The Real Jesus
The Gospels- the four Biblical accounts of Jesus' life-portray a man of great empathy. Pity and compassion moved Jesus to help people who were suffering from illness, blindness and other afflictions (Matthew 9:36; 14:14; 20:34) The death of his friend Lazarus and the grief this caused to Lazarus' sisters moved Jesus to 'groan and give way to tears.' (John 11:32-36) In fact, the Gospels reveal the wide range of Jesus' feelings - sympathy for a person with leprosy, exuberance over his disciples' successes, indignation at coldhearted legalists, and sadness over Jerusalem's rejection of the Messiah.
When Jesus performed a miracle he often focused on the recipient's part in the process: " Your faith has made you well." (Matthew 9:22) He praised Nathanael as "a real Israelite," saying: "There is nothing false in him!" (John 1:47, Today's English Version) When some thought that a woman's appreciative gift was extravagant, Jesus defended her and said that the account of her generosity would be long remembered. (Matthew 26:6-13) He proved himself a real friend and affectionate companion to his followers, 'loving them to the end.' - John 13:1; 15:11-15.
The Gospels also show that Jesus quickly identified with most people that he met. Whether talking with a woman at a well, a religious teacher in a garden, or a fisherman by a lake, he went directly to their heart. After Jesus' opening words, many of these people revealed their innermost thoughts to him. He struck a responsive chord in them. Although people of his time might keep men in authority at a safe distance, in Jesus' case people crowded around him. They liked being with Jesus; they felt comfortable in is company. Children felt at ease with him, and when using a child as an example, he did not merely stand the child before his disciples but also "put his arms around it." ( Mark 9:36; 10:13-16) Indeed, the Gospels portray Jesus as a man who had such charisma that people stayed for three days just to listen to his absorbing words. - Matthew 15:32.
Jesus' perfection did not make him hypercritical or arrogant and overbearing toward the imperfect, sin-laden people among whom he lived and preached. (Matthew 9:10-13; 21:31, 32; Luke 7:36-48; 15:1-32; 18:9-14) Jesus was never demanding. He did not add to people's burdens. Instead, he said: "Come to me, all you who are toiling...I will refresh you." His disciples found him to be "mild tempered and lowly in heart:" His yoke was kindly, and his load was light. -Matthew 11:28-30.
Jesus' character comes through in the Gospel accounts with a decided ring of truth. It would not be easy for four different individuals to concoct an out - of -the-ordinary character and then present a consistent portrait of him throughout four distinct narratives. It would be nearly impossible for four different writers to describe the same person and consistently paint the same picture of him if that character never really existed.
Historian Michael Grant asks a thought-provoking question: "How comes it that, through all Gospel traditions without exception, there comes a remarkably firmly drawn portrait of an attractive young man moving freely about among women of all sorts, including the decidedly disreputable, without a trace of sentimentality, unnaturalness, or prudery, and yet, at every point, maintaining a simple integrity of character?" The reasonable answer is that such a man really existed and acted in the way the Bible says.
Continues-Next time: The Real Jesus And Your Future
7.28.2005
7.24.2005
In Search Of Jesus
What about non-Biblical references to Jesus Christ? How are they assessed? The works of Tacitus, Suetonius, Josephus, Pliny the Younger and a few other classical writers include numerous references to Jesus. Of them, The New Encyclopedia Britannica (1995) says: " These independant accounts prove that in ancient times even the opponents of Christianity never doubted the historicity of Jesus, which was disputed for the first time and on inadequate grounds at the end of the 18th, during the 19th, and at the beginning of the 20th centuries."
Sadly, modern scholars, in their quest for the "real" or "historical" Jesus, seem to have hidden his true identity behind layers of baseless speculation, pointless doubts, and unfounded theorizing. In a sense, they are guilty of the mythmaking of which they falsely accuse the Gospel writers. Some are so eager to feed their own reputation and to link their name to a startling new theory that they fail to examine honestly the evidence about Jesus. In the process, they create a "Jesus" that amounts to a figment of scholarly imagination.
For those who want to find him, the real Jesus can be found in the Bible. Luke Johnson professor of New Testament and Christian origins at the Candler School of Theology at Emory University, argues that most research on the historical Jesus misses the Biblical objective. He says that it may be interesting to examine the social, political, anthropological, and cultural contexts of Jesus' life and era. Yet, he adds that discovering what scholars call the historical Jesus " is hardly the point of Scripture," which is "more concerned with describing the character of Jesus, " his message, and his role as Redeemer. So, what was Jesus' true Character and message?
