Jesus-How+His+Teachings+Were+Received

Jesus' impact on those around him was overwhelming and huge crowds followed him because of his reputations as a healer and his ability as a teacher. Not everyone liked him though, and the authorities feared Jesus because of the crowds, which were a greater threat to the Roman rule than anything else. "And the chief priests and the scribes heard it and sought a way to destroy him; for they feared him, beause all the multitude was astonished at his teaching..."//Matthew//. Similar to Buddhism, Jesus had twelve loyal followers called disciples who were convinced that Jesus was the messiah, he had died for everyone's sins, and he had been raised from the dead. Jesus' message was one that frightened the people as well as gave them hope. It was a message that welcomed the poor, the powerless, and the peacemakers and threatened the rich, the powerful, the cruel, and unjust.

Many people believed literally in the miracles and took them as proofs that Jesus had a supernatural power. Others doubted the miracles and said the reports were fake. Jesus both surprised and perplexed people by challenging authority and raising the question, "was he simply talking to God and his reign, or did he have some special relationship to that kingdom?" The most famous reaction to the teachings of Jesus was the crucifixion where Judas betrayed Jesus by giving him away to the armed men for money. During Passover season, it was custom to release one Jewish prisoner and Jesus and Barabbas were brought before a crowd who went against Jesus and Barabbas was set free.
 * Crucifixion and Its Cause**

Link to Muhammad: //Muhammad and Jesus were both disliked by the authorities for their religious messages and and what they brought to the people. Muhammad's message challenged that of Mecca by preaching monotheism where Mecca was preached polytheistic. Jesus brought crowds which were the greatest threat to the Roman rule than anything else.//

Link to Buddha: //Jesus and the Buddha were both followed by disciples. The two leaders were also both tempted by devil figures. While meditating, the Buddha is tempted by Mara, a Hindu god and devil figure with three temptations. Jesus is tempted by the devil as well with three temptations to worship the devil instead of God and in return, he would rule over the kingdom. "Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil." (Readings in World Religions packet: page 9) Jesus is also betrayed by Judas, one of his disciples, and dies because of it. The Buddha is almost betrayed by Devadatta, one of his disciples, but the betrayal attempt fails.// //Jesus prays with his followers, Peter, James, and John sleeping in the foreground. In the background, Judas leads Roman soldiers to the garden.

Sources: http://www.bbc.co.uk/religion/religions/ •http://www.worldbookonline.com/wb/Article?id=ar372820&st=moses •http://www.worldbookonline.com/wb/Article?id=ar288000&st=jesus •Brennan, Luann, and Castronova. Frank V. 2nd ed. Detroit, MI: Gale Research, 1998. •Willis, Jim. The Religion Book Places, Prophets, Saints, and Seers. 1st ed. