THE JESUS DIARIES

Several years ago the world was surprised by the astonishing announcement in a 
prominent German newspaper that it had obtained the secret diaries of Adolph Hitler.  
Historians scrambled to study the diaries in an effort to determine whether they were 
authentic or not.  Even with all the public information available on Hitler, the existence 
of personal diaries would have given the world additional insights into the thoughts and 
workings of the most evil mind of the twentieth century.  Unfortunately, it was quickly 
determined that the famous Hitler Diaries were a forgery.  Historians were disappointed; 
the newspaper embarrassed; and comedians given fodder for their late-nights shows.

Diaries and journals can have a profound effect upon society.  They reveal the author's 
inner self—their feelings, emotions, dreams and aspirations.  Who hasn't been touched 
by the diary of Anne Franks, written during the Second World War?  Or perhaps you 
have in your possession a journal, written by a parent or grandparent.  Often, these 
personal comments give tremendous insights into our own lives.  They remind us of our 
history and often point us in new directions for the future.

While Jesus never kept a journal or recorded his thoughts in a diary, the four Gospels are 
in many ways the diaries of Jesus.  Although they were written by men other than our 
savior (and in two instances by men who knew little or nothing of Jesus personally), they 
do preserve the thoughts, feelings and aspirations of our Lord.  For, unlike other 
biographies, these biographical works were inspired and directed by the Spirit of Christ to 
accurately reflect both his life and teachings.

Therefore, when we read the works of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John, we are actually 
reading the inspired thoughts and actions of Jesus as directed by the Holy Spirit.  Jesus 
personally speaks to us through these writings of his followers.  The Gospels are, in many 
ways, the diaries of Jesus.  And not only those words often found in red, but even those 
words written in black.

So take some time to listen to the very heartbeat of Jesus.  Sit down and open the pages of 
the Gospels and take a journey into the first century world of our Lord.  Let his words, 
thoughts and actions change your words, thoughts and actions as you peer inside the 
greatest story ever told—the story of Jesus.
							
God Bless,
Leslie Chapman