Continued-Next time: The Real Jesus
What about non-Biblical references to Jesus Christ? How are they assessed? The works of Tacitus, Suetonius, Josephus, Pliny the Younger and a few other classical writers include numerous references to Jesus. Of them, The New Encyclopedia Britannica (1995) says: " These independant accounts prove that in ancient times even the opponents of Christianity never doubted the historicity of Jesus, which was disputed for the first time and on inadequate grounds at the end of the 18th, during the 19th, and at the beginning of the 20th centuries."
Sadly, modern scholars, in their quest for the "real" or "historical" Jesus, seem to have hidden his true identity behind layers of baseless speculation, pointless doubts, and unfounded theorizing. In a sense, they are guilty of the mythmaking of which they falsely accuse the Gospel writers. Some are so eager to feed their own reputation and to link their name to a startling new theory that they fail to examine honestly the evidence about Jesus. In the process, they create a "Jesus" that amounts to a figment of scholarly imagination.
For those who want to find him, the real Jesus can be found in the Bible. Luke Johnson professor of New Testament and Christian origins at the Candler School of Theology at Emory University, argues that most research on the historical Jesus misses the Biblical objective. He says that it may be interesting to examine the social, political, anthropological, and cultural contexts of Jesus' life and era. Yet, he adds that discovering what scholars call the historical Jesus " is hardly the point of Scripture," which is "more concerned with describing the character of Jesus, " his message, and his role as Redeemer. So, what was Jesus' true Character and message?
Continued-Next time: The Real Jesus
7.21.2005
Well-Founded Doubts?
But can we really have confidence in the Gospels' version of Jesus? Do they portray the real Jesus? The late Fredrick F. Bruce, professor of Biblical criticism and exegesis at the University of Manchester, England, stated: " It is not usually possible to demonstrate by historical arguments the truth of every detail in an ancient writing, whether inside or outside the Bible. It is sufficient to have reasonable confidence in a writer's general trustworthiness; if that is established, there is an a priori likelihood that his details are true... The New Testament is not less likely to be historically reliable because Christians receive it as 'sacred' literature."
After examining doubts about Jesus as portrayed in the Gospels, James R.Edwards, professor of religion at Jamestown College, North Dakota, U.S.A., wrote: " We may affirm with confidence that the Gospels preserve a diverse and significant body of evidence of the actual truth about Jesus.....The most reasonable answer to the question why the Gospels present Jesus as they do is because that is essentially who Jesus was. The Gospels faithfully preserve the memory that he left on his followers, that he was divinely legitimated and empowered to be God's Son and Servant."
But can we really have confidence in the Gospels' version of Jesus? Do they portray the real Jesus? The late Fredrick F. Bruce, professor of Biblical criticism and exegesis at the University of Manchester, England, stated: " It is not usually possible to demonstrate by historical arguments the truth of every detail in an ancient writing, whether inside or outside the Bible. It is sufficient to have reasonable confidence in a writer's general trustworthiness; if that is established, there is an a priori likelihood that his details are true... The New Testament is not less likely to be historically reliable because Christians receive it as 'sacred' literature."
After examining doubts about Jesus as portrayed in the Gospels, James R.Edwards, professor of religion at Jamestown College, North Dakota, U.S.A., wrote: " We may affirm with confidence that the Gospels preserve a diverse and significant body of evidence of the actual truth about Jesus.....The most reasonable answer to the question why the Gospels present Jesus as they do is because that is essentially who Jesus was. The Gospels faithfully preserve the memory that he left on his followers, that he was divinely legitimated and empowered to be God's Son and Servant."
7.19.2005
The Real Jesus
After learning from his apostles what people thought about him, Jesus asked them: " You though, who do you say I am?" The Gospel of Matthew records the apostle Peter's answer: " You are the Christ, the Son of the living God." (Matthew 16:15, 16) Others were of the same opinion. Nathanael, who later became one of the apostles, told Jesus: "Rabbi, you are the Son of God, you are King of Israel." (John 1:49) Jesus himself spoke of the importance of his role: "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." (John 14:6) On various occasions, he referred to himself as "the Son of God." (John 5:24, 25; 11:4) And he backed up this claim by miraculous works, even raising the dead.
