What picture would represent Jesus better when he fulfilled his ministry among the people in Jerusalem?
What I want to know is in your opinion which of those men would better illustrate Jesus when he lived among his disciples in Israel?
The pictures are posted here for illustration purposes only!
“Jesus left there and went to his hometown, accompanied by his disciples. When the Sabbath came, he began to teach in the synagogue, and many who heard him were amazed. “Where did this man get these things?” they asked. “What’s this wisdom that has been given him? What are these remarkable miracles he is performing? Isn’t this the carpenter? Isn’t this Mary’s son and the brother of James, Joseph, Judas and Simon? Aren’t his sisters here with us?” And they took offense at him.” Mark 6:1-3 NIV
Jesus went to his hometown and visited a synagogue on Shabbat. There was nothing special about his appearance, nothing fancy about his clothing or anything that people would think of him as a priest! He was so normal that people from his hometown began to ask: Isn’t this the carpenter? Isn’t this Mary’s son and the brother of James, Joseph, Judas and Simon? Aren’t his sisters here with us?”
Jesus was not a member of the synagogue neither he was one of the priests of the temple in Jerusalem.
And he lived among the people, ate the same food they ate, he drank the same wine, he walked in the same open markets, he took baths at the Galilee sea.
He dirtied his feet on the same land that camels trod and he blurred with mud the tips of his gown walking the streets after the rain.
He was the same looking carpenter guy who crossed many cities, yes he visited houses and public places as a common man, one of his kind among all other Jews.
He was so normal and used clothes so regular that Judas had to kiss him to appoint him to the soldiers who he was.
“Now the betrayer had arranged a signal with them: “The one I kiss is the man; arrest him and lead him away under guard.” Going at once to Jesus, Judas said, “Rabbi!” and kissed him. The men seized Jesus and arrested him.”
Mark 14:44-46 NIV
Why Judas needed to kiss him? To identify him among his friends.
I am challenging you to look to Jesus in the narrative of the Gospels to find a simple man among his countrymen.
“Jesus knew that the Father had put all things under his power, and that he had come from God and was returning to God; so he got up from the meal, took off his outer clothing, and wrapped a towel around his waist. After that, he poured water into a basin and began to wash his disciples’ feet, drying them with the towel that was wrapped around him.
When he had finished washing their feet, he put on his clothes and returned to his place. “Do you understand what I have done for you?” he asked them. “You call me ‘Teacher’ and ‘Lord,’ and rightly so, for that is what I am. Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet. I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you. Very truly I tell you, no servant is greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them.” John 13:3-5, 12-17 NIV
If Jesus would come to your town today who would be carrying his suitcase? Who would serve him a better meal than to the other disciples? Who would give him the best bedroom of the house?
From what and how I know Jesus he would be one carrying your suitcase. He would not eat a better meal than the other disciples! He would share the best to everyone around him! He would refuse to sleep in a better bedroom knowing his disciples would be in a less comfortable place!
How am I sure Jesus would do what I just said? Because he would have not taught what he did not lived!
“Jesus called them together and said, “You know that those who are regarded as rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be slave of all. For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.””
Mark 10:42-45 NIV
We have to break the patterns of the world among us in the church! Yes, we can honor our pastors, evangelists and elders. We can give our best to the ones we esteem! But we can't forget “‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for me.’” Matthew 25:45 NIV
Yes, we can live in good houses and eat the best of the land as the fruit of our labor!! But when we are together there is no greater one among us. When we are in Church there should not be special places for any of us.
“The Pharisees, who loved money, heard all this and were sneering at Jesus. He said to them, “You are the ones who justify yourselves in the eyes of others, but God knows your hearts. What people value highly is detestable in God’s sight. “The Law and the Prophets were proclaimed until John. Since that time, the good news of the kingdom of God is being preached, and everyone is forcing their way into it.” Luke 16:14-16 NIV
Maybe I may feel very special before God like a son that is so loved by my Heavenly Father. However what I can not forget is that each one of my brothers and sisters are also so loved as well by our Heavenly Father. Yes, each of them are also very special!
Please, let us all learn with Jesus who is humble and simple! He still is! He changes not! Let us value what He values and let's us break free of all the flatteries and folly of this world. We are all His people! We are the flock of His pasture!
JSalum
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