Was Jesus an example for us?

Question

Let's assume I believe that God exists. Let's also assume that Jesus was somehow "more" Gods child than all of us are, perhaps even God incarnate. From this perspective, is it even useful to ask "what would Jesus do"? Can he be an example for us?
I can see him as a great HUMAN, and then his example is relevant. But when I am asked to see him as divine, he suddenly has knowledge and capabilities I have no access to, or even comprehension of. How is a being with that kind of nature relevant as an example for a human without those capacities?

Answer 1

I believe he is an example and I think he was just like me - but I think we are both divine. I think that all of these religion stories are trying to translate the Unknowable, but in this existence it is hard to get the translation right.

I would also say that science tells us that we only use, what, 10% of our brain? What is to say that the other 90% is there so that we can have the information that Jesus was privy to, but we have lost the ability to use these powers through non-use.

Finally, I will say that a well written religion never wants it's people to not need it - and so they would naturally write about a person that is truly too good to be true, so the congregation must continue to strive. I mean, if he is perfect and no man is perfect, then there is no risk that a person will outgrow this religion, right? There will always be more to do for one can never truly reach the goal.

Peace!

Answer 2

Jesus is an example for us today just as he was when he walked the earth and he will be long after we are gone. In Gen. Chapter 1 In the being the word was with God and the word was God And the word became human. So you see God is all three. Jesus lived so we might live with him some day, but for us to do that he had to die on the cross and shaded his blood so we can become as clean as he is. He took our sin away and all you have to do is ask him to come into your live! Jesus say he stands at the door and knock who ever opens the door he will come in.

John 3:16 For God so loved the world that he gave he one and only son and who ever believe in him will have ever lasting live.

If you truly do not believe in him I hope you feel the same about Satan.But there is a problem with that too. Because he believes in you and he is fighting for your soul. There is an old saying try Jesus out for yourself including reading the Bible and if you still think he is not right for you Satan will always take you back.

I hope you do not wait til it is to late to at least try it for youself. I would not go by what some of the other have say about not beliving as well.

Answer 3

Because Jesus is both true God and true man.

While he was here on Earth he suffered the same (more) temptations and suffering we suffered. Many had to suffer just for us to be able to talk about this today. They use to have mass in underground tunnels. People wonder why catholics have mass everyday. Originally people had church everyday because they never knew if they would be killed for their beliefs before the next sunday. Much of Jesus' followers were martyred. 11 out of the 12 disciples were crucified. Countless of saints died violent deaths.

When you try to live the truth christian life, you understand a lot more. Especially the longer you live it. There's a small book I once had (never lend out books) of quotes from Mother Theresa on various subjects. Even she experienced periods of spiritual dryness.

It's like the line in From Dusk til' Dawn. "Every now and then you look in the mirror and wonder, "Am I a fool?".

He came to us in human form to show us how to be a human. Not how to be God. We are not called to be God/s. We are called to serve God. If you don't enjoy serving God, then what's the point of wanting to go to heaven?

If you struggle with the whole afterlife/divinity thing, just look at it as a way of life thing. Here was, the best human being that we know of. Loved everybody. Never did anything wrong. Taught the people. Was loved by many. Killed...in a most violent way, for no reason. What did the pharisees say, "it's better for one man to die, than a whole population".

As you take christianity deeper you come to recognize that Jesus lives in the hearts of all of his believers. We act in a manner that more than likely shows we would have crucified Jesus if we were there. However, if we imagine our actions towards others as actions towards Jesus...we get a clearer picture. That is, if you love him.

If you are humble and open to humility, there are those who will show you mercy. There are also those who will hate you. Yet the prideful fall. I don't say this because I've read it in a book. I say it because I've experienced it. Not that I'm anything close to what Jesus is or was. Sometimes though, I've acted as he's directed me.

Answer 4

Pay careful attention to what Jesus called himself and what Jesus said about Himself (1) "before glorification" compared to (2) "after glorification."

Before glorification is all throughout the four gopels as the "Son of God" and the "Son of Man" or the "Word become flesh" (the truth apart from the good). Jesus said that "only God is good" at this point.

After glorification is all throughout Revelation as Jesus being in the midst of the churches, Jesus having all power on heaven and earth, Jesus having the keys to hell and death, Jesus being the Lord of lords and King of kings, Jesus being alive for ages and ages, etc.

As Revelation is the primary "post-glorification book" in the Bible, you can see the truth of the following statement:

The Father, Son and Holy Spirit is like the soul, the body and the works in a single person.

Not multiple persons, personalities or bodies does our God (or Jesus) have.

Answer 5

Jesus was and still is an example to live! But the only difference is that he had the power to do God's will! That is why we pray and study and spend time with God! Because God can give us those special gifts that we can use to help others! We can also work miracles as Jesus did! It has been done and is being done everyday! You don;t know what other gifts that you have, you didn't make yourself. We look to the creator for what we need to know about ourselves not to another man! he knows as much as I know about myself! only a doctor can tell me about what happens physically to me but only to a degree. Man's mind is limited! they know nothing of the spirit! You have access to these things but the only way you can get them is through God! You can try anywhere and anyone person but you can only get but so far!

Answer 6

Jesus taught by example. Yes

The answer to the other part of your question is quite simple....the question you pose is exactly the reason, the Word became flesh and dwelt among us. Jesus Christ is ALL God and ALL man. He is not one or the other or part one and part the other. ALL one and ALL the other. This is what is called the Hypostatic union of God and man.

Jesus came as man in order to experience everything we do. He was in every way the same as us except with no sin. Since he became one of us he could more easily relate to us. Easier for us, not so much for Him. He can do anything.

Remember, He could relate to us so well, He even called the Apostles His friends.

Answer 7

Jesus is the best example.He came to earth as man with just the same capabilities that we have,nothing more or less.Everyone else preaches but cant say they led by example,but Jesue set an example before he taught about it.

Answer 8

Well, think of it this way. Is there a person in your life that you would like to be more like? If there is, usually that person has very fine qualities you'd like to emulate (we're hoping, anyway). Jesus is our example because He was perfect. Can we be perfect? Well, He said to be! But of course, in this life and with this sin nature, no, we're not going to be perfect.

But striving for that kind of way of life, is there anything higher, more pure? I don't think so. The things that He is are the things I wish I were. One day I will be, when this body goes to be with Him in heaven; I will be perfected. The bible says, when I see Him, I shall be like Him. In the meantime, to strive to emulate Him is a high calling and although I fail often, I wouldn't want to live any other way.

Answer 9

I see jesus as just a man... nothing more.
He was not a superhero, sent to earth to be our saviour... that is Superman... The fantastic origin written for him, in that comic book we call the bible, does nothing but detract from the importance of Jesus Christ.

The message.

The more you try to understand the story, and why he did the things he did... the more you'll understand the very basic principles of WHY!

Answer 10

I've thought those same things in times past, but then I realized that he was wrapped in the same flesh that we are and thus was tempted and tormented the same as we are. He didn't sin and thus is an example of how we should TRY to live our lives. If you always think of Jesus, you make fewer mistakes. None of us can attain that level of perfection, but we can darn well try.