The one key idea of chapter 2 is about how Jesus rose from the normal spiritual and cultural society of his time. He was a prophet that taught about God’s love and about how to spread it. There were many different religions, cults, etc. at that time and Jesus served as a bridge into a new era. Ever since Jesus’ prophetic calling, many of us have answered. We have been called to make a difference. Jesus is a prophet to all, not just the rich and famous. He loves us all, including the poor. Jesus was the kind of person that would make a difference almost at every point in his life. This was a sign for us to follow, and I think I, myself, need to follow it today. I am pretty good at wanting things, but I need to pay more attention to those who only want what they need to survive.
2. Write about two major ideas you want to remember.
One idea I want to remember is the idea of normal living in the time around Jesus. Knowing other things or events that happened during Jesus’ time helps bring Jesus into reality. Knowing the social classes, cults, Pax Romana, and other things helps me realize the reality of the time in contrast with Jesus Christ. If I can tie these two things together, I can not think of Jesus as just a bible story, but a real thing I can live my life after.
Another idea I want to remember, which kind of ties into the first idea, is the social classes of Jesus’ time. There are classes from the most powerful down to the poorest of the poor, and what strikes me the most is which group Jesus tended to talk to. He loved to preach to the poor, and part of the reason he did this was because he was poor. I think another reason is because those were probably the ones who would listen to Him the most. Since the poor were not wrapped up in greed and lots of belongings, they could listen to Jesus. This links to modern times. We are so hung up in receiving gifts and buying new, exciting stuff that it is hard to take time to listen to Jesus. I am guilty of it sometimes. A good message is to be more like the poor sometimes.
3. One image that captures the chapter for you.
4. One significant question you have from this chapter.
Could jesus have believed in the same philosophical and astrological ideas of His time?
5. In writing, describe in detail one social injustice. Include in your essay something you can do to right this injustice.
One pretty big social injustice is stealing. Stealing is such a problem because it is easy to do if you do not get caught, and those that steal usually are not that in touch with Christian values. I know by experience that it is the worst feeling in the world when you have something valuable to you stolen by someone else. That person just got a free bee, and it angers you when cannot get it back. There are different levels of stealing from stealing ideas to stealing cars to stealing a pencil. They are all stealing, though, and it is an injustice like no other. Very few people in this world can say they have never stolen something. That is quite a problem, and the only thing I think I can do now is stay faithful. I need to respect others’ property and not steal it. Although it is small, it can make a difference. Also, if someone else is planning to steal, I can talk them out of it.
