Did others do more than Jesus for humanity?

[marco]

I was reading about the bravery of Nurse Edith Cavell who saved lives in WW1 and was executed for her efforts. Jesus seems to have blasphemed or insulted the religion of his time and was consequently executed. In history many people have given up their lives for others but only in metaphor did Jesus give his life for others. He is fabled to have destroyed death - after him there was no need to bury people for they didn't die, at least in theory. In practice people did die.

It would seem Jesus should not be on the list of those who saved others, unless we count his medicinal work, which would put him alongside some junior doctors.

Did many others do more for mankind than Jesus?
What good did Jesus actually do?

[marco]

Did many others do more for mankind than Jesus?
What good did Jesus actually do?

Before she died Nurse Cavell said that patriotism wasn't enough; she had to set aside all hatred and bitterness.
Before he died Jesus observed that people didn't know what they were doing in executing such an important character.
Before Nero died he similarly remarked: "What an artist died with me."

I like the nurse's exit best; it reflects generosity of spirit as well as bravery.

[tam]

Peace to you Marco, (and please forgive me because this will be quick, I will come back when I have more time)

Did many others do more for mankind than Jesus?
What good did Jesus actually do?

Before she died Nurse Cavell said that patriotism wasn't enough; she had to set aside all hatred and bitterness.
Before he died Jesus observed that people didn't know what they were doing in executing such an important character.
Before Nero died he similarly remarked: "What an artist died with me."

I like the nurse's exit best; it reflects generosity of spirit as well as bravery.

That wasn't really His quote, though, was it?


"FORGIVE THEM FATHER, for they know not what they do."


In which He demonstrates just as He taught: love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.



Peace again to you,
your servant and a slave of Christ,
tammy

[marco]

That wasn't really His quote, though, was it?


"FORGIVE THEM FATHER, for they know not what they do."


In which He demonstrates just as He taught: love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.

I still prefer the Nurse's lovely words. They don't contain hints of grandeur: the supplicant appealing to God in his favoured capacity. She accepted her unjust punishment. She had tended both German soldiers and enemy soldiers.

Nero saw himself as important, a great artist. Jesus saw himself not as a boaster (I'm older than Abraham) but as an unjustly punished emissary from heaven. The woman displayed incredible humility; Christ's last thoughts were that his accusers didn't actually recognise how great he was. I think Edith wins but ironically she would never have seen it that way.

[onewithhim]

[Replying to post 1 by marco]

Go to the thread "Jesus' Resume---What Did He Do?" It's already been discussed.



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[marco]

[Replying to post 1 by marco]

Go to the thread "Jesus' Resume---What Did He Do?" It's already been discussed.



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Thank you for pointing out the parallel thread. I instanced a nurse who obviously helped mankind. Jesus helped a few sick people too, but the question is, have OTHER human beings done more than Christ for humanity? I know the theory of his saying nice things to passers by but the investment of others has surely been greater than a man's nice phrases.

And when one remembers that Christ's reported good acts were done in a space of little more than two years, whereas others have given a lifetime of service, Jesus does not come high on the list of humanitarians. And since he restricted himself to the confines of Judaism, wasting much time on petty rues and regulations, we may find Jesus did next to nothing, except on behalf of a few lucky lepers and such.

[JehovahsWitness]

[Replying to post 1 by marco]

Did others do more than Jesus for humanity?

How one answers would depend on whether one believes the bible narrative or not. If one does, then no, Jesus did more because he provided mankind with the ransom (see Rom 5:18). If one doesn't then no, he was a just carpenter that got himself executed.



JW

[marco]

[Replying to post 1 by marco]

Did others do more than Jesus for humanity?

How one answers would depend on whether one believes the bible narrative or not. If one does, then no, Jesus did more because he provided mankind with the ransom (see Rom 5:18). If one doesn't then no, he was a just carpenter that got himself executed.

The two choices are not of the same weight. Jesus was indeed a carpenter who got himself executed. That is descriptive.
That he provided some figurative "ransom" is just a theory. Another theory might be that he was a member of the Essenes who aimed at change and peaceful revolution. Yet another view is that he was unhinged, but attracted wonderment like Rasputin.

But yes he was a carpenter who got himself killed. One cannot disagree with that.

[JehovahsWitness]

But yes he was a carpenter who got himself killed. One cannot disagree with that.

I wasn't disagreeing with anything I was simply sharing beliefs about what his death means for humanity. These are just faith based beliefs and I am not claiming they are anything more.




JW


NOTE All posts I write represent my personal faith based beliefs as one of Jehovah's Witnesses

[onewithhim]

[Replying to post 8 by marco]

Jesus said that his disciples would do works "greater than" what he did, owing to the fact that, like you mentioned, he only had 2-3 years to accomplish his ministry. His disciples would cover a much greater territory and have much more time to preach and teach.

No one has accomplished what he did in controlling the elements, miraculously feeding thousands of people, raising the dead, and making his Father's name known. If everyone practiced what he taught, there would be no wars. Put everything he did together and you cannot find another person who can compare to him.



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