The Peace and Promise of ChristmasSample

The Greatest Story Ever Told

God has raised this Jesus to life, and we are all witnesses of it. -Acts 2:32 

When I was a boy, I saw the film The Greatest Story Ever Told—a cinematic retelling of the life of Christ. The movie boasted an all-star cast that included Charlton Heston as John the Baptist, David McCallum as Judas Iscariot, John Wayne as the centurion at the cross, and Max von Sydow as Jesus. The film was both fanciful and biblical. In the end, it was one filmmaker’s attempt to convey that epic story. 

Of monumental significance, “the greatest story ever told” ultimately includes a cross. And although we don’t often think of it this way, the disciple Peter was the first to tell that story. He spoke to the crowd gathered on that day of Pentecost. Peter knew firsthand the miracle of new life in Jesus. He had experienced it—not simply in being changed from a fisherman into a disciple. Peter had experienced the transforming power of forgiveness of the Messiah he betrayed, yet who restored him and commissioned him to tell the greatest story ever told (see John 21:15–19). 

 Ernest Hemingway wrote that every true story ends in death—but not the story of Jesus. As Peter stood before the crowd that day, he proclaimed this good news: “God has raised this Jesus to life, and we are all witnesses of it” (Acts 2:32). 

It is the greatest story ever told because it results in eternal life with our Creator! 

What sets the story of Jesus apart from all other stories for you? How might you share this story with others? 

As I celebrate the story of Your birth this Christmas, Jesus, help me to consider how I can share it with others. Thank You so much for making me a part of Your story!