Continue-Next time: Well-Founded Doubts?
After learning from his apostles what people thought about him, Jesus asked them: " You though, who do you say I am?" The Gospel of Matthew records the apostle Peter's answer: " You are the Christ, the Son of the living God." (Matthew 16:15, 16) Others were of the same opinion. Nathanael, who later became one of the apostles, told Jesus: "Rabbi, you are the Son of God, you are King of Israel." (John 1:49) Jesus himself spoke of the importance of his role: "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." (John 14:6) On various occasions, he referred to himself as "the Son of God." (John 5:24, 25; 11:4) And he backed up this claim by miraculous works, even raising the dead.
Continue-Next time: Well-Founded Doubts?
7.11.2005
Blessings For All Nations
Abraham and Sarah were exemplary in enduring tests and in exercising faith in God's promises. The fulfillment of such promises has a bearing on mankind's eternal prospects, for Jehovah assured Abraham: "By means of your seed all nations of the earth will certainly bless themselves due to the fact that you have listened to my voice." - Genesis 22:18.
Of course, Abraham and Sarah were imperfect, even as we are. When God's will became clear to them, however, they promptly complied with it - regardless of the cost. Abraham is thus remembered as "Jehovah's friend" and Sarah as a 'holy woman who was hoping in God.' (James 2:23; 1Peter 3:5) By striving to imitate the faith of Abraham and Sarah, we too can enjoy precious intimacy with God. We can also benefit from the precious promises Jehovah made to Abraham. - Genesis 17:7.
Abraham and Sarah were exemplary in enduring tests and in exercising faith in God's promises. The fulfillment of such promises has a bearing on mankind's eternal prospects, for Jehovah assured Abraham: "By means of your seed all nations of the earth will certainly bless themselves due to the fact that you have listened to my voice." - Genesis 22:18.
Of course, Abraham and Sarah were imperfect, even as we are. When God's will became clear to them, however, they promptly complied with it - regardless of the cost. Abraham is thus remembered as "Jehovah's friend" and Sarah as a 'holy woman who was hoping in God.' (James 2:23; 1Peter 3:5) By striving to imitate the faith of Abraham and Sarah, we too can enjoy precious intimacy with God. We can also benefit from the precious promises Jehovah made to Abraham. - Genesis 17:7.
7.04.2005
Implicit Trust In God's Promises
Jehovah identified Isaac as the long awaited heir. (Genesis 21:12) So Abraham must have been stunned when God asked him to sacrifice his son. Yet, Abraham had sound reasons to trust God implicitly. Was Jehovah not able to raise Isaac from the dead? (Hebrews 11:17-19) Had God not proved his power by miraculously reviving the reproductive powers of Abraham and Sarah in order to bring about Isaac's birth in the first place? Convinced of God's ability to fulfill his promises, Abraham was ready to obey. True, he was prevented from actually slaying his son. (Genesis 22:1-4) Nevertheless, the role Abraham played in this regard helps us to see how difficult it must have been for Jehovah God to 'give his only begotten Son, in order that everyone exercising faith in him might not be destroyed but have everlasting life.' - John 3:16; Matthew 20:28.
Faith in God made it plain to Abraham that the heir to Jehovah's promises could not marry a false worshiper of the land of Canaan. How could a godly parent approve of his child's marriage to anyone not serving Jehovah? Abraham thus sought a suitable wife for Isaac among his relatives in Mesopotamia, more than 500 miles away. God blessed that endeavor by indicating that Rebekah was the woman he had chosen to become Isaac's bride and ancestress of Messiah. Yes, Jehovah "blessed Abraham in everything." - Genesis 24:1-67; Matthew 1:1, 2.
Next time: Blessings For All Nations
Jehovah identified Isaac as the long awaited heir. (Genesis 21:12) So Abraham must have been stunned when God asked him to sacrifice his son. Yet, Abraham had sound reasons to trust God implicitly. Was Jehovah not able to raise Isaac from the dead? (Hebrews 11:17-19) Had God not proved his power by miraculously reviving the reproductive powers of Abraham and Sarah in order to bring about Isaac's birth in the first place? Convinced of God's ability to fulfill his promises, Abraham was ready to obey. True, he was prevented from actually slaying his son. (Genesis 22:1-4) Nevertheless, the role Abraham played in this regard helps us to see how difficult it must have been for Jehovah God to 'give his only begotten Son, in order that everyone exercising faith in him might not be destroyed but have everlasting life.' - John 3:16; Matthew 20:28.
