Great is our Lord and mighty in power; his understanding is infinite.
He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Highest.
Psalm 147:5; Luke 1:32.
Though born in a stable, our Lord is great through His birth. He was born into king David’s family and was acclaimed by angels and the Magi. He was great in His childhood, growing in wisdom and size and well pleasing to God and man. He was great in His adolescence. When, at the age of twelve, He was among the Jewish teachers, He listened to them and answered their questions intelligently. He was occupied with His heavenly Father’s business, while still remaining submissive to His parents.
He was great at the beginning of His public ministry. At His baptism by John in the river Jordan the Father affirmed His glory: “This is my beloved Son.” He was great in showing the Word of God to be worthy of all honour by fulfilling it completely, and conquering the devil with it (cf. Matthew 3:17; 4:10).
His greatness was seen when he calmed the wind and the sea, satisfied the multitudes with bread, healed the sick and raised the dead. His teaching was characterized by great authority and wisdom, and how great was His transfiguration on the mountain. Even His humiliation, His gentleness, His words of grace, His humility and tenderness towards the weak and oppressed reveal His greatness. But what greatness was evident in His victory over death, His resurrection and ascension! “O Lord my God, you are very great” (Psalm 104:1).
Image: By Andrea del Verrocchio – This file was derived from: Verrocchio, Leonardo da Vinci – Battesimo di Cristo – Google Art Project.jpg:, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=64292521