More than Just a Man

I recently read a story about a man who lived in a village. He was very wise. In fact, many people today revere him as a god. His name was Buddha. A woman who had lost her only son went to him for help.

"What do I do?" she asked. Her grief was more than she could bear, and Buddha felt deeply for her. Without saying anything, he gently knelt down and began picking up several small pebbles. Once he had selected six or seven of them, he held them out to the woman. Puzzled, she extended her hand and received them.

"Go to every hut in this village and ask if they have lost a loved one. If they haven't, offer them one of these pebbles. Return to me when you have given away all of the pebbles." The woman realized that she would never give away even one of the pebbles. Acknowledging that everyone in the village had felt as much grief as she felt then, she thanked Buddha and went on her way, knowing that she had sympathetic friends all around her.

On the other hand, there is a story I have known from my childhood. It is about another man, also wise. Many, including me, revere him as divine as well -- in fact, the Son of God. His name was Jesus. A woman who had lost her brother pleaded for him to help her. He arrived at her home and wept for her brother. And then, he commanded with authority: "Lazarus, come forth." And he that was dead came forth.

There have been many great teachers, and I think that God has inspired many of them -- including Buddha. But it is my testimony that Jesus Christ was more than just a man. He is the Son of God. Not only did He impart great wisdom, but true power emanates from Him. He is the Savior of all mankind.