Faith in God made it plain to Abraham that the heir to Jehovah's promises could not marry a false worshiper of the land of Canaan. How could a godly parent approve of his child's marriage to anyone not serving Jehovah? Abraham thus sought a suitable wife for Isaac among his relatives in Mesopotamia, more than 500 miles away. God blessed that endeavor by indicating that Rebekah was the woman he had chosen to become Isaac's bride and ancestress of Messiah. Yes, Jehovah "blessed Abraham in everything." - Genesis 24:1-67; Matthew 1:1, 2.
Next time: Blessings For All Nations
6.30.2005
Nothing Is "Too Extraordinary For Jehovah"
In due course, Hagar did bear Abraham a son named Ismael. Yet, he was not the promised Seed. Sarah herself was to give birth to that heir, despite her advanced age. - Genesis 17:15, 16.
When God specified that Sarah would bear her husband a son, " Abraham fell upon his face and began to laugh and to say in his heart: 'Will a man a hundred years old have a child born, and will Sarah, yes, will a woman ninety years old give birth?' " (Genesis 17:17) An angel's repetition of the message within earshot of Sarah caused her to "laugh inside herself." But nothing is "too extraordinary for Jehovah." We can have faith that he can do anything he wills. - Genesis 18:12-14.
It was "by faith [that ]Sarah herself received power to conceive seed, even when she was past the age limit, since she esteemed him faithful who had promised." (Hebrews 11:11) In time, Sarah gave birth to Isaac, whose name means "Laughter."
Continued -Next time: Implicit Trust in God's Promises
In due course, Hagar did bear Abraham a son named Ismael. Yet, he was not the promised Seed. Sarah herself was to give birth to that heir, despite her advanced age. - Genesis 17:15, 16.
When God specified that Sarah would bear her husband a son, " Abraham fell upon his face and began to laugh and to say in his heart: 'Will a man a hundred years old have a child born, and will Sarah, yes, will a woman ninety years old give birth?' " (Genesis 17:17) An angel's repetition of the message within earshot of Sarah caused her to "laugh inside herself." But nothing is "too extraordinary for Jehovah." We can have faith that he can do anything he wills. - Genesis 18:12-14.
It was "by faith [that ]Sarah herself received power to conceive seed, even when she was past the age limit, since she esteemed him faithful who had promised." (Hebrews 11:11) In time, Sarah gave birth to Isaac, whose name means "Laughter."
Continued -Next time: Implicit Trust in God's Promises
6.28.2005
Who Would Be Abraham's Heir?
Despite promises of a seed, Sarah remained barren. Abraham presented the matter to God. Would his servant Eliezer inherit all that he owned? No, for Jehovah said: " This man will not succeed you as heir, but one who will come out of your own inward parts will succeed you as heir." - Genesis 15:1-4.
Still there was no child, and the 75 year-old Sarah despaired of conceiving. Hence, she said to Abraham: "Jehovah has shut me off from bearing children. Please, have relations with my maidservant. Perhaps I may get children from her." Abraham then took Hagar as a secondary wife, had relations with her, and she became pregnant. As soon as Hagar realized she was pregnant, she began to despise her mistress. Sarah complained bitterly to Abraham and humilated Hagar, causing the maidservant to flee. - Genesis 16:1-6.
Abraham and Sarah acted in good faith, adopting a course that accorded with accepted practices of their day. However, it was not Jehovah's way of producing Abraham's seed. Our culture might dictate that certain actions are right under various circumstances, but this does not necessarily mean that Jehovah agrees. His view of our situation might be entirely different. Hence, we need to ask God's direction, praying that he indicated the way he wants us to act. - Psalm 25:4, 5; 143:8, 10.
Continued-Next time: Nothing is "Too Extraordinary For Jehovah"
Despite promises of a seed, Sarah remained barren. Abraham presented the matter to God. Would his servant Eliezer inherit all that he owned? No, for Jehovah said: " This man will not succeed you as heir, but one who will come out of your own inward parts will succeed you as heir." - Genesis 15:1-4.
