“No man…” – “No one…”
Four truths about mankind are stated in these two verses.
- No man knows the future (7).
- No man has power over the wind to contain (restrain) it (8).
- No one has power over the day of his death (8).
- No one is discharged in time of war (8).
Jesus knew the future. Several times he told his disciples how, where, when, and why he would be betrayed, arrested, tried, crucified, and most importantly rise from the dead three days later. He also very specifically told his disciples, especially Peter that they would all leave him when this happened. He also told them how they would feel and act when he was crucified.
Jesus had power over the wind. Twice he restrained a strong wind blowing on Lake Galilee to his disciple’s astonishment asking, “Who is this that even commands and controls the wind?” Jesus had power over the wind.
Jesus had power over the day of his death. Jesus knew all the details of his death. He knew he was the Messiah from birth; especially at his baptism. The Old Testament revealed the entire life and death of the Messiah. Jesus knew all the details of his death including the year, day, and hour. Yet the disciples noticed that on his last trip to Jerusalem he was determined to go there. Even as he prayed on the Mount of Olives just before he was arrested he could have run away. He did not. Even when he was arrested the soldiers fell at his word, “I am he.” Jesus had power over the day of his death.
Since Jesus knew his future, had power over the wind and had power over his death he was no man. He was a very man and very God. Jesus was God in the flesh; Immanuel.
So what of the fourth truth? “As no one is discharged in time of war, so wickedness will not release those who practice it.” A loose translation is, “There is no way to avoid the war (no furlough against death). Wickedness will not save wicked people from dying.”
Death tried to defeat Jesus. Yet Jesus rose from the dead. Death had no power over Jesus. “Where oh death is your victory? Where is your sting?” Why? Jesus was not wicked. Jesus had not sinned; not once.
This is my Jesus. Who is he to you?
