The Contrast of Christ
He was the meekest and lowliest of all the sons of men. Yet he spoke of coming on the clouds of heaven with the glory of God. He was so austere that evil spirits and demons cried out in terror at his coming, yet he was so genial and winsome and approachable, that the children loved to play with him and the little ones nestled in his arms.
His presence at the innocent joy of a village wedding, was like the presence of sunshine. No one was half so kind or compassionate to sinners, yet no one ever spoke such red-hot scorching words about sin. A bruised reed he would not break. His whole life was love. Yet on one occasion he demanded of the Pharisees, how they were expected to escape the damnation of hell.
He was a dreamer of dreams and a seer of visions, yet for sheer stark realism, he has all of us self-styled realists soundly beaten. He was the servant of all, washing the disciples’ feet, yet masterfully he strode into the temple, and the hucksters and moneychangers fell over one another to get away in their mad rush from the fire they saw blazing in his eyes. He saved others, yet at the last, he himself did not save.
There is nothing in history like the union of contrasts which confronts us in the gospels; the mystery of Jesus is the mystery of divine personality.
James Stewart, Scottish theologian
I met Dr. Stewart when he was preaching/teaching at Massannetta Springs Bible Conference near Harrisonburg, VA, probably August 1948. Despite his international stature, he was quite accessible for spiritual conversations and counsel, even to this teen-ager!! Thanks for this posting of his views of Jesus.
Is there anyway you can improve the reference for this quote? For example, where did he say it? Was it a sermon? In a book? Everyone attributes this quote to John Stewart but I can’t find where anyone specifically references where he said it.
Amazing finding.