So, What Was Jesus Like?

In my last post I put forth the idea that discipleship is becoming more like Jesus in our words, actions, love of God and our neighbors and even our enemies. With this whole question I keep asking, "does it matter how Christians live their lives" as the starting point, I ask this question.

So what was Jesus like? If we can answer this question accurately, then I think we can safely describe what Christians should look like as well. This will then give us a base to judge ourselves from.

Would you like to name a few of the characteristics Jesus exhibited during His time here on earth? Use the comment section below.

A Blind Leader?

Luk 6:39 He also told them a parable: "Can a blind man lead a blind man? Will they not both fall into a pit?



Luk 6:40 A disciple is not above his teacher, but everyone when he is fully trained will be like his teacher.


This is where Jesus started the story we've been looking at. The very obvious inference here is that anyone who is either unaware or unwilling to put into practice the teachings of Jesus is unqualified to lead. Why? Because he will hurt both himself and those he leads.

(Note:) After I published this post, I was thinking of what I said in this and other articles and I had to go back and add this thought. Here, I believe, is an excellent opportunity to put this concept of judging into practice using me as an example. I realize many of you do not know me personally and so you will only be able to judge me by the words I write. For those readers who do know me personally, look at my life, actions and words and ask yourselves this question. "Is Michael a blind man attempting to lead the blind or is he by his life, actions and words (fruit) attempting to become more like Jesus?" If the answer is "blind man" then read no further. If it is "attempting to follow the teachings of Jesus" then, consider that perhaps I have something valid to say. You be the judge.
 
What is the purpose of Biblical discipleship? It is NOT so that we can know more Bible verses to argue our point with. It's NOT so we can point out others faults or develop the finer points of rules and doctrines. It IS  so that we will become like our teacher Jesus. No, not gods for those who might be wondering, but like Him in our actions, words and love for God and our neighbor, even our enemies. That is the ultimate goal of discipleship. The Church seems to be largely unaware of this. We have more knowledge and more information about the Bible and theology than at any other time in history. Yet, it would appear, less Christlikeness than ever before. Why is that?
 
Anyone interested in reading a compelling book on what true Biblical love looks like, check out this book Love Has a Face written by Michele Perry.

Sawdust vs. Log

In my last post I asked the question, "Is anyone ever all bad or all good? If not, then are we still able to judge the quality of the man or woman by his or her actions?" One reader asked me what I thought and I promised a reply, but before I do let's look at one more section of this parable in Luke 6. Remember, we are working our way backwards in this story.

Luk 6:41 Why do you see the speck that is in your brother's eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye?


Luk 6:42 How can you say to your brother, 'Brother, let me take out the speck that is in your eye,' when you yourself do not see the log that is in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take out the speck that is in your brother's eye.

You hypocrite. Hmmmmm, pretty strong words these, wouldn't you say? In the verses following this (previous post) Jesus clearly says that "yes, we can" and even "yes, we should" judge a person by his/her actions. He even goes so far as to give us a practical comparison using our everyday surroundings. (fruit trees). In these verses He even tells us that we ARE to remove the speck in our brother's eye.

BUT, in these verses Jesus warns us in no uncertain terms to beware. I am continually amazed at the HUGE blind spots OTHERS have. Time after time, for instance, I have seen people complain about some one's lack of consideration for others and they themselves are some of the greatest offenders in this area. Blind spots being blind spots and people being people, I am assuming that I too must have them. My wife tells me that without doubt I have them. LOL.  So what do I think?

I think that we are very clearly given the "okay" to judge people's hearts by their actions. BUT, we had better scrutinize our own lives and actions closely, perhaps with the help of a close friend, before we pass judgement. Without condoning the sin, Jesus was very compassionate to sinners, but whew...to hypocrites...not so much.

Original question. Does it matter how we live our lives? Why is it so difficult for us to be honest with ourselves and face our own weaknesses, failures, character flaws and even hypocrisies?

Good Tree, Bad Tree, Good Fruit, Bad Fruit

Look at the words of Jesus (below). I'm working backwards in this passage from the previous post, Lord, Lord. First I raised the question, "Does it matter?" Now let's look at the question, "Can we tell?" Jesus says that if we are producing evil...we are evil, but if we are producing good...we are good. We are given the ability to judge based on a person's actions.

Luk 6:43 "For no good tree bears bad fruit, nor again does a bad tree bear good fruit,


Luk 6:44 for each tree is known by its own fruit. For figs are not gathered from thornbushes, nor are grapes picked from a bramble bush.

Luk 6:45 The good person out of the good treasure of his heart produces good, and the evil person out of his evil treasure produces evil, for out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks.

Now here's a tough question. Is anyone ever all bad or all good? If not, then are we still able to judge the quality of the man or woman by his or her actions? How do these thoughts feed back into my initial question, "Does it matter how we live our lives?"

Lord, Lord

Is my question, "Does it matter how we Christians live our lives" a valid, relevant question for today?  Jesus himself asked some very difficult questions along these same lines. Let's take just this one verse and look at it closely for a minute.

Luke 6:46 "Why do you call me 'Lord, Lord,' and not do what I tell you? (ESV)

This is one question from Jesus that ought to be more than enough to get us thinking. Maybe even a bit worried. After all, if Jesus himself was interested in why people might call him Lord, but not follow his commands, I think there's a better than even chance it is still a valid question. So what are some of his commands? What does it mean to "do" those commands?