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Who Was That Masked Man

They don’t produce television programs like they use to. Much of the early TV programming had moral themes inter-woven in each episode. But now Hollywood and our culture has lost its moral footing. As a child, one of my favorite heroes was the Lone Ranger. After righting wrongs and helping damsels in distress, the Lone Ranger would ride into the sunset on his white horse shouting, “Hi-ho Silver!” The rescued would be left standing and asking one another, “Who was that masked man?”

In a world bombarded with greed, terror, and destruction many are searching for an answer and asking, “Who is Jesus?” The Holy Scriptures reveals that God “masked” himself with humanity when he was born of a virgin named Mary. He was called Immanuel – God come in the flesh. (Luke 1:26-38; Matthew 1:23; John 1) Jesus came to bring redemption, mercy, grace, truth, and justice.

“Who was that masked man?” The Lone Ranger was wounded and left for dead. He recovered and wore a mask when he rode to bring about justice. As I recall, he had some mysterious silver bullets that had special power. In the Word of God silver signifies redemption. Jesus was betrayed for 30 pieces of silver, was willingly crucified for the sins of the world and arose victorious over death, hell, and the grave. (I Peter 2:22-25; 3:18-22) “Knowing that you were not redeemed with perishable things like silver or gold from your futile way of life inherited from your forefathers, but with precious blood, as of a lamb unblemished and spotless, the blood of Christ” (I Peter 1:18-19 NASB).

When the religious leaders of Jesus’ day saw his miracles and heard his teaching, they asked, “Who is this man?” In Matthew 8 we get several revelations of who He is.

First – He is the great PHYSICIAN who heals all infirmities and diseases. His power over sickness and demons proved that He is God. “This fulfilled the word of the Lord through the prophet Isaiah, “He took our sicknesses and removed our diseases” (Matthew 8:17 NLT).

Second – He is the PRINCE OF PEACE who has power over raging storms. (Matthew 8:23-27; Isaiah 9:6) The disciples found themselves in such a storm. Where was Jesus? In back of the boat asleep on a pillow. They woke Jesus up. “Jesus responded, ‘Why are you afraid? You have so little faith!’ Then he got up and rebuked the wind and waves and suddenly there was a great calm. The disciples were amazed. ‘Who is this man?’ they asked, ‘Even the winds and waves obey him!’”

Third – He is the POWER OF God over demons and the whole universe. (Matthew 8:28-34; Hebrews 1:1-3) Jesus delivered two fierce demon possessed men so they were clothed and in their right mind. (Mark 5:1-19)

Fourth – He is the only POTENTATE – King of Kings and Lord of Lords. “The Lord God Almighty who was and who is and who is to come” (Revelation 4:8; 5:1-12 NASB). The Lone Ranger always rode away into the sunset. Jesus went away but will come back again on a white horse with all His saints to bring judgment and justice to the earth. (Revelation 19:11-16; Acts 1:11)

Who is this masked man? He is the Lord God Almighty, redeemer, Savior, Lord, and soon coming King. It will take eternity to understand fully how awesome and glorious Jesus is. But when you come to Christ and are born again by faith in his sacrifice on the cross, the mask is taken away, and you begin to discover who Christ is and who you are in Him. (I John 3:2; 4:8-17) “But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, even to those who believe in him” (John 1:2 NASB)

by: Cliff Sanders