The Core Mission of Jesus and Christian Values

Messianic Expectations Versus Reality

There was a widespread expectation for the arrival of the Messiah, but not everyone understood his mission in the same way. Some believed he would restore a strict observance of the law, others saw him as a military leader who would liberate them from the Romans, and still others expected a manifestation of divine power.

The Nature of Jesus' Mission and Teachings

Jesus came to Earth to teach us about God and to fulfill what was prophesied in the Old Testament. His scale of values revolved around his commitment to conveying the love of his Father. Consequently, everything else was relativized in favor of offering forgiveness to the sinner, healing to the patient, feeding the hungry, and bringing a message of salvation to the poor and marginalized by the conventions of his time.

For example, Jesus healed a sick man at the pool of Bethesda. However, because it was the Sabbath, the Pharisees recriminated the man for carrying his mat after being cured. Jesus used this opportunity to explain the depth and meaning of his mission. He stated that he works in unison with his Father, attending to His will and judging by what he hears, as this is the fundamental value that drives his life.

There is no dualism in Jesus' life; everything he did on Earth is the most accurate translation of who God is: "God is love." This love is one of personal renunciation and surrender, even unto death, always seeking life and salvation for others.

The Path of Christian Life and Discernment

A Christian is one who feels challenged and called by the person of Jesus and agrees to follow him. This encounter with Jesus and the subsequent followership is the central experience of the Christian life. A profound change in values and perspective marks the transformation of a believer, sometimes moving from persecuting the Church to embracing it.

The process of Christian discernment is guided by Jesus' words in the Gospel, which serve as a model for Christian life. Key among these are the Beatitudes and the New Commandment, which encompasses love for God and for others.

Jesus' message did not provide a uniform code of conduct applicable to every circumstance. Instead, the fundamental values of the Gospel are meant to guide the lives of Christians. Discernment consists of distinguishing God's will here and now, in the particular situations of one's own life. This is not a task that can be improvised; it requires continuous engagement with the Gospel and living by exercising conscious moral activity.