Looking Unto Jesus by J.C. Ryle
"Looking unto Jesus" is a very simple expression: it is soon spoken and soon written; it contains no words hard to be understood. But it is an expression rich in contents, and filled to the brim with food for thought. Here is a brief account of the Christian's character: he is one who "looks to Jesus." Here is the secret of running successfully the race that leads toward heaven: we must he ever "looking to Jesus." This is the way to begin well; this is the way to go on prosperously; this is the way to end in peace. Here is the photograph of patriarchs and prophets, of apostles and martyrs, of holy fathers and holy reformers, of holy saints, in every land and age: they were all men who "looked to Jesus." Here is the marrow of all creeds, and articles, and confessions of guilt: to "look to Jesus." Reader, if you and I wish to be saved, let us begin by asking ourselves the simple question, Am I looking to Jesus?
"Looking unto Jesus" is a very simple expression: it is soon spoken and soon written; it contains no words hard to be understood. But it is an expression rich in contents, and filled to the brim with food for thought. Here is a brief account of the Christian's character: he is one who "looks to Jesus." Here is the secret of running successfully the race that leads toward heaven: we must he ever "looking to Jesus." This is the way to begin well; this is the way to go on prosperously; this is the way to end in peace. Here is the photograph of patriarchs and prophets, of apostles and martyrs, of holy fathers and holy reformers, of holy saints, in every land and age: they were all men who "looked to Jesus." Here is the marrow of all creeds, and articles, and confessions of guilt: to "look to Jesus." Reader, if you and I wish to be saved, let us begin by asking ourselves the simple question, Am I looking to Jesus?
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Let us consider for a moment what a beautifier and marvelous<br />
portrait the four Gospels hold up to our eyes, of the Man <strong>Jesus</strong><br />
Christ. It is a portrait that extorted the admiration even of a<br />
wretched sceptic like Rousseau. It is a portrait which, even to this<br />
day, is one of the cardinal difficulties of infidelity, for there never<br />
lived the infidel who could face the question, "Tell us, if you<br />
refuse to believe the Divine origin of Christianity, tell us who and<br />
what Christ was?"<br />
Let us Christians trace all the footsteps of our Master's career<br />
from the carpenter's shop at Nazareth to the cross of Calvary. See<br />
how in every company and position, <strong>by</strong> the Sea of Galilee, and in<br />
the Temple courts of Jerusalem, <strong>by</strong> the well of Samaria, in the<br />
house Bethany, amidst the sneering Sadducees, or the despised<br />
publicans, alone with His faithful disciples, or surrounded <strong>by</strong><br />
bitter enemies—He is always the same—always holy, harmless,<br />
undefiled; always perfect in word and deed.<br />
Mark what a wonderful combination of seemingly opposite<br />
qualifications is to be seen in His character. Bold and outspoken<br />
in opposing hypocrisy and self-righteousness, tender and<br />
compassionate in receiving the chief of sinners. Profoundly wise<br />
in arguing before the Sanhedrin; simple, so that a child might<br />
understand Him, in teaching the poor. Patient towards His weak<br />
disciples; unruffled in temper <strong>by</strong> the keenest provocation.<br />
Considerate for all around Him; sympathizing, self-denying,<br />
prayerful, overflowing with love and compassion, utterly<br />
unselfish, always about His Father's business, ever going about<br />
doing good, continually ministering to others, and never<br />
expecting others to minister to Him. What person ever walked on<br />
earth, like <strong>Jesus</strong> of Nazareth!<br />
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