The Ultimate Underdog

The ultimate underdog was born into extreme poverty in a small town in an insignificant region of a country.  His parents did the best they could to provide for his needs, but a traditional education for their beloved son would never be within their reach.  They loved him deeply, but they had no means to lavish earthly goods upon him.

He was very bright and a hard worker who sought wisdom and knowledge at every opportunity. However, unlike many other children from wealthier families who could participate in formal university studies, he was needed at home to help his family.  He never complained as he worked hard helping his father (a blue collar tradesman), earning what was needed to provide for a growing family.

All along the way he grew in wisdom and knowledge. He knew the work he was doing to assist his family was inconsistent with his calling, but family needs trumped his desire to follow his calling.  He chose to honor his parents by patiently working in his dad’s trade – never losing sight of his true calling.  Thus, unobserved by outsiders, he educated himself by constantly seeking the knowledge he knew he would need one day to answer his call.

At the prefect time, when his family’s needs were met, he left his dad’s trade and began to pursue his passion. Immediately people were amazed. Everywhere he went, success followed. Soon the experts of his field began to take notice as his impact was undeniable. “Who is this man?  Where did he come from?  Where did he learn these things?” These were the common questions that followed him everywhere he went.  They couldn’t recall him from their university classes.  No one knew anything of his family. He had no recommendations from experts and no degree to validate his vast knowledge.  Yet, if the skeptics were honest, his impact could not be denied.

The more the young man followed his calling, the more successful he became. And, the more successful he came, the more the experts in his field began to resent and even deny the young man’s gifts and talents.  While few denounced him publicly, behind closed doors they disqualified him because he did not fit their idea of what an expert in their field should be. He was excluded because he lacked a degree, prestigious recommendations and family heritage.  Though his wisdom and knowledge was unquestionable, the experts were blinded by his lack of “proper training.”

What was the result of the experts’ rejection of this young man’s calling?  He was never given the opportunity to serve them and, thus, they never shared in his success. At the same time, they didn’t prevent the young man from achieving his calling either. He actually accomplished far more than anyone had envisioned, doing what the experts of his day had deemed impossible.

Today, the young man’s name and work are well documented – while the experts that opposed him are mostly remembered only for their egregious oversight.  How could they have been so blind?  How did they miss him?  Their error may have been unintentional.  They had simply predetermined the parameters of what defined greatness, thus, they missed it when he stood in their presence.

Who was this young man?  I’m proud to say I know him very well, as do many others around the world. I know Him as my Lord, Jesus the Christ, the King of King’s and Lord of all creation.