St James Missionary Baptist Church Wednesday Night Bible Study 8/5/2026
QUESTION – “DID JESUS LEAVE A LEGACY?”
There was a discussion going on about the legacies that Adam and Jesus left us. First I want to state that I found several definitions and descriptions for the word Legacy; these are a few:
- “The long-lasting impact of particular events, actions, etc. that took place in the past, or of a person’s life.”
- “Something transmitted by or received from an ancestor or predecessor or from the past.”
- “A legacy of an event or period of history is something which is a direct result of it and which continues to exist after it is over.”
When I sum them all up, this is the gist of what I get from all of them:
“A situation or something that exists now because of events, actions, events, or even a period of history that took place in the past or comes from someone in the past; and the direct results continue to exist after the events, actions, events, or that person or period of history that took place in the past is no longer on the scene, or no longer exists!”
This got me thinking . . . I can understand discussing the legacy that Adam left, but I’m not sure if we want to call what Jesus left us a legacy. First, Jesus is NOT someone from the past; Jesus is very much alive today. Second, even though Jesus does not physically walk among men like He once did, since He never ceased to exist can we call what Jesus left us a legacy?
Understand this:
- Jesus died on the cross . . . then He resurrected!*
- Jesus was buried in a tomb . . . then He left it and met Mary on the road to Galilee.*
- Jesus showed up in the Disciples house when He left Mary on the road.
- Jesus showed up on the Mount of Transfiguration (Luke 9:28-36; Mark 9:2-8)*
- Jesus has promised to never leave us (Hebrews 13:5).
- Jesus is in Heaven preparing a place for us, and promises to return for us (John 14:1-4).
- Jesus left us the Holy Spirit and the word of GOD (Holy Bible) to lead us, guide us, direct us, instruct us, teach us, command us, etc.
- “For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. 17. After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air.* And so we will be with the Lord forever. 18. Therefore encourage each other with these words.” 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 (NIV)
*Jesus returned and promised to return again!
I have not even mentioned everything that the scriptures tell us Jesus has been, and is doing ever since He left the tomb where He was once buried; all we know is that Jesus has NEVER STOPPED living since He resurrected; so as far His life goes, His teachings have not stopped. If history wants to dwell on Jesus’ crucifixion, that event does not leave a legacy. There are some who say that in between these times when Jesus is returning; the Believers who are waiting for His return could be considered His legacy . . . what do you think?