UNIT 3: JESUS’ ATTITUDE TO OTHER PEOPLE

In Zambia, people can have negative attitudes towards others, especially those seen as unpopular or despised. Reasons for this include jealousy, pride, fear, or poverty, leading to isolation, mockery, and refusal of friendship with certain individuals.

Lepers

Leprosy was considered an unclean and incurable disease, often resulting in isolation for those affected (Lev. 13:45-46, 14:1-20). Jesus, unlike most, associated with lepers, healing them and showing compassion. In the story of healing the ten lepers (Lk 17:11-19), He touched and healed them but still asked them to follow Jewish laws of showing themselves to the priests. Jesus acknowledged the need for healed lepers to offer thanksgiving to God as a sign of their cleansing and return to the community.

Tax Collectors

Tax collectors worked for the Romans and were often seen as outcasts and cheaters. Jesus welcomed and associated with them, telling the Pharisees that those considered sinful were precisely the ones needing His help. The story of the call of Levi (Lk 5:27-32) and Zacchaeus’s encounter with Jesus (Lk 9:1-10) demonstrate Jesus' compassion toward tax collectors. Zacchaeus showed his commitment to change by repaying those he had wronged, revealing his transformation from selfishness to integrity.

Sinners

Jewish thought considered "sinners" as people who did not follow the Law of Moses, marking them as unclean. Jesus focused on individuals rather than their sinful actions. When Jesus accepted an invitation to dine with Simon the Pharisee and allowed a prostitute to show her gratitude (Lk 7:36-50), He taught three lessons:

• Simon was wrong to condemn the repentant woman.
• A repentant sinner is more righteous than a prideful person.
• Jesus publicly forgave her, showing His mercy.

Gentiles

Gentiles were non-Jews whom the Law warned against associating with, fearing they would lead Jews to idolatry (Deut. 7:3-4, Ex. 20:3-5). Jesus treated Gentiles with respect and helped them, such as when He healed the centurion's servant (Lk 7:1-10). The centurion’s faith impressed Jesus, leading to one of the highest compliments He gave anyone (Lk 7:9). Jesus also emphasized that the command to love strangers (Lev. 19:33-34) was vital, even when Jews did not always practice it.

In the parable of the Good Samaritan, a Samaritan showed kindness to a Jew, traditionally an enemy. This parable teaches that everyone, including adversaries, is our neighbor, deserving kindness and compassion, which reflects the love of God.

Parable of the Unforgiving Servant (Mt 18:23-35)

Jesus teaches that God’s forgiveness is unlimited, and the depth of our forgiveness towards others shows we belong to His Kingdom. We are warned that if we do not forgive others, God will not forgive us (Mark 11:25).

Restoring Fellowship (Mt 18:15-20)

Jesus provided steps for restoring fellowship with someone who has done wrong:

• Go directly to the offender in private to discuss the wrongdoing.
• If they refuse, take two or three witnesses to encourage repentance.
• If they still refuse, bring the matter before the church.
• If they refuse to listen even then, treat them as an outsider. Prayer remains essential throughout this process, as it invites Jesus to guide the actions and judgments of those involved.

Parables of the Lost Sheep, Lost Coin, and Lost Son (Lk 15:1-30)

These parables respond to the Pharisees’ criticism of Jesus associating with sinners, emphasizing God’s personal joy in each sinner who returns to Him. Jesus taught that God cares deeply for each individual, searching for the lost and rejoicing when they are found.

Love

Jesus taught a special form of love called “Agape” in Greek, which is active, selfless love for others, even enemies (Lk 6:27-36, 9:49-50). Jesus condemned hatred and revenge, instead demonstrating forgiveness and kindness toward His enemies. In the Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus healed the ear of Malchus, whom Peter had injured (Lk 22:47-51). Jesus extended love and friendship toward those whom society rejected, including Gentiles and tax collectors.

Different religions provide their teachings on love, forgiveness, and tolerance:

Christianity

• All people are sinners and need forgiveness through Jesus Christ.
• When they come to God, they receive a new ability to live like Christ.
• Through the Holy Spirit, Christians can display His love, forgiveness, and tolerance.

Zambian Tradition

• Revenge is discouraged, and strangers are welcomed.
• Kinship is highly valued, promoting order and harmony in relationships.

Islam

• All people are brothers and equal as human beings; merit is based on moral conduct.
• Religious laws are unyielding for Muslims, sometimes permitting revenge, especially against non-Muslims.
• Hospitality is vital, with even enemies welcome in a Muslim's home.

Hinduism

• Hinduism emphasizes peace, love, and tolerance, promoting non-aggression.
• Forgiveness is fundamental, stemming from a broad-minded and liberal outlook.
• Love in Hinduism is spiritual and selfless, transcending material exchanges.

