Be Like Jesus - 7

[Guest guest]

regularly took Jesus out on their fishing expeditions. And after their return in

the evening, Jesus used to expound spiritual matters to them. In this manner,

Jesus preached and instilled confidence in the people around him. Thus, the

fishermen community of Galilee was spending its time happily in the company of

Jesus and many became his first disciples. Jesus told them that he had come

to establish the reign of love on earth and that they would be his helpers in

his mission. He spoke to them about the preciousness of human birth and urged

them to seek the kingdom of God within themselves. To enter that kingdom they

had to cultivate loving hearts. Then, their hearts would become the kingdom of

heaven. Jesus had 12 close disciples, most of whom had faith in him and lived

his teachings. Luke, Peter and Thomas were among the first few apostles.

Matthew, who was one of the twelve, was an income tax collector by profession

and

used to meet the fishermen to collect taxes. Jesus used to impart sacred

teachings to the fishermen everyday; Mathew noted down all his teachings and

then wrote the Holy Gospel. Later on, many others wrote the Bible based on

their own feelings, and many disciples of Jesus interpreted his teachings in

their own way. The fishermen initially wanted Jesus to fulfil their worldly

desires. Jesus named one of the fishermen Peter, and Peter wanted more fish.

But ultimately, he realised the futility of worldly desires. He developed

intense love and faith towards Jesus and wanted to go beyond the level of body

and mind, as per the teachings of Jesus. Jesus told him to give up hatred and

to love all and serve all. He exhorted him to develop faith in the principle of

unity. When Peter's father passed away, his mother was filled with sorrow, but

Jesus consoled her by telling her, "Death is but a dress of life. Wherefore do

you shed

tears? Death is like changing one's dress. Therefore, stop grieving. These

physical bodies come and go. Therefore do not waste your thoughts on these

ephemeral things. The indweller who lives inside this body is the true

divinity." Thomas, another close disciple used to doubt the Divinity of

Jesus. In the pursuit of good and godly life, you may encounter many

difficulties and disturbances. Many doubts and questions crop up. Never give

scope for any of these doubts; then you are bound to be succesful. Jesus

experienced and propogated this truth. It is only when these difficulties are

faced sqaurely and the troubles are borne with patience and fortitude that you

can understand the true nature of reality. ---Sri Sathya Sai Baba

From the book "Be Like Jesus" : The Good News of Jesus

in the words of Sri Sathya Sai Baba Compiled by Mrs Debra Miller and Mr William Miller.