Still there was no child, and the 75 year-old Sarah despaired of conceiving. Hence, she said to Abraham: "Jehovah has shut me off from bearing children. Please, have relations with my maidservant. Perhaps I may get children from her." Abraham then took Hagar as a secondary wife, had relations with her, and she became pregnant. As soon as Hagar realized she was pregnant, she began to despise her mistress. Sarah complained bitterly to Abraham and humilated Hagar, causing the maidservant to flee. - Genesis 16:1-6.
Abraham and Sarah acted in good faith, adopting a course that accorded with accepted practices of their day. However, it was not Jehovah's way of producing Abraham's seed. Our culture might dictate that certain actions are right under various circumstances, but this does not necessarily mean that Jehovah agrees. His view of our situation might be entirely different. Hence, we need to ask God's direction, praying that he indicated the way he wants us to act. - Psalm 25:4, 5; 143:8, 10.
Continued-Next time: Nothing is "Too Extraordinary For Jehovah"
6.25.2005
Abraham Sought Peace
Events in Abraham's life reveal that Abraham had a godly personality. Instead of allowing a quarrel to continue between his herders and those of his nephew Lot, Abraham suggested separating their camps and invited the younger man Lot to choose the land he preferred. Abraham was a peace-maker. - Genesis 13:5-13.
If we ever have to choose between insisting on our rights or making concessions to preserve peace, we might note that Jehovah did not let Abraham suffer because he showed consideration for Lot. On the contrary, God thereafter promised Abraham and his seed all the land Abraham could see in every direction. (Genesis 13:14-17) "Haapy are the peaceable ["peacemakers,"footnote]," said Jesus, "since they will be called 'sons of God.'" - Matthew 5:9.
Continue-Next time: Who Would Be Abraham's Heir?
Events in Abraham's life reveal that Abraham had a godly personality. Instead of allowing a quarrel to continue between his herders and those of his nephew Lot, Abraham suggested separating their camps and invited the younger man Lot to choose the land he preferred. Abraham was a peace-maker. - Genesis 13:5-13.
If we ever have to choose between insisting on our rights or making concessions to preserve peace, we might note that Jehovah did not let Abraham suffer because he showed consideration for Lot. On the contrary, God thereafter promised Abraham and his seed all the land Abraham could see in every direction. (Genesis 13:14-17) "Haapy are the peaceable ["peacemakers,"footnote]," said Jesus, "since they will be called 'sons of God.'" - Matthew 5:9.
Continue-Next time: Who Would Be Abraham's Heir?
6.18.2005
Spiritual And Material Riches
After Abraham reached Canaan, God told him: " To your seed I am going to give this land." Abrahan responded by building an altar to Jehovah and by calling "on the name of Jehovah." (Genesis 12:7, 8) Jehovah made Abraham rich, and those in his encampment were great in number. Since he once mustered 318 trained men, slaves born in his household, it has been suggested that "his total group must have numbered well over a thousand." For whatever reason, people regarded him as "a chieftain of God." - Genesis 13:2; 14:14; 23:6.
Abraham took the lead in worship, teaching those of his household to "keep Jehovah's way to do righteousness and judgment." (Genesis 18:19) Present-day Christian family heads can draw encouragement from Abraham's example as a person who succeeded in teaching members of his household to rely on Jehovah and act in a righteous way. It is therefore not surprising that Sarah's Egyptian maidservant Hagar, the patriarch's eldest servant, and Abraham's son Isaac relied on Jehovah God. - Genesis 16:5, 13; 24:10-14; 25:21.
Continued-Next time: Abraham Sought Peace
After Abraham reached Canaan, God told him: " To your seed I am going to give this land." Abrahan responded by building an altar to Jehovah and by calling "on the name of Jehovah." (Genesis 12:7, 8) Jehovah made Abraham rich, and those in his encampment were great in number. Since he once mustered 318 trained men, slaves born in his household, it has been suggested that "his total group must have numbered well over a thousand." For whatever reason, people regarded him as "a chieftain of God." - Genesis 13:2; 14:14; 23:6.
Abraham took the lead in worship, teaching those of his household to "keep Jehovah's way to do righteousness and judgment." (Genesis 18:19) Present-day Christian family heads can draw encouragement from Abraham's example as a person who succeeded in teaching members of his household to rely on Jehovah and act in a righteous way. It is therefore not surprising that Sarah's Egyptian maidservant Hagar, the patriarch's eldest servant, and Abraham's son Isaac relied on Jehovah God. - Genesis 16:5, 13; 24:10-14; 25:21.
Continued-Next time: Abraham Sought Peace
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