The stories that Jesus' tells to give us an understanding of God are often interpreted and presented in different ways. He would use his knowledge of the Kingdom of God and present it to everyday people in ways they could understand. These parables, that he used were the relations he used to explain to the common man the real rules that govern the world. Before this, the Pharisees and Scribes taught people such things as an eye for an eye, which meant to exact revenge on those who have betrayed you. Jesus says the opposite, which is to love your enemy as your friend, because love is the most powerful message, I think that Jesus gave to us. He attracted many people by the way he presented himself. He wasn't covered in jewelry and fine cloth, like many of the teachers at that time. This man was the son of a carpenter who traveled and spread the real Word of God to all who would listen. I think that this was part of his attraction to all his followers because he would never distance himself from the so called "unworthy" ones or the sinners. Whereas many teachers before him would condemn the sinners, he would strive to help them and as long as they had the faith, that would be their own salvation.
Despite the famous saying and teachings and prayers that Jesus has taught us, I think that his personality was the overcoming factor to why Christianity has survived so long. It was founded on a man who judged no one and helped everyone who were willing. The most mysterious, and probably the most attractive part of the human Jesus was towards the end of his teachings when he was condemned for being a blasphemer. Countless times before his death he was asked to show that he truly was the Son of God, but her resisted, because he wanted people to have faith in him and God. and not be bought with images and miracles. As long as you had faith in him, your sins were forgiven. I don't see him as the high and mighty powerful Jesus, but as more the reflective, kindhearted messiah who he was. The human aspect of Jesus helps us related more to our own faith because God made himself man because he wanted to relate to us on our own level and not the powerful angry God they had thought before Christ. He was a simple man with a simple message. I think that it was to love God above all and love everyone else as you love yourself. And despite how simple it sounds, it is probably the hardest of teachings to follow. His faith in people never seemed to waver. Even as he died on the cross his last words were "forgive them father, they know not what they do". How can a man suffer so much and love these people, even as they are condemning him to death? I think that this is the true image of what we should describe as a hero.