The Uniqueness of Christ. Part 2


The Character of Christ is Unique

Christ’s character was unique in other ways. To a perfect degree he manifested the best of virtues. He also combined seemingly opposing traits.
In Exemplifying Virtues.
 Even Bertrand Russell, who fancied he saw flaws in Christ’s character, confessed nonetheless that 'What the world needs is love, Christian love, or compassion.' But this belies a belief in what most others acknowledge, namely, that Christ was the perfect manifestation of the virtue of love.
Jesus’ willing submission to the ignominious suffering and death by crucifixion, while he maintained love and forgiveness toward those killing him is proof of this virtue (Luke 23:34, 43). He alone lived perfectly what he taught in the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5–7). He did not retaliate against his enemies; instead, he forgave them. He rebuked his disciples for misusing the sword (Matthew 26:52), and miraculously reattached and healed the amputated ear of one of the mob who came to take him to his death (Luke 22:50).
Jesus was the perfect example of patience, kindness, and compassion. He had compassion on the multitudes (Matthew 9:36), to the point of weeping over Jerusalem (Matthew 23:37). Even though he justly condemned (in no uncertain terms) the Pharisees who misled the innocent (Matthew 23), he did not hesitate to speak with Jewish leaders who showed interest (John 3).
In Combining Seemingly Opposite Traits. 
One of the unique things about Christ is the way he brought together in his person characteristics that in anyone else would seem impossible. He was a perfect example of humility, to the extent of washing his disciples’ feet (John 15). Yet he made bold claims to deity, such as, 'I and the Father are One' (John 10:30) and 'before Abraham was, I AM' (John 8:58; cf. Exodus 3:14). The claim, 'I am meek and lowly in heart' (Matthew 11:29) sounds arrogant, but he backed his words among little children (Matthew 18). Yet he was so strong as to overturn the tables of those who merchandised God’s house, cracking a whip to chase away their animals (John 2). Jesus was known for the virtue of kindness, yet he was severe with hypocrites who misled the innocent (Matthew 23).
Life and Teaching. 
As Jesus himself declared, the substance of what he taught finds its roots in the Old Testament (Matthew 5:17–18). He condemned meaningless traditions and misinterpretations of the Old Testament (Matthew 5:21f., 15:3–5 ). Though the essence of what he taught was not new, the form and the manner in which he taught it was unique. The Sermon on the Mount employs a fresh teaching method.
The vivid parables, such as the good Samaritan (Luke 10), the prodigal son (Luke 15), and the lost sheep (Luke 15:4f.), are masterpieces of communication. Parables stand at the heart of Jesus’ teaching style. By drawing on the lifestyles of the people to illustrate the truths he wished to convey, Jesus communicated truth and refuted error. Also, by speaking in parables he could avoid 'casting pearls before swine.' He could confound and confuse those who did not wish to believe (the outsider), yet illuminate those who did desire to believe (the insider). While the use of allegories and parables themselves was not unique, the manner in which Jesus employed parables was. He brought the art of teaching eternal mystery in terms of everyday experience to a new height. The 'laws of teaching' identified by modern pedagogues (Shafer, Seven Laws), were practiced perfectly in Jesus’ teaching style.
The manner in which Jesus taught was unique. The Jewish intellectuals admitted, 'No one ever spoke the way this man does' (John 7:46). As he taught in parables, he was thronged by the multitudes (Matthew 13:34). As a lad, he impressed even the rabbis in the temple. For 'Everyone who heard him was amazed at his understanding and his answers' (Luke 2:47). Later, he confounded those who attempted to trick him so that 'No one could say a word in reply, and from that day on no one dared to ask him any more questions' (Matthew 22:46).
To be continued...









©mychristcenter

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