Despite numerous reports about the life and teachings of Jesus, the majority of his life is shrouded in deep mystery and speculation, especially up until the age of 30 years old. Jesus came with a ministry that lasted just 3 years, yet in such a short time he was able to create a movement that has had a global impact that still reverberates today and influences billions. Jesus was an extremely humble man who practiced self-reflection and recognised the importance of stoicism, and his diligence was a prime example for mankind.
Jesus Mission: To Establish God's Kingdom on Earth
Jesus made it abundantly clear from the outset that in fact he was a revolutionary character who had come to rule the people as a King, in charge of political and religious affairs. Jesus was enforced by the spirit of God to spread justice and harmony through his divine leadership. He was known as "the king of the Jews", because he was meant to rule over them. He was their Messiah, who came to build God's Kingdom on Earth for them.
Jesus read from the scroll of Isaiah to declare himself as being sent by God to come and establish equanimity and well-being for the poor and destitute, whilst being enforced to strike vengeance on the oppressors. Such a critical ideology did not escape the Jewish elders who colluded with the Roman elite to derail this movement and obscure its message to protect their status quo at any cost to humanity. It was no wonder in such a deviant political and religious climate that Jesus declared that he needed his supporters to be totally dedicated.
To enter the Kingdom of Heaven, his devotees had to be prepared to sell everything they had and follow the messenger in whatever way he required without dispute, therefore be willing to sacrifice their lives and their families, to help achieve the divine goals.
‘For whosoever will save his life shall lose it, and whosoever will lose his life for My sake shall find it.’ - (Matthew 16:25)
The Early Christian Community after Jesus
It is no wonder with such a revolutionary movement that the elite sought to silence this call, to defame the character of Jesus and ultimately, to execute him in the flesh. Yet even after Jesus apparently parted from the disciples, his successor Simon Peter continued in the way of Jesus and established a divine community in his name.
In the Bible, specifically in the book of Acts, many of these details are revealed. At least 120 people, including women and men, as well as Mary, the mother of Jesus, gathered together to support the mission of establishing a divine community after Jesus' departure. Love and support for the community were critical aspects that enabled the people to become God's flock of sheep.
“By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” - (John 13:35).
This love manifested in the disciples living together, sharing their meals together and worshipping in congregation. Communal life was a central part of the early Christian faith.
“And they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers.” - (Acts 2:42)
Peter, the spirit of God in his time, spoke passionately about the outpouring of the spirit of faith coming over the helpers of God that gathered under his banner from all walks of life and occupations. They came from at least seventeen different nations; Jewish, Greeks, and Gentiles alike, with all languages and cultures blended together; irrespective of former sins, colors or creeds, becoming the 'multitudes' of the testament.
“Many of them that believed were of one heart and soul.” - (Acts 4:32)
One could easily imagine how it was natural for people of diverse backgrounds and former creeds to have some obstacles and differences. Nonetheless, all would strive to become one body and movement for Christ, the core principle of this call to God.
Through repentance and baptism people were forgiven for their sins, and open-heartedly came together to reject the corrupt generation. Soon enough, at least 3,000 faithful professed a commitment to live together in fellowship and hold possessions in common as a ‘koinonia’ and build this ideal state. In such a setting they would practice Jesus’ teachings, break bread and pray together, being united in spirit and purpose. In the early days, to encourage a rapid transformation, the more affluent would sell properties and possessions to give to others what they needed and harmonize the community.
“Now the whole group of those who believed were of one heart and soul, and no one claimed private ownership of any possessions, but everything they owned was held in common. There was not a needy person among them, for as many as owned lands or houses sold them and brought the proceeds of what was sold.” - (Acts 4:32,34)
Many former Jews were rejected by their families for following ‘the way’ of Christ, and deprived of an income, as this support represented a lifeline for Jesus’ movement. God provides to his people through his people. People became so faithful they were willing to put all their wealth at the feet of the disciples for them to distribute as they saw fit.
The disciples, filled with God's spirit, shared their experiences with other believers, strengthening the community's conviction. Acts of generosity, self-sacrifice, and unity emerged, exemplified by individuals like Joseph, called Barnabas, who sold a property to support the community. In this atmosphere of goodness and generosity of spirit, God facilitated an outpouring of divine knowledge through the apostles.
“I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master’s business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you.” - (John 15:15)
The community was also enriched by many miracles. Peter encountered a man crippled from birth who begged for alms daily. When the man asked for help, Peter fixed his gaze on him, helped him stand up, and his ankles were strengthened. The man leapt and praised God, astonishing the people. Peter explained that this miracle was performed through the power of Jesus.
A Divine Community and a Divine Just State today
The leaders of world religions today have set up their own states in the supposed guise of the Kingdom of God, but when we examine how they operate, we find that they do not represent the true values that Jesus proposed. The Vatican, the state of Israel, or the Islamic State of Iran all demonstrate huge wealth accumulation in the hands of a small elite — whilst, many of the people in Iran still suffer from old world diseases, torture and imprisonment when they speak out against state oppression.
However, God’s plan is infallible from corruption and in this apocalyptic eschatological age, God reassured us that this mission will be successful. There has now emerged one such state that is being established where the Riser of the family of Mohammed, Abdullah Hashem Aba Al-Sadiq is working tirelessly to bring Jesus’ model to fruition. This community gives everything it has and puts its full trust in God to live in peace and harmony together as one. Therefore we have a duty to recognise this divine call and put the other before the self, for the sake of all future generations.
Jesus resonated with our mission today
“Anyone who loves their father or mother more than me is not worthy of me; anyone who loves their son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me.” - (Matthew, 10:37-39)