Jesus was different. Jesus was special. Jesus was unique. There’s the idea – Jesus was one of a kind, and we mean that in a good way. How was Jesus special?

Jesus lived like no one ever lived. He was tempted in every way that all humans are tempted, yet He never sinned, not once. He "was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin" (Hebrews 4:14,15). Jesus, and Jesus alone, practiced what He preached 100% of the time.

Jesus taught like no one ever taught. The people of Jesus’ day marveled at His authority (Matthew 7:28,29). Even those that opposed Him admitted, "Never man spake like this man" (John 7:46). He was, indeed, the Master Teacher.

Jesus loved like no one ever loved. Sure, He loved His own disciples (John 13:1). Jesus Himself said, "Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends" (Jn. 15:13). But, more than that, He also loved those that detested Him and wanted to kill Him. Now that is a special love!

Jesus died like no one ever died. He was not the only one to be crucified. He was not the only one that was not guilty of a crime, but was killed anyway. And, no, He was not the only one that died for a cause in which He believed. What made His death so special? When He died He bore our sins, yours and mine: "Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed" (1 Peter 2:24). Through His death we can be reconciled to the Father and have our sins forgiven (Romans 5:10). Now that is a special death!

The Bible says that God the Father exalted Jesus and gave Him a name which is above every name (Philippians 2:9). Without a doubt, there is none like the Christ. May we exalt Him by humbly serving Him and faithfully proclaiming His gospel to others.

-- Roger D. Campbell