Jesus Took the Weekend Off
There’s a plot hole in the Bible
Whenever people are asked to name the best examples of humanity, the same names keep turning up. Nelson Mandela, Mahatma Gandhi, Siddhārtha Gautama, Mother Teresa…
And Jesus Christ.
I agree with all of these names. And many more. Everyone has a list. These people were great teachers, they had a profound influence on humanity, they served a higher calling, their advice is a good solid foundation for living a good life.
Jesus, in particular, was a breath of hope and comfort for the Jews of the first century against the grinding forces of Romans, Temple, and the sheer hardship of life at the bottom. He taught that no matter how low you felt, there was always hope, and help would be found when needed. You might have to give Roman money to Romans, but you would be looked after, and you didn’t need to worry.
How comforting that is! To be free from stress about the future, free to enjoy the present moment, free to focus on things that are important. Just that attitude alone enriches life immeasurably.
Against the harsh background of Old Testament Israel, a long history full of war and hatred, the message of Jesus that peace and love could rule must have found a joyful audience.
