Is Jesus a good role model?

[Jesusismyhero]

Greetings friends.

Me and my dad were discussing this question the other night.
Me being a christian, and he being a atheist made it a interesting discussion.
I really wish to convince him that Jesus is a good role model, but we did not get out chance to finish. I am asking for inputs from you guys, so that I could be more prepared for the next time it comes up.
Everyone has their own perceptions, but the questions I have been asking myself are following:

-What is a role model? Do we need them or should we only listen to ourselves?

-What did Jesus stand for that can be admired by others?

-My dad claimed that Jesus did "some things" that werent consistent with today values.. What do you think of this? Of course, he did not give any concrete examples, so I do not know what he meant by saying so..

-People that have been inspired by Jesus. (Example: Martin Luther King jr. stood up against the majority in the USA such as Jesus stood up against the pharisees.) Can you think of anyone else?

-A story I showed my dad was the Parable of the Good Samaritan. I really think this is a good story that gives a good picture of who Jesus was. I am trying to find good stories like this one from the bible that shows how Jesus was tolerant, brave and a good role model. Could anyone recomend something?

Every answer is appreciated very much and I hope we can create a good discussion out of this

Have a nice day everyone. Best regards.

 

[B-A-C]

Somehow, I don't think today's "values" are something Jesus would even want to live up to.

A role model? He fed the hungry. More than once. He healed the sick more times than we know.
He made the lame walk. He forgave people... even those who put Him on the cross. (Father, forgive them.. they know not..)
He forgave even the one who denied Him 3 times. He took time for people. He listened to them. He not only told
them to love one another, but He showed them how.
He protected the woman caught in adultery from those who would stone her, and He forgave her.

How many other role models do we have like that?

For the non-atheists... not only did He do all that, but He gives us the power to do the same things.
He not only gives us life now... but eternal life.

 

[Christ4Ever]

First Welcome to Talk Jesus @Jesusismyhero !

Always a joy when another brother in Christ Jesus finds his way here to this online Christian Community!

Awesome that you are witnessing to your earthly father. Know that I will pray for you both. You that the words are provided that will touch your father to open himself to the Gospel and one day know the Lord Jesus Christ as his Savior! The other for your father that he will allow the Holy Spirit to open his heart, mind, and spirit to God's Saving Grace through Jesus Christ.

There is quite a lot to provide you in just the few questions you have presented here. I am currently at lunch so don't have much time. I would utilize the Sermon on the Mount as a guide. Why? Because He not only spoke these words for people to follow, but He was the "perfect" example on how to walk this walk in His earthly life. You of cause will have to study on this rather heavily because there are items that he may attempt to turn against you or not really you, but Jesus!

An example is about "Not Judging" yet the full measure is " or you too will be judged". Because He is perfect Jesus can face all scrutiny from anyone. Even Satan the accuser. He fails no test, for He faced them all. Every Apostle who wrote concerning Him, always was with the understanding that no fault or sin could be found in Him. This is the very foundation of everything that is Jesus. He could not have been the perfect sacrifice, nor could those who followed Him have said that no fault or sin could be found in Him. So Jesus judge? Yes He can and will!

I've got some quotes from some atheist in a book somewhere that even they admit that if God were to be incarnate only Jesus throughout History meets the example one would expect of a god. I'll look to see if I can find them. Again pressed for time. Hope to add more, and I'm sure there are other Brothers & Sisters in Christ Jesus who will gladly add what they are moved by the Holy Spirit to provide you and help you in being the vessel by which your father may come to know the Lord as his Savior.

To God's Glory and to the increase of His Kingdom! Alleluia!

Once again, be Welcome.
YBIC
C4E
<><

 

[Ophel]

What a question!

Jesus is mankind's ONLY role model. Period. He stands for EVERYTHING GOOD. Period.



.

 

[RJ]

We are talking about spirituality and if you are a Christian, Jesus sets the standard and is the one that we should want to emulate the most and God's chosen one. He is the top role model both temporal and, more important, especially eternal!

 

[Christ4Ever]

Greetings friends.


Me and my dad were discussing this question the other night.

Me being a christian, and he being a atheist made it a interesting discussion.

I really wish to convince him that Jesus is a good role model, but we did not get out chance to finish. I am asking for inputs from you guys, so that I could be more prepared for the next time it comes up.

Everyone has their own perceptions, but the questions I have been asking myself are following:


-What is a role model? Do we need them or should we only listen to ourselves?

-Depends on the role model and most times the first example we have is not a choice for it's our parents. In Jesus Christ we have one to emulate who has walked in our shoes, did not fall, and was perfect. Can't have a better role model then that is what I'd say.

-What did Jesus stand for that can be admired by others?

- To be succinct. That would be His life! Living with a perfect adherence to a loving God.

-My dad claimed that Jesus did "some things" that werent consistent with today values.. What do you think of this? Of course, he did not give any concrete examples, so I do not know what he meant by saying so..

