Well, who is/was Jesus?
To all the high schoolers that were in class last Sunday, here is the lists we came up with. Remember, these are lists of characteristics we identified about Jesus, based on the book of Matthew, the book of John and from history, tradition and books. When looking at these lists, ask 3 questions?
1) Are any of these characteristics miraculous?[i.e. "turned water into wine"]
2) Are any of these characteristics culturally specific? [i.e. "walked everwhere"]
3) Are any of these characteristics untrue?
Characteristics of Jesus found in Matthew:
Nice, Healer, Daring, Stood firm on beliefs, Determined to do what God said, Loved the unlovable, Know scripture, Compassionate, Good friend, Plain looking, Didn't resist arrest, Against violence, Only one best friend, Claimed to be God
Characteristics of Jesus found in John:
Giving, Serving, Teacher of new way of life, Humble, Raised people from the dead, Offered people living water, Healer of disease and stuff, Non-judgemental, Counter to Jewish religion, Shepherd in a spiritual way, Loved fish, Forgiving, Truthful, Honest, Death predictor, Jewish, Middle Eastern, Leader of disciples
Characteristics of Jesus found in books, history and tradition:
Good person, walked everywhere, Single, Spoke boldly to crowds, Wore sandals, Loved everyone, Compassionate, Healed sickness, Listened to people, Drank wine, Ate bread, Caring, Challenged status quo, Died on a cross, Raised himself from the dead, Long hair, Died for a cause
See you Sunday. Peace.