Jesus' Command on Respect (Matthew 7:12)

Jesus taught the Golden Rule: "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you" (Mt 7:12). This rule emphasizes respect, empathy, and fairness in all relationships, extending to both those we like and those we might not. Jesus demonstrated this in His interactions with others, regardless of their social or religious standing.

Respecting All People (Luke 10:25-37)

In the Parable of the Good Samaritan, Jesus encouraged the idea that respect for all people, regardless of their background, is essential. The Samaritan’s actions demonstrated kindness and respect for a person from a different culture, setting an example for everyone, regardless of race, ethnicity, or religion.

The Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5:38-48)

Jesus’ teaching on non-violence was radical. He instructed His followers not to resist evil people with violence but to show kindness and forgiveness instead (Mt 5:38-48). This is seen in His teachings about turning the other cheek and loving one’s enemies, challenging the norms of revenge and retaliation.

Jesus’ Example of Non-Violence

When Jesus was arrested, He rejected violence. Despite His disciples’ desire to fight back, Jesus healed the servant's ear, showing that violence is not the answer. Jesus' message emphasized love over hatred, even in times of great persecution.

Jesus as the Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6)

In the prophecy of Isaiah, Jesus is referred to as the Prince of Peace. His mission was to bring peace not just between God and humanity but also between people. Jesus taught His followers to live in peace, to forgive each other, and to work for reconciliation, as seen in His interactions with both Jews and Gentiles, and His final prayer for unity (John 17:21).

Peace Through Forgiveness (Luke 23:34)

At His crucifixion, Jesus prayed for the forgiveness of those who were putting Him to death, demonstrating the ultimate act of peace and reconciliation. This forgiveness is at the heart of His message, showing that true peace comes from letting go of anger and resentment.

Through His life and teachings, Jesus demonstrated the importance of loving others, forgiving those who wrong us, and showing kindness to everyone, especially those who are often despised or marginalized. He calls His followers to live out these values in a world that often values power and retaliation over humility and forgiveness.

The Parable of the Unforgiving Servant (Matthew 18:23-35)

Jesus’ parable of the unforgiving servant teaches the importance of forgiving others. In this story, a servant who is forgiven a large debt by his master refuses to forgive a smaller debt owed to him by another servant. Jesus emphasizes that God's forgiveness towards us is unlimited, and we must extend that same forgiveness to others. If we fail to forgive, we risk losing God's forgiveness (Mark 11:25).

Forgiveness and Restoration (Matthew 18:15-20)

Jesus provided a step-by-step process for restoring fellowship with someone who has wronged us. It begins with addressing the person privately, then involving others if necessary, and ultimately bringing the matter before the church if the issue remains unresolved. Throughout this process, prayer is essential, as it invites Jesus to guide the actions of those involved.

Love Your Neighbor (Matthew 22:37-40)

When asked about the greatest commandment, Jesus replied that we must love God with all our heart, soul, and mind, and love our neighbor as ourselves. This commandment is foundational to the Christian faith and reflects the selfless love that Jesus demonstrated throughout His life.

The Ultimate Sacrifice (John 15:13)

Jesus taught that the greatest form of love is sacrifice. He laid down His life for humanity, showing that true love involves giving up one's own interests for the sake of others. This sacrificial love is the model for how Christians are to live their lives, always putting others' needs before their own.

Tolerance in Jesus’ Ministry

Jesus' ministry demonstrated the importance of tolerance, particularly towards those who were rejected by society. He welcomed sinners, tax collectors, and Gentiles, offering them love and acceptance. This reflects God’s desire for all people to come to Him, regardless of their background or past mistakes.

The Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37)

The Parable of the Good Samaritan teaches tolerance by showing that true compassion transcends ethnic and religious boundaries. The Samaritan, a member of a group hated by the Jews, demonstrated kindness to a wounded Jew, showing that our “neighbor” is anyone in need, no matter who they are.

Christianity's Approach to Other Religions

Christianity teaches that salvation is through Jesus Christ alone. However, it also calls for Christians to show love, respect, and tolerance to those of other faiths. The Bible encourages believers to be a witness to others, sharing the love of Christ through words and actions, while also respecting the beliefs of others (1 Peter 3:15).

Love and Tolerance Across Cultures

Christians are called to be examples of love and tolerance in a world full of division. By living out the teachings of Jesus, Christians can bridge gaps between different cultures, religions, and backgrounds, promoting peace and mutual understanding in a diverse world.

Through His life and teachings, Jesus demonstrated that love, forgiveness, and tolerance are fundamental principles of Christian living. His examples of sacrificial love, compassion, and kindness show the way for His followers. Christians are called to reflect these values in all their relationships, extending grace and mercy to everyone, no matter their background or past mistakes. By doing so, Christians can build a more loving, peaceful, and tolerant world.