EXCEPTIONAL LIVING

 

Ivy League universities have earned the reputation for academic excellence and rigorous admissions standards. Employers view their alumni among top-tier candidates in the job market. The Ivy League culture prepares graduates for exceptional living. Even a cursory study within the judiciary, the halls of government and academia will confirm my point of view. It would then be safe to conclude that one’s academic upbringing almost guarantees one’s quality of life.

In my most recent book, Exceptional Living: Growing Up Like Jesus, I contend that Jesus challenged the idea that one’s upbringing almost guarantees quality of life. His first-century upbringing in Nazareth was nothing like the city-life in neighboring Sepphoris, the provincial capital of Galilee. Both the New Testament and archaeological research confirm that Nazareth was not an affluent place. The rural community had just the basics to sustain itself and the families who lived there.  

Archaeologists contend, only about 300 persons may have lived in Nazareth during the time of Jesus. Although mentioned at least six times in the Gospel of Luke, Nazareth does not appear anywhere in the Old Testament. You may recall the disciple Philip telling Nathanael he had found Jesus of Nazareth, Nathanael replied, Can anything good come out of Nazareth?

How then, does one account for the extraordinary life of Jesus? Many speculations have emerged as enquirers have searched for answers. One theory is in the documentary/film, Jesus in India, directed by Paul Davids. This theory posits that Jesus studied and lived in India, learning from spiritual teachers and immersing Himself in Eastern philosophies and traditions before returning to Judea. Another document is The Life of Saint Issa, the Best of the Sons of Men.  This is an alleged text that claims to document the missing years of Jesus. The so-called text purports that during this time, Jesus (referred to as Issa) travelled to India, Nepal, and Tibet, where he studied and preached. Both film and text have been debunked as historically untenable fables.

In addition to citing the above paragraph, my recent paperback discusses the issue of Jesus’ upbringing under less-than-ideal conditions. The book is a study of Luke 2:52 – And Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and mankind. The four chapters in the book explain the four primary areas in which Jesus grew. In the words of one reviewer, “this book helps us to identify with the humanity of Jesus and gives us a pattern of personal development we should all emulate”.

Exceptional Living contends that when Jesus became flesh and dwelt among us, He encountered the joys and the pains that we experience daily. John tells us that Jesus wept with the family of Lazarus. On one occasion He displayed wisdom beyond his age. Luke tells the story of the twelve-year-old Jesus.

The leaders among whom he was interacting, were amazed at his understanding and his answers. The term understanding here refers to Jesus’ deep and insightful grasp of the Scriptures. His ability to comprehend and interpret the law and the prophets was far beyond what would be expected of a twelve-year-old boy. Divine wisdom was the only explanation for that display of brilliance. James, Jesus’ brother, later described that wisdom as from above. It is first pure, then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere (James 3:17).

Jesus also grew physically or in stature. He went through the stages of human development. The fact that the city of Sepphoris was only about four miles from his hometown, Nazareth, it would not be ridiculous to assume that  Jesus may have attended or even participated in some of the cultural and sporting events for which the city was famous. Jesus would also have benefitted from the Mediterranean diet of first-century Judea. Studies suggest that meals were basic, but nutritious.

While exploring the development of Jesus, my book also discusses the physical and psychological value of rest, solitude and fasting. Today we understand that fasting can support brain functions, resulting in enhanced mental clarity. Fasting also improves cellular health. Fasting gives the digestive system a break, promoting better intestinal health. From His times of solitude, Jesus would have reduced stress levels and strengthened his immune system. These practices would certainly have been included when Jesus shared in our humanity (Hebrews 2:14).

In the closing chapters, Exceptional Living expands on Jesus’ spiritual and social growth. I was particularly struck by the time Jesus gave to prayer. For Him, prayer was like oxygen, He could not do without it. The same thing could be said about His knowledge and dependence on the Scriptures.

In His social life, the closing chapter invites the reader to consider how Jesus lived with others. He elevated women and children who were marginalized in His culture. From his interactions with critics and friends, Jesus taught how to respect people who shared differences in perspectives.

Amazon Books just released Exceptional Living: Growing Up Like Jesus. It is available in Kindle and Paperback formats. This book clearly reminds us that Jesus became like us, so that we might become like Him.