‘This is the disciple who testifies of these things and wrote these things; and we know that his testimony is true. And there are also many other things that Jesus did, which if they were written one by one, I suppose that even the world itself could not contain the books that would be written. Amen’ (John 21:24-25).

Two thousand years ago a Man lived who changed the world. He was born into poverty and His family was forced to flee their nation, and became refugees. His parents were lower class, had no positions of influence in society and He received no formal education. He never traveled farther than two hundred miles from His home, never wrote a book, nor did He seek fame or power and He spent many years practically homeless. He gained no wealth, had no political opinions and the only man to hold a sword in His name, He rebuked – yet He was executed by the age of thirty-three.

In a world where most lives are quickly forgotten, this Man changed history – time began with Him. The remembrance of your birthday, of every life, and of all history, including the rise and fall of empires are defined by His life. His Words have inspired billions of people and His teaching has guided many of the world’s most powerful people – defining nations, empires and civilisations.

The four chronicles of His life remain as the central masterpieces which bind the world’s most successful book together; the Bible is the best seller this year and in every year.

He is not only the Man who defines history, but according to John, He is the Founder and Creator of all. “In the beginning was the Word and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through Him and without Him nothing was made that was made. In Him was life and the life was the light of men. And the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it” (John 1:1-5).

His name is Jesus Christ; He wasn’t just a man – He was and is God. Jesus said, “He who has seen Me has seen the Father” and, “I and My Father are One” (John 10:30, 14:9).

This is an excerpt from the book ‘Jesus Today - Daily Devotional - 100 Days with Jesus Christ’ by Paul Backholer and is used by permission.