Some people are ashamed of their faith. Jesus explains this in the parable of the lamp. A lamp is put under a bowl or bed but it should be put on a stand where it can shine. People should not be ashamed of their beliefs.
Jesus performed many miracles as signs of the kingdom of God such as the ‘calming of the storm’, which is a nature miracle. Jesus and his disciples were on the lake Galilee on a stormy day. He was asked why he was letting them suffer in the storm. Jesus immediately shouted “peace! Be still". Everything was calm.
Jesus expects certain qualities in people to allow them into the kingdom. These qualities are of a child who is open, trusting, friendly and innocent. He believed the kingdom belongs to the poor, lowly, to those who suffer. He does not tolerate greed or selfishness. A man asked Jesus what he had to do to enter the kingdom. Jesus said that he had to give all his riches to the poor, but the man could not do this so he walked away. Wealth does not always bring happiness as Jesus proved here. Jesus believed that you also have to follow the commandments to enter the kingdom.
Jesus wants us to live a good live and receive it with simplicity just like an innocent child. He wants us to tolerate and ‘love thy neighbour’ which is the most important commandment. The kingdom is an important theme in Marks Gospel, as he wanted us to learn about what Jesus wanted. The Kingdom should begin on earth and be completed in heaven and that it is achievable.
Explain how Christians live out Jesus' teachings, in the modern world
Many Christians today live out Jesus’ teachings in the modern world. For many people this proves to be difficult as they are distracted by riches. They don’t carry out Gods laws and claim to be Christians. To be a good Christian, people are expected to live out Jesus’ teaching and be loyal. Many Christians dedicate their lives doing Gods work by becoming priests, nuns, monks and carrying out missionary work. Priests work in churches, dedicating their lives to God. They carry out services and community work with the help of lay people. Both priests and lay people are helping others just as Jesus did and wants us to do to create a kingdom of God on earth.
Nuns and monks devote their lives to God. They lead a simple life, wear plain clothes and eat basic food and live in small rooms with just a bed. Mother Teresa is a good example of a nun who unfortunately died recently in 1997. She was born in Macedonia, August 27th 1910. At the age of 12 she was called by God and took her first vows in 1931, later in 1937 she took her final vows. Many monks and nuns are called by God that lead them to become missionary workers. She has achieved a lot in her life including receiving a Nobel peace prize for her work in India, Calcutta. She helped people with terminal illnesses, making their last days the best. Mother Teresa set up many hospices with the help of other nuns. She made a huge contribution fulfilling Jesus’ expectations of the kingdom. She ignored riches and focused on people in need.
Jaime Jaramillo is another Christian who still lives out Jesus’ teachings in the modern world. He lives in Bogotá, Columbia as a geophysicist. He helps street children with no homes. Many are found in sewers. Jaime used his money to help set up a children’s foundation who are disciplined, taught and given places to live. He has put his life into this work, making sacrifices including choosing his work over his wife. Jaime continues to help children on the streets of Columbia at this very moment showing signs of a true Christian.
Jean Donavan is a Christian who lived out Jesus’ teachings. She was born in America 1953 and soon had a degree in economics. She was interested in El Salvador, a country of poverty. She left for El Salvador and became a teacher of nutrition and childcare. She helped the poor, being aware of risks such as catching diseases and assignation. Jean continued her work and followed her destiny. Unfortunately she died in 1980 after being sexually abused and killed. She is a true example of a good Christian, sacrificing her life.
Many of those mentioned have accepted their calling without question. These people are truly devoted Christians, leaving riches or using them for the good of others. They are role models and have a positive influence on us by helping create a kingdom on earth.
“The church is where the kingdom of God on earth is to be found” Do you agree? Give reasons with your answer to show that you have thought about more than one point of view
I agree with this statement but I believe the kingdom of God can be found in other places around the world apart from the church. I believe the church is part of the kingdom of God. It represents a body of people. Many of Jesus’ teachings are carried out in the church. People experience the sacraments in the church where a baptism, wedding, Eucharist etc all take place there.
Baptism is a sign of the kingdom of God. When people are baptised, they are accepted into the catholic faith and are expected to make their contributions to create a kingdom of God. Everyone is welcome to the Christian faith showing a great tolerance for other faiths.
Eucharist is also a sign of the kingdom of God, accepting the bread and the wine representing the body and blood of Jesus. This ceremony would take place in the church. Most people go to church to get closer to God and a way of communicating when praying. Signs such as the cross and the fish are used in the church.
Holy people such as priests and nuns work in the church. They present a true kingdom of God in the church for the good of others. Priests forgive sinners in the church and conduct mass. They have the support from lay people who organise counselling groups or activities for younger children. These people carry out their duties just as Jesus hoped.
The kingdom of God can be found in our everyday lives. People pray in private or public, or at home. People use the sign of the cross in their everyday lives or while praying. Modern day miracles are occurring around world. An example of a miracle is when Andre Galarraga, 39 year old Venezuelan baseball player was diagnosed with lymph cancer. He lived in America and claimed that the intercession from our lady saved him from cancer. Everyone thought he was going to die but he recovered from cancer after a miraculous series of events. This proves that the kingdom of god is alive on earth.
Many people believe there is no kingdom on earth at all, due to the evil, crime, terrorism etc. They question their beliefs showing the weakness of their faith. Although Jesus did say that it began on earth and would be completed on heaven.
I believe there is a kingdom of God everywhere on earth, which is all the time, growing. Miracles are occurring, as there are a large percentage of people carrying out Jesus’ teachings. There may be crime and terrorism but I believe it is all part of Gods plan.
