Christians constantly say that Jesus is their role model, their example, and their leader; he is the man whom they try to emulate in life. Here are some Christians who state this point:
The Christian life is not merely intellectual assent to a list of orthodox tenets. It is internalizing the teaching and example of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
And as we look at Christ through the infallible lens of God’s Word the Bible, we are reminded that his way is up-side-down (or rather right-side-up) from the way of this world. Jesus did not work his way to the top; he started at the top, as God himself, and yet chose to humble himself for the sake of his people.
Here was a self-made man: Jesus, who is due all glory and honor, made himself of no reputation. Jesus, who is King of Kings and Lord of Lords, took on himself the role of a servant. How sad and ironic that most of us spend all our energy in life striving to do the exact opposite.
This is doubtless why Jesus, from the outset, told those who admired him that they would have to deny themselves in order to become his disciple. Yet so many Christians want to claim discipleship, but without the sacrifice, without the self-denial, without the humility.
Beloved, let this mind be in you ? may you internalize the reality of who Christ is, of how he lived, and of what he demands of us.
(http://baptistbiblehour.org/2009/01/23/jesus-our-example-12)
Christ set the example for us. His example is a model for us to follow. We accepted the challenge to follow him when we accepted the restored gospel. At baptism, and each time we partake of the sacrament, we covenant to follow Christ. In order to follow him, we must learn about him, the things he taught, the things he did, and the way he handled challenges during his Earthly ministry. Having learned these lessons we are commanded to follow his example. (http://www.three-peaks.net/example.htm)
All Christians basically say the same thing, which is that Jesus is their example, the one to follow. So with that said let us turn our attention to the Luke chapter 19 where Jesus gives an interesting parable:
And as they heard these things, he added and spake a parable, because he was nigh to Jerusalem, and because they thought that the kingdom of God should immediately appear. He said therefore, A certain nobleman went into a far country to receive for himself a kingdom, and to return. And he called his ten servants, and delivered them ten pounds, and said unto them, Occupy till I come. But his citizens hated him, and sent a message after him, saying, We will not have this man to reign over us. And it came to pass, that when he was returned, having received the kingdom, then he commanded these servants to be called unto him, to whom he had given the money, that he might know how much every man had gained by trading. Then came the first, saying, Lord, thy pound hath gained ten pounds. And he said unto him, Well, thou good servant: because thou hast been faithful in a very little, have thou authority over ten cities. And the second came, saying, Lord, thy pound hath gained five pounds. And he said likewise to him, Be thou also over five cities. And another came, saying, Lord, behold, here is thy pound, which I have kept laid up in a napkin: For I feared thee, because thou art an austere man: thou takest up that thou layedst not down, and reapest that thou didst not sow. And he saith unto him, Out of thine own mouth will I judge thee, thou wicked servant. Thou knewest that I was an austere man, taking up that I laid not down, and reaping that I did not sow: Wherefore then gavest not thou my money into the bank, that at my coming I might have required mine own with usury? And he said unto them that stood by, Take from him the pound, and give it to him that hath ten pounds. (And they said unto him, Lord, he hath ten pounds.) For I say unto you, That unto every one which hath shall be given; and from him that hath not, even that he hath shall be taken away from him. But those mine enemies, which would not that I should reign over them, bring hither, and slay them before me. (Luke 19:11-27)
We have already discussed the meaning of this parable in a separate article, which can be found here:
http://muslim-responses.com/Violent_Christianity/Violent_Christianity_
This parable is a parable about Jesus’ second coming, sadly many Christians are so ignorant they think that this is just a parable, and nothing more, but I repeat, it is a parable, but a parable of what it is to come, during Jesus’ second coming those who reject him shall be brought before him and killed.
This brings us to our main point, if Jesus is our role model and example, then I can take this example of Jesus and apply it to myself, for instance if I become a leader, and I have enemies who reject my leadership, or disagree with me, then I can order my servants to bring these people, and kill them, just like Jesus does. Christians cannot have their cake and eat it, if Jesus is their role model and example as they often say, then there is no reason why I cannot take the above example of Jesus and use it for myself, I am following his lead.
So in reality when we read history, about Christians that killed everyone who disagreed with them, these Christians were not committing anything that was unbiblical, they were following the example of Jesus, they were killing their enemies, the people who rejected them and their rulings.
Sorry Christians, you can’t have your cake and eat it.
And Allah Knows Best!
Sami Zaatari
www.muslim-responses.com
