Christian Life
J
esus Christ is a monument of strength. He is a symbol that inspires many and sets an example to follow. He suffered at the hands of a whole race, yet stood up, and died for, what he knew was right. “By this we know love, that he laid down His life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren.” (John’s Gospel)
Many people have followed His example and in doing so have become modern day disciples. Perhaps one of the most famous martyrs of the 20th Century has been Martin Luther King whose life became a sacrifice as he dies for his cause.
A disciple is someone who is a follower or a pupil and Martin Luther King was a follower of Jesus and His teachings. He was born on the 15th January 1929 in Atlanta, Georgia. He lived a comfortable life but one of a ‘lesser human being’, as all black people did at the time in the USA. However Martin was taught that he was just as good, if not better than all the whites who implemented this law, and he soon set about trying to abolish it. Martin was ordained a Baptist Minister after gaining a degree and PhD in 1954. He was concerned with all aspects of fair treatment and was adamant that blacks deserved equality. He was attracting worldwide attention. Many loved him, many loathed him. He made speeches and wrote many books. Finally he was murdered on 4th April 1968 in Memphis, Tennessee and became a martyr. Martin Luther King lived and died a disciple of Jesus and perhaps Jesus’ example helped Martin to be calm during the time of the Civil Rights Movement and all the trials he faced.
