The Gospels: Portraits of Christ - Assignment Example

Your Religion and Theology 12/03 “Taking into account the nature and circumstances of its original audience, give an overview of one gospels portrait of Jesus that you think is most compelling/important for Americans at the beginning of the 21st Century (two thirds of answer). Give your reasons for choosing this gospel explaining what you think this portrait of Jesus has to say to your world (final third).” When we talk about the affects of Gospel’s portrait on the American society, it is very important to first get some knowledge about the thinking of Americans of 21st century about religion and beliefs. The young Americans of 21st century are very different from the elderly members of their society, especially in their point of view regarding religion and beliefs. They are more inclined towards science than religion and spiritual beliefs. Many of them do believe in Jesus but take it in a very casual manner. The complications in their beliefs have increased in this era where science and technology has taken the lead and achieved the heights of innovations through research. In short, American society of 21st century is not really influenced by the teachings of Christianity and most of them are not very extreme in following the commandments of Jesus. Now that we have got a short description and knowledge about the current American society, we now move forward. There are basically four portraits of Jesus in Gospel which are presented by Mark, John, Luke and Matthew, justifying it to be accurate and authoritative, and is central to its belief system. In the 21st century technology plays an integral role in ever thing, also the religion and spreading of correct religion. Advancement in communication opened doors for sharing information which is about the churches became common phenomena. Now internet is available everywhere so churches are making websites and through internet spreading the correct message, so in 21st century there is a new trend of seeking out improved and new human methods along with an increase in the attendance and human contribution. The major aim of these ideas is to strengthen spirituality and loyalty.  Here it is important to state also the overall Gospel’s portraits of Jesus. All these have their own strong points .Mark wrote for Christians who were living in Rome, who were suffering under the persecution of Emperor Nero. So over all he also emphasized on the suffering of Jesus and he portrays him as “Suffering Savoir, or Suffering Messiah”. 2 The Gospel of mark was basically narrating life of Jesus and basically focusing on the last week of his life. The Gospel written by Mark is the first Gospel which was written and it the shortest out of the four gospels of Mark, Matthew, John and Luke. The material of Mark’s Gospel was also used by Matthew and Luke later on. 3 He focused on Mark’s gospel being action focused story of Jesus which shows Jesus as a man of action FAQ # ( Rollins, Wayne G. 1963). 2(Alexander, T. Desmond. 2010) 31 5:17 "Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them." Matthew portrait of Jesus was the one which was influenced by the fact that his work was for Jews. Jews wanted to compare the teaching of Jesus with the teachings of Moses. Matthew here stressed on the fact that the teachings are fulfilling the old Testament’s teachings. They say Jesus is the new Moses. So over all the portrait of Jesus here is the one which is of “Teaching Savoir” or “Messiah”. There are also many scriptures which support Matthew , one of them is 12:8, which says, “"For the Son of Man is the Lord of the Sabbath.", Only Jesus’ Jesus authority as Messiah would allow him to claim to be master of Sabbath. There is another verse also supporting the Matthew’s stance.1 Here his claim that he fulfils prophecy also proves that he is the Messiah. Luke’s portrait of Jesus was based on his writings, he wrote for gentiles especially the poor and outcast people of the society and the portrait of Jesus as per Luke was that of a “Compassionate Savoir”. John’s writings were for all sorts of people coming from all backgrounds. He major stress was on how Jesus came to make people richer and fuller and that is the major reason why the portrait of Jesus by Luke was of “Life Giving Savoir” or the divine Son of God .All these portraits of Jesus have the power to change the world. It clearly depict that it is the application of the modern society. It shows that the good news or the correct message which is depicted clearly in gospel should be spread around the world. Mark portrait Jesus as a man of action and the Americans also strive to be the man of action. It basically refers towards healing people, speaking in tongues and also conducting demons. Helping the needy through our actions, giving charity and through our own actions helping who needs help. Luke portrays Jesus as compassionate and we all should try to get this trait in us for the benefit of the society. “Man of action” by Mark in gospel is one gospel’s portrait of Jesus which is most impactful and important in the 21st century.4 Jesus was a man of action, he invested in setting up his credibility and through his actions won hearts of all. He conducted sermons, he had a huge amount of people following him. Jesus came out and met the cowards and he impressed all with his teaching. He helped people with his healing powers and his power of demons was shocking. He showed his power over nature by walking on the water, calming the wind and the sea. In Modern society and in America people have started spreading the message of Christ and also through evidences thus portraying Jesus as Mark said in Gospel “Man of Action”. A great professor of Oxford University in England started to preach the message of Jesus through his actions and his books like Mere Christianity. Since the beginning of the 21st century and till today many men and women have given their lives spreading the message of Jesus, they did not care about torture or even death but just wanted to spread the message of Jesus and Jesus as a man of action. Richard Wurmbrand is a Christian leader who spent 14 years in prison and he was tortured for running church under the Communist rule. .4Matthew 28:19 says "Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit." Throughout the world a lot of work has been done in order to spread Christianity which clearly shows that portrait of Jesus which was as a “Man of action” by Mark was listened and understood by the majority. Examples like Mother Theresa are another example who through her actions served humanity and she led a life which was to work for Christ. Another example is of William and Katherine Booth who were the founders of the Salvation Army, who wanted to help the poor. The had a movement through which they wanted to acknowledge and help those enthusiastic people who want to basically change the world. Over all Jesus portrayal as a man of action tells the world and the people that the message that you are spreading, if it is true and right it will be listened and that through your true actions you can convince everyone, the new and revised version of bible with Apocrypha spreads the same word of Bible. 5 People give their life, bare torture just to spread the message which is true and beneficial for everyone. The world today should also work on the same path and the people are following the path which is right and under the teachings of Jesus. 5(Harrelson, Walter J. 2003). WORKS CITED: Rollins, Wayne G. 1963. The Gospels: portraits of Christ. Philadelphia: Westminster Press. Soltau, George. 1905. Four portraits of the Lord Jesus Christ; some suggestions for young Christians beginning to study the Gospels. New York: C.C. Cook. Alexander, T. Desmond. 2010. Discovering Jesus: why four Gospels to portray one person? Wheaton, Ill: Crossway. Harrelson, Walter J. 2003. The new interpreters study Bible: New Revised Standard Version with the Apocrypha. Nashville: Abingdon Press. Read More