Jesus was unique. As Napoleon said, there is no comparison.
When this point is made, we usually point to theological concepts. Jesus was the only person born of a virgin; the only Savior (Acts 4:12); the only mediator, being God and man (1 Tim. 2:5); the only way to the Father (John 14:6); the only Son (John 3:16); the only Sovereign, King of kings and Lord of lords (1 Tim. 6:15). These truths mystify us, and while they demonstrate Jesus’ uniqueness, they also distance him from us. They are almost too brilliant to behold. We look at them, squinting our eyes, hands over our mouths, hearts beating fast.
We sometimes forget that being human means Jesus had a personality. Not only was he unique as the Son of God, he was unique as the Son of Man. Like each of us, he had a personality.
Human beings are like snowflakes—no two are alike. This includes Jesus. He had favorite foods, pastimes he enjoyed, and opinions about what he found entertaining. He was drawn to some people more than others. He had feelings. He walked with a certain gait. His voice was recognizable. He laughed. He cried.
A study of Christ’s personality helps us in two ways.
First of all, it should inspire us. When we examine the life of the one who “has done all things well” (Mark 7:37), we will be impressed. The longer we look at him, the more time we want to spend with him, the more we will seek his approval and feel ashamed for disappointing him. We will seek to know more about this man from Nazareth. It is good for us to be inspired by a study of his personality because the closer we get to him, the more like him we will be, which leads me to the second way this study helps us.
A study of Christ’s personality also gives us an example to follow. We may find role models to follow among our brothers and sisters in the family of God, but we are not encouraged to develop another’s personality. How can we? Every person is different, and that is what God intended. The diversity in humanity gives life color. Without it, the world could not function because none of us is complete. The members of the human family complement one another with their differences so that the whole is greater than the sum of its parts.
However, Jesus was the perfect man, which means he had a perfect personality. Because he was human, we know he had favorite foods and hobbies, but the Bible doesn't spend time sharing these details with us. Other aspects of his personality, however, are given. These details are revealed because, in the words of Peter, he left us an example so that we might follow in his steps (1 Pet. 2:21).
As we look at Christ’s compassion and sympathy, let us learn to notice those who are hurting around us. As we study his joy and humor, let us be encouraged to enjoy the life God has given us. As we read about the Savior's courage and strength, may we resolve to stand behind our convictions. As we are moved by his humility and sorrow, let us humble ourselves under the mighty hand of God so that he will exalt us. As we bask in his love and mercy, may we be encouraged to forgive those who have wronged us.
What a personality! There was no one like Jesus.
