WALKING WITH JESUS, THE SOURCE OF LIFE AND HOLINESS

For a wholesome understanding of the topic, certain concepts are very important to be explained. The phrase ‘to walk with’ has certain grammatical connotation which does not admit two people of different functional orientation to walk together. It is a matter of etiquette and good manner, that you do not walk with your Superior or your elder. Normally, your superior takes the front pace while you come behind a little.  

On the other hand, the Old Testament celebrated certain people who walked with God. Enoch was said to have walked with God, and as such we gathered information that he disappeared because God took him up. (Gen. 5: 22-24).  Noah walked with God (Gen. 6:9). Noah was qualified to be a just man, blameless among the people of his time.  The prophet Micah offers us the simple reason why mortal man could be given the privilege of walking with God. He says “only to do justice, to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God”. The question of walking with God is a privilege offered to man who is striving to agree with the statutes of God. Two people can only walk together when they have agreed. Most definitely, man agrees to the dictates of his God in order to walk with Him. God cannot be in rhythm with man. It is man who gets himself in rhythm with God. It demands some cost and sacrifices.

To walk with Jesus designates an attitude of a Christian who is striving conscientiously to be with Jesus in eternal life through holiness of life. It is important to note here that the ministry of Jesus was geared towards proffering eternal life to those who believe in him. Jesus has always assured us through the passages of the Scriptures that “he who eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life” and I will raise him up on the last day (John 6:54). Jesus is the source of life of those who believe in Him, since he has come to give us life in abundance. The general attitude of a Christian who wants to live in abundance with God is to live in holiness.

Thus, holiness of life involves those existential aspects of a Christian which draw him to God. The author of the letter to the Hebrews reminds us that “without holiness, no one will see the Lord”. (Heb. 12:14). The concept of holiness in the Old Testament means “separation”. Thus, it is only God who is holy. Holiness acquires such a meaning of “separation from the profane. God is holy because He is good himself. Through himself, He created the world to be good and holy. In the New Testament, the Holiness of life acquires relational and communal attitude for it was associated with Jesus, who came to communicate the holiness of God to humanity. Jesus related with the frail humanity. He once said that, “He has come not to call the righteous but to call sinners for repentance” (Luke 5:32). 

It is on the character of communicating life of God, that Jesus is the model of holiness to the poor humanity. The mission of the Eternal Logos was couched by the author of the letter to the Hebrews; “Therefore he had to be made like his brethren in every respect, so that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in the service of God, to make expiation for the sins of the people. For because he himself has suffered and been tempted, he is able to help those who are tempted” (Hebrews 2:17-18). We do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. Jesus is an embodiment of all the virtues required of a Christian who is striving for holy life. “For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps. He committed no sin; no guile was found on his lips. When he was reviled, he did not revile in return; when he suffered, he did not threaten; but he trusted to him who judges justly. He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By his wounds you have been healed” (1 Pet. 2:21-24).

It is important to know that the virtues required for holiness are communicated to man during baptism. Through the merit of Christ’s blood, we are sanctified, made pure and set apart to bear fruit that will last. Therefore, the sacrament of baptism is the starting point of our salvation. The grace and humility of Jesus are bestowed on him. Man should never presume that his works alone are sufficient to save him. “God’s grace” in some context refers to God’s own loving kindness and favor towards human beings. In our sacramental lives, we receive the grace necessary for our journey to salvation. Also, in our little endeavors to live in holiness, the grace of God is manifest to draw us up to our salvation.

Jesus’ teaching authority is equal to none. The words of his mouth were so powerful to change the mind of sinners to righteousness. Towards the completion of the Sermon on the Mount, an overwhelming feedback was stressed “for he taught them as one who had authority, and not as their scribes” (Matt. 7:29). The importance of the teaching ministry of Jesus is of great importance in work of human salvation. It also forms the public ministry of Jesus, obviously calling people to conversion. Understanding the mystery of salvation may not be internalized without words and teaching. Therefore, the moments of human salvation cannot be accomplished without the words and teaching authority of the Church. Through His teaching, he offers to the ailing humanity the opportunity to learn the holiness of God. He communicates love and the virtues of holiness. The Sermon on the Mount is considered to be one of the elongated teachings of Jesus Christ. He also taught in the synagogues and along the streets of Palestine.

The concrete life of Jesus, in his actions, attitudes, behaviors and relationships portray different models of virtues requisite for holiness. There are real connections and link between the teachings of Jesus and his actions. The most important aspect of his lived actions is his reaction to issues of life and how he handles persecutions, insults and trials. At certain point, he was found eating with tax collectors and sinners. He responded to his critics, “I have not come to call the righteous but to call sinners to repentance (Luke 5:32). Worthy to note is sacrificial love by which He gave up himself for the sake of humanity. As St. Paul couched it, “Jesus died when we were still sinners”. (Rom. 5:7-9). Such love is a supreme attitude of God for humanity’s redemption which He confers to man to emulate, “thus, he suffered for us leaving us an example to follow in his steps”. Jesus would be ready to offer us holiness through our attitude of self detachment and selfless inclinations.

The compassionate heart of Jesus is relevant to the modern Christianity. Modern Christians are really lacking in love which is necessary to draw them closer to the source of life and holiness. Love is almost acquiring a very disastrous meaning which denotes “lust” and unguided feelings. Jesus stands for an authentic feeling that trigger an overwhelming love. The gospel passages presented some episodes that established the compassionate heart of Jesus. At a certain occasion, “Jesus saw the crowds; he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.” (Matt. 9:35-36). Luke also recorded an episode of raising of the son of the widow of Nain from death. When He saw the widow, he had compassion on her. (Luke 7:11-16). “To be compassionate” follows from the etymological origin of the word “compassion” meaning “to suffer with”.  It is the humane quality of understanding the suffering of others and wanting to do something about it. St. Paul couched it well when he said “Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. (Rom. 12:15). It behoves the Christians to model their lives according to the example of Jesus’ compassionate heart. We cannot remain unmoved like a stone, we must feel that we can render some help to put a smile in your neighbour. 

In conclusion, you will definitely not regret walking with Jesus. It is a privilege granted to every baptized Christian through the blood of Jesus. The end of this graceful attitude is perfection and eternal life in Heaven. Let us stand up to our feet and build our relationship with our God.