Questions - Pt 2: What Does Following Jesus Look Like? Pt2
Photo by Nigel Tadyanehondo on Unsplash
In the previous post, I mentioned that God’s word tells us that to follow Jesus, is to imitate Him. So, let’s take a look at some of what He did and said.
Jesus Gave Dignity and Respect
When I read the Bible, I see Jesus approaching people in different ways than most of us. Most notable is His love and compassion. He was known for reaching out to those who were marginalized, rejected, and considered outcasts by society. He was called a “friend of sinners.“ (Matt 11:16-19) His approach is infused with an appreciation for the dignity and worth of each person. I am sure He made every person in front of Him feel important.
Jesus also demonstrated a deep understanding of people’s view of themselves. He spoke to them with kindness, concern, and respect. They did not need Him or anyone else to remind them of their status as unwanted, unclean, or undesirable. Instead of condemnation for sin, He surprised everyone by giving respect to those who were convinced that they didn’t deserve any.
Jesus Was Different
Jesus was radical with His love. Jesus challenged the current way of thinking at almost every turn.
Jesus hung out with people in their own environment, on their own turf, where He was wanted. Dinner with those hated by the establishment - tax collectors (Matt 9:10, Mark 2:15, Luke 5:29, Luke 19:1-10)
He challenged people to examine their way of looking at others. He honors kindness shown Him by a woman who anoints His feet (Luke 7:36-50)
Jesus called people to follow Him, without rebuking their behavior. Called disciples to follow Him (Matt 4:18-19, 9:9, 10:2-4, Mark 1:17, Luke 5:10-11, 27, Luke 9:59-60, John 1:43-51)
He didn’t demand that people make a decision immediately. He made offers. (John 6:15, 26, Luke 9:23, 9:57-62)
He didn’t seek attention. He was meek. He spoke with those who wanted to hear. He didn’t get into shouting matches. He didn’t march in protest. He didn’t share his opinion before asked, before people were ready. Jesus listened. He used stories. Jesus was patient. He was subtle.
Jesus Asked Questions
In the book, Jesus Is the Question, Martin Copenhaver states, “In the four gospels, Jesus was forty times more likely to ask a question as answer one directly, and twenty times as likely to offer an indirect answer as a direct one.”
“Jesus asked questions about people's physical needs. He asked questions similar to, “How much bread do you have?” or “Do you have anything to eat?” He asks questions about people’s stories. “How long has this been going on?” “What are you two talking about as you walk?” Jesus asks about desires. “What are you looking for?”, “What do you want?”, “Do you want to be healed?”
If we want to imitate Jesus, we might put more effort into knowing people, asking more questions and listening. We might let others know they have worth and are worth knowing.
It’s like my friend Rob always says… People don’t care what you know, until they know that you care.
Part 3 coming soon.