- As you said. Your dad was not providing examples. The sad thing about that is that today there is very little different then yesterday. The times our Lord lived in were not that much difference then now. Not including technology of cause. The greatest difference maybe, was that it was a little bit rawer then and because of that we perceive a difference. Example: Unwanted children were just tossed into the streets of Rome as garbage. Our human method (sarcasm) of Abortion just sterilizes the process, but amounts to the same thing. Murder.

-People that have been inspired by Jesus. (Example: Martin Luther King jr. stood up against the majority in the USA such as Jesus stood up against the pharisees.) Can you think of anyone else?

- Here are some names that went from Atheist to Christian that might help, but remember that the reverse here also holds true. So saying look here this person and that person did great things, we as believers know is not what it is all about. It's all about Jesus!


CS Lewis - Scholar, Theologian, Author

Eben Alexander - Neurosurgeon, Author

Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn - Russian novelist, historian, Nobel Prize Recipient

Dr. Russell Humphreys - Here's a link that you might find an interesting read on Creationism, but with a portion that deals with why the arguments of Atheist can be turned back on them by reasoning.


Russ Humphreys refutes Joe Meert’s false claims about helium diffusion - creation.com



Special note: I would not use this as it probably would create more argument then openness in your discussion with your father. Something to increase your knowledge base as it pertains to Science. Your communication should always be in love!


Special note 2: I did find this quote that you might find interesting. Keep in mind that he proclaimed himself a Protestant while denying the deity of Jesus Christ! Some of the worse enemies are the wolves disguised as sheep.


David Strauss as referenced by Wilbur Smith says that the bitterest of all opponents of the supernatural elements of the Gospels, whose works did more to destroy faith in Christ than the writings of any other man in modern times. Strauss, with all his slashing, brilliant, vicious criticisms and his sweeping denials of everything partaking of the miraculous, was forced to confess, toward the end of his life, that in Jesus there is moral perfection. "This Christ...is historical, not mythical; is an individual, no mere symbol...He remains the highest model of religion within the reach of our thought; and no perfect piety is possible without His presence in the heart."

-A story I showed my dad was the Parable of the Good Samaritan. I really think this is a good story that gives a good picture of who Jesus was. I am trying to find good stories like this one from the bible that shows how Jesus was tolerant, brave and a good role model. Could anyone recomend something?

- I think in my previous post I mentioned The Sermon on the Mount.

Every answer is appreciated very much and I hope we can create a good discussion out of this

Have a nice day everyone. Best regards.

Always remember brother that the greatest increase is through praying and studying. Writing down your testimony, for that and the change in your life are at times the greatest witnesses to being Born Again!

Know the Gospel inside and out. For it is through the Good News that the Holy Spirit will work upon your father! And I'm sure for you that would be the best of news to know that your father has become a believer!

Never be afraid to say you don't know. Better that then trying to lie your way through it. Your honesty will stand brightly! Lying just shows others that you are no different they are even with Jesus in your life!

Instead you can always say..."I don't know, but how about we look into this together and see if the answer is here?" Then hand him a Bible to research with

Hope this helps a little. Look forward to hearing how you are doing.

My prayers continue for you and your father.
YBIC
C4E
<><

 

[Curtis]

-What did Jesus stand for that can be admired by others?

The world uses authority by commanding people to do something, but God uses his authority by becoming an example, and becoming their servant!!!
Being a example, and a servant to all is the most powerful way to spread the Gospel. Who won't want to follow someone like that?

Jesus said, "if you want to be great, then you must become a servant to all"

Mar 9:35 And he sat down and called the twelve. And he said to them, "If anyone would be first, he must be last of all and servant of all."

Mar 10:42 And Jesus called them to him and said to them, "You know that those who are considered rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones exercise authority over them.
Mar 10:43 But it shall not be so among you. But whoever would be great among you must be your servant,
Mar 10:44 and whoever would be first among you must be slave of all.
Mar 10:45 For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many."

We can not force people to read the Bible, but we can become a living "epistle" known and read by all men by being the example we show them. You are going to be the only "face" of God that your father is going to see, as he sees Christ in you!!

 

[Brighthouse]

Hi Jesusismyhero,A person I worked with happened to be an atheist,he knew I was a believer,I never judged him,but at times he would ask question about my faith,which is because he noticed my life was a bit different then other believers.Holy Spirit in me,told me not to preach to him until the proper time,and I will tell you when. So brother for 5 to 6 months,we after work would spend some time after lunch to speak to each other.I did not bug him.I wanted to!!! LOL

But did not.One day we went to the mall,he decided he was thirsty and wanted something to drink,so he put $1.25 into the Pepsi machine, pushed the button,placed his hand down to receive the pepsi and came back to sit down. Inside me Holy Spirit said NOW!!! Tell him!! I will give you the words in which you are to speak.So he sat down and the words started to come forth." Isn't it strange?

