Journal 3: Morality of Jesus
The key idea about the morality of Jesus presented in this section is love for others. When Jesus taught, he usually talked about social interaction with others: how you should treat your neighbor, who was your neighbor, just how far do we need to go. He rarely talked about our relationship with God in regards to getting into heaven. He taught a radical new view of things. He had a respect for the Law that the Jews already followed, but pointed out flaws and added to them. His biggest point was to love others. He wants us to give up ourselves and live our lives for other’s sake; that is the key to heaven and fulfillment.
I want to remember C. S. Lewis’s ideas on the Law of Human Nature. Although it might seem rather apparent to us that there is a “right” and “wrong” morality because we feel a pull inside us to do what is right, even if it goes against our own natural instincts, Lewis presents the argument in a brilliant way. He uses everyday examples that are very clear and hard to argue with. Then he points out other’s arguments against him and defends himself from those as well, again using clear and applicable examples. We hear people arguing…..but what about? If there wasn’t a right morality, a Moral Law, then what is the point of arguing or saying that something is not fair? There wouldn’t be any. The most interesting point Lewis made I thought was how the Law governing humans is different than every other law in nature in the respect that we do not have to follow it. We can choose to break it. A rock that is let go of will fall. It has no choice. But we as humans due have a choice to act immorally.
I also want
to remember the Beatitudes. They are blessed are the poor in spirit, the
sorrowing, they who hunger, the merciful, the single-hearted, the peacemakers,
those persecuted for holiness’ sake, and the lowly. I don’t think it is
possible to reach these things for anyone, and that is the beauty of them. You
will always have something to strive for. The Commandments can be done
and followed all your days. But the Beatitudes let you have a constant reminder
that you can always be a better, more moral, person. They outline Jesus’
morality in a more specific sense than just “Love others.” They tell us who
those others are and who we should strive to be like.
My favorite
Bible passage we read this week was the story of the rich young man because I
think I know what he felt when Jesus told him to sell all he had and follow
him. First he asked what he needed to do to get into heaven, and Jesus told him
to follow the Commandments. The man was happy at this because he had done this,
as I think I have also. Everything seems to be good. But then, when asked what
we can do to ensure a place in heaven and to really have God’s favor with us,
Jesus tells the man to sell everything he has and follow him. The man’s face
dropped as I think mine would too. I am willing to follow the Commandments, but
I don’t think I am completely willing to give up everything that I own. It’s a
difficult thing and really makes you think about just how much you are devoted
to God.
picture from this site
This picture just reinds me of how Jesus told us what would decide if we got into heaven or not at the end of time; how we treated the least among us, we did to Him. How do i treat a beggar when they approach me and do i act for the right reasons?
A Christian is someone who believes that Jesus is our Savior, the Son of God, and follows his teachings. I try to be a Christian. But I fail miserably sometimes, usually because of society or my want for earthly pleasures and things. Jesus’ teachings do form the base of my morality and I try to live the way He told us to, but it can be hard with all the pressure I face day to day from friends, society, myself, and wherever else.
To make myself a better Christian, I can first off know and understand Jesus’ moral teachings. I surprised myself when I didn’t know the answer to some of the questions that were asked in class about key passages that pertain to Jesus’ morality. Then, I can try to live these out in my everyday life. I can make a conscious effort to reach out and help others when they need help, even if it proves to be a disadvantage to myself.