What if today, in the 20th century, someone were to live a life just like
Jesus Christ? What would he be like? Would he be rich or poor?
Would he be a celebrity or a social outcast? Would he be consulted by
the wise or considered insane? Would he be respected as a clergyman
or despised as a cult leader? Would the world acclaim him as a
liberator or execute him as a criminal? The startling fact is that it is up
to you to find out. You are called by God to live a life just the same as
Jesus Christ did.
Challenge accepted. My answers follow.
Q: What if today, in the 20th century [sic], someone were to live a life just like Jesus Christ...what would he be like?
A: Of course, first I would change it to the 21st century LOL He would be an interesting open air preacher, thought provoking and innovative. His theology would always be absolutely perfect and would never mislead anyone. His kindness would attract followers but he would turn them away in humility, pointing them to follow Christ in the city/location and church where they were. He would forbid others to name doctrines and philosophies after him, again pointing others to reflect on Christ as supremely important.
Q: Would he be rich or poor?
A: That would depend largely on what kind of family he was born into, would it not? Jesus was born into a poor family, but He called Peter who came from an upper middle class family. Phoebe was quite wealthy. Like Paul a follower of Jesus can be content and useful in wealth or in poverty.
Q: Would he be a celebrity or a social outcast?
A: His fame would upset entire spiritual communities. His lifestyle would reach across social barriers, easily fellowshipping with the highest politicians in their million dollar homes to the poorest homeless in their humble camps.
Q: Would he be consulted by the wise or considered insane?
A: Just like Jesus, the world would see him as both.
Q: Would he be respected as a clergyman or despised as a cult leader?
A: Just like Jesus, both.
Q: Would the world acclaim him as a liberator or execute him as a criminal?
A: That depends on the society in which he ministers. In America he would be another preacher of truth among many. In a Muslim country they would kill him for preaching Christ as Savior.
It is so very important to remember that we are called to imitate Christ's character and holiness, not His demographic profile. These questions make me think the author of these questions does not truly understand what the Scriptures mean when they direct us to be like Christ or to be like God. Did the author really think that we need to become penniless carpenters, feed multitudes with a few fish, and get executed by the authorities so as to be seen as being like Christ? If so, the author has not yet reached the level of theological maturity to take on the task of training other disciples and should continue to educate himself more properly in the Scriptures before instructing others.