He said what is strange? A person can have enough faith, to place money in a machine, push a button and believe a pop will come forth,but they say they have no faith in anyone? But yet they who say they have no faith,have faith in a machine? Does that not seem strange to you? LOl You see Tom( that was his name),Jesus says we all have a measure of faith( rom 12:3) and the only difference between people is the measure they decide to use from that which was given to them. So See you not an atheist, for an atheist, can place no faith in anything or anyone,and you just did! LOL You believed!!

Jesus came,to bring hope to all, ( Rom 15:13)to love all no matter there present mindset( John 13:34-35) And this is what I hope you see in me Tom, Jesus!" He began to cry,and right there in the mall that day he received Jesus into his heart,found a good church,and to this day is living his life for our Jesus.Sometimes brother Jesusismyhero we look to push another in our own strength,when rather we ourselves need to stay led by Holy Spirit!( Rom 8:14-15) And the difference is found in the results! May this both help and encourage you to always be led rather then take the lead,for I have learned good brother,this fine lesson,and am so thankful to our Jesus for his teaching me!

 

[Ellie]

Hi Jesusismyhero,A person I worked with happened to be an atheist,he knew I was a believer,I never judged him,but at times he would ask question about my faith,which is because he noticed my life was a bit different then other believers.Holy Spirit in me,told me not to preach to him until the proper time,and I will tell you when. So brother for 5 to 6 months,we after work would spend some time after lunch to speak to each other.I did not bug him.I wanted to!!! LOL

But did not.One day we went to the mall,he decided he was thirsty and wanted something to drink,so he put $1.25 into the Pepsi machine, pushed the button,placed his hand down to receive the pepsi and came back to sit down. Inside me Holy Spirit said NOW!!! Tell him!! I will give you the words in which you are to speak.So he sat down and the words started to come forth." Isn't it strange?

He said what is strange? A person can have enough faith, to place money in a machine, push a button and believe a pop will come forth,but they say they have no faith in anyone? But yet they who say they have no faith,have faith in a machine? Does that not seem strange to you? LOl You see Tom( that was his name),Jesus says we all have a measure of faith( rom 12:3) and the only difference between people is the measure they decide to use from that which was given to them. So See you not an atheist, for an atheist, can place no faith in anything or anyone,and you just did! LOL You believed!!

Jesus came,to bring hope to all, ( Rom 15:13)to love all no matter there present mindset( John 13:34-35) And this is what I hope you see in me Tom, Jesus!" He began to cry,and right there in the mall that day he received Jesus into his heart,found a good church,and to this day is living his life for our Jesus.Sometimes brother Jesusismyhero we look to push another in our own strength,when rather we ourselves need to stay led by Holy Spirit!( Rom 8:14-15) And the difference is found in the results! May this both help and encourage you to always be led rather then take the lead,for I have learned good brother,this fine lesson,and am so thankful to our Jesus for his teaching me!

If it didn't encourage anyone else ...it sure did me Brighthouse! ty ty and Praise God I saw this today

 

[Ophel]

Hi Jesusismyhero,A person I worked with happened to be an atheist,he knew I was a believer,I never judged him,but at times he would ask question about my faith,which is because he noticed my life was a bit different then other believers.Holy Spirit in me,told me not to preach to him until the proper time,and I will tell you when. So brother for 5 to 6 months,we after work would spend some time after lunch to speak to each other.I did not bug him.I wanted to!!! LOL

But did not.One day we went to the mall,he decided he was thirsty and wanted something to drink,so he put $1.25 into the Pepsi machine, pushed the button,placed his hand down to receive the pepsi and came back to sit down. Inside me Holy Spirit said NOW!!! Tell him!! I will give you the words in which you are to speak.So he sat down and the words started to come forth." Isn't it strange?

He said what is strange? A person can have enough faith, to place money in a machine, push a button and believe a pop will come forth,but they say they have no faith in anyone? But yet they who say they have no faith,have faith in a machine? Does that not seem strange to you? LOl You see Tom( that was his name),Jesus says we all have a measure of faith( rom 12:3) and the only difference between people is the measure they decide to use from that which was given to them. So See you not an atheist, for an atheist, can place no faith in anything or anyone,and you just did! LOL You believed!!

Jesus came,to bring hope to all, ( Rom 15:13)to love all no matter there present mindset( John 13:34-35) And this is what I hope you see in me Tom, Jesus!" He began to cry,and right there in the mall that day he received Jesus into his heart,found a good church,and to this day is living his life for our Jesus.Sometimes brother Jesusismyhero we look to push another in our own strength,when rather we ourselves need to stay led by Holy Spirit!( Rom 8:14-15) And the difference is found in the results! May this both help and encourage you to always be led rather then take the lead,for I have learned good brother,this fine lesson,and am so thankful to our Jesus for his teaching me!

What a very good testament to the obedience to the instruction of waiting on the Lord! Thank you!

 

[Chad]

@Jesusismyhero

Please check these threads you can share with your father. Keep in mind if he doesn't know God's personality and attributes, he'll never truly understand Jesus and Christianity.

The Attributes of God
Atheism
What if you die tonight
Why believe in Christianity?
How To Be Friends With God