Jesus lived in what is now known as Palestine a little over 2,000 years ago, his life and ministry were short. He was known to have performed healings, miracles and was regarded as a great Rabbi (teacher). He died the death of a criminal hung on a cross having been charged with blasphemy by the Roman rulers. You may have thought his influence would have died with him, as his small group of disciples were frightened and demoralised, yet Christianity grew to become the World’s most influential movement and today his followers are said to number two billion across the globe.
Though he did not leave writings himself he is recorded by Roman historians, Jewish writers and his life and ministry are most clearly documented in the New Testament gospel writings of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John (The Gospel meaning Good news).
So what was so remarkable about him that he should be the object of worship two Millennia later?
The Bible makes some interesting claims about Jesus. The Jewish people were looking forward to the Messiah king who would lead them into glory and defeat all their enemies including the occupying Romans. Whilst Jesus was regarded as a King his kingdom was not achieved by imperial rule, conquest in battle or violent political oppression. His kingdom would be one of peace, spiritual in nature and achieved through humility and love. He rode into the city not on a chariot but a humble donkey. He chose to walk among the people mixing with the downcast and marginalized, those despised by society such as prostitute’s lepers and tax collectors rather than live in luxury or comfort.
He lived a rough simple life. He was a servant king who washed the feet of others, he claimed equal worth for all people regardless of status.
He condemned those who were pious and thought themselves greater than others. He challenged the rich to give their wealth to the poor. To love our enemies and not to retaliate but rather to turn the other cheek. He was caring and compassionate to the sick needy and hungry. He came not for the righteous but to help those in error. His teachings were considered radical and a threat to the authorities, he attracted large crowds and inspired people. He spoke out against pride, hypocrisy, indifference and sin, indeed anything that was harmful to humans.
He approached all this with love, honesty, openness and forgiveness. He was unconventional, and controversial and spoke with moral authority and courage despite great danger to himself.
He often taught in parables which use an earthly story to reveal a heavenly meaning, showing us the nature of God without laying down strict rules and regulations. The two best known parables The Good Samaritan and The Prodigal son urge us to kindness, equality, forgiveness and renewal.
He did though give strong moral messages on many subjects such as marriage, divorce, murder, adultery, honesty, revenge and love.
His message crystallizes into two commands 1) To love God with all our heart, mind and soul and 2) To love our neighbor as we would ourselves. Central to this quest for love is the place of grace and forgiveness in our dealings with other people. He showed us how to commune with God through a life of prayer and study of the scriptures. Jesus spoke often of his close relationship with the father and being as one with him. Through this relationship he carried out a unique mission using Gods power.
We too have a unique mission to become more like Jesus and find that calling on God in prayer and in the power of the Holy Spirit essential to this task. Jesus being the link between us and God, comes down to teach us about the very nature of God.
The kingdom of God forms a central part of his teaching which is seen most remarkably in his 'beatitudes' sermon on the mount. God reveals himself through Jesus as somebody that all people can share in, both in this life and after we die and that his holy spirit can guide, motivate and enliven us each and every day. The word Emmanuel means ''God with us'' yet Jesus was also fully human. He got hungry thirsty and tired. He felt deep emotions, he grieved, he wept, he felt joy and was tempted yet he highlighted that Sin and temptation were not the same. That temptation could be resisted. That we can choose not to sin. Although he seemingly died in shame and failure his teachings have endured and inspired, they speak to all people, transcending cultures nations and time. Illuminating our human nature yet guiding us to be more like him. Like a true friend who brings understanding, hope and freedom through love and grace.
He illustrated his nature and the pathway to God with a number of I AM's I am - The living bread : I am- The light of the world : I am - The good shepherd :I am -The door : I am - The resurrection and the life : I am -The way the truth and the life : I am- The true vine : I am- The great I am. The Hebrew term for God was 'I am' which is why the religious authorities were so enraged, it was outrageous in that culture to literally claim that you were God
In these statements he is saying he can nourish you spiritually, he can enlighten and impart wisdom, he will guide and protect, he is the source of truth the ultimate in reality, the way to life over death and that all this is an invitation, you choose, nothing can be forced.
He places repentance as a central theme in drawing closer to God, being sorry for wrong doings but also turning away from sin and changing for the better.
His death on the cross is in some ways a mystery yet is the perfect act of sacrificial love.
In our society on remembrance Sunday we particularly honour those who have given their lives to protect our freedoms, those who have paid the ultimate price. In Jesus on the cross we see a humiliated shamed broken body which bore the sins of all mankind. In his resurrection we see the victory of Love and life over sin and death. We could easily say that this is just symbolic, that it did not happen like that, yet when we believe with the faith of our heart in the cross and that his blood was shed and his body was broken for us then we can begin to experience life in a new way, a spiritual way in which each life becomes a challenge to be more like him. Why follow Jesus? Christians the world over will testify to a deep feeling of truth, to spiritual fulfillment, an enhanced feeling for life and of its exciting but difficult challenges. Jesus gives purpose and shows us the pathway to God.