"The Third Jesus"

No, this is not another "messiah" but the title of a book by Deepak Chopra from a few years ago.

"Third" comes from this:

The first Jesus is the one sought by the historical quests, popular in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, then revived by the Jesus Seminar.

The second Jesus is the one appropriated by religious institutions to further their own agendas.

The third Jesus looks at what Jesus actually taught an how those teachings are useful to use today, 2,000 years ago.

From a review: "Behind these two images stands a third Jesus, the radical, mystical teacher who taught his followers how to change the world. In The Third Jesus, Chopra explores Jesus’ original message, revealing a spiritual guide of profound depth and inspiration that speaks to anyone who believes in the importance of peace and love.

"By turning fresh eyes on the New Testament and returning to the essentials of Jesus’ message, Chopra shows how the third Jesus can truly transform our lives—and humanity."

Perhaps we can explore together -- leaving doctrinal distinctives to other threads -- some of the lessons that Jesus taught and how they have had an impact on each of our lives. Sort of a "coffee talk" thing.

I'll go first to illustrate what I'm talking about:

“I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinedresser. Every branch in me that does not bear fruit he takes away, and every branch that does bear fruit he prunes, vthat it may bear more fruit." (John 15:1-2)

Even though I as a branch (more like a twig!) may bear fruit, the fruit that I bear is not my own but belongs to the Father.

Care to share your own examples?

Last Edited by Life and Love on 01/11/2015 07:38 PM