I think it’s safe to say that if a person similar to the person we know to be Jesus began teaching a social and political message like Jesus’, he or she would not be warmly welcomed. The first examples that come to mind (that I think are somewhat relatable) are the people who preach on the sidewalks of major cities proclaiming dramatic messages instructing passer-bys to repent now because the end of the world is near, or something along similar lines. Generally, these people are ignored by most and mocked by some. They are rarely taken too seriously, which is why it’s interesting that Jesus’ message was able to spread as much as it did, being so similar.
I tried to find out if any people had claimed to be the Messiah relatively recently, and I actually found an article about an Islamic man who claimed to be the Mahdi, or redeemer of Islam, and who was shot in the feet by Hamas after demanding to an imam that Muslims begin following his instructions. Although this man isn’t Christian, I think it’s interesting because I think he’s a good example of how people would react today to someone similar to Jesus – marking him as crazy and punishing him. I also think it’s interesting because this reaction is similar to how Jesus was received in the ancient world.
I think that Jesus’ preachings were so influential because of a confluence of factors including the time period, the location, and external events that allowed his followers to become so devoted and his teachings to spread.
PS -- I found the article at http://www.israeltoday.co.il/default.aspx?tabid=178&nid=14305
1 comment:
I agree with you. During this time period people are mostly sure of their beliefs, if part of a religious faith, and are not so open to new "messiah's." During the time jesus came along, there was a need for a messiah. Many of the Jews during this time period were feeling very empty, and abandoned by their god. This was a time they began searching for a messiah and for salvation.
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