Just a Prodigy?

Felix Mendelssohn is considered by many to be among the most extraordinary prodigies in history. Born in Hamburg, Germany, in 1809, he began revealing his extraordinary gifts even as a child. He proved to be an expert violinist, and a virtuoso pianist and organist. He became among the first real “conductors” to lead an orchestra.

Early in life he demonstrated extraordinary compositional skills. He wrote a 200-page opera when he was just 12. By the age of 17, he had written several masterpieces that have stood the test of time. He had a brilliant intellect. Fluent in German, French, and English, he could read Latin and Greek. And he was a poet and skilled painter.

Many religious scholars must have thought that Jesus was just a prodigy. As they observed Him when He was 12, and heard His questions and comments, they were “amazed at His understanding and His answers.”

Many men, like these, later would think of Jesus as just a wise man. A man with extraordinary gifts. But His disciples realized that He was much more. Peter declared that Jesus was “the Christ, the Son of the living God” (Matthew 16:16). Jesus’ friend, Martha, would declare, “I have believed that You are the Christ, the Son of God, even He who comes into the world” (John 11:27).

Many people today think of Jesus as just a good teacher. But the Bible tells us that He is the Son of God. The Lord of all. The Messiah.

But what do you think of Jesus? And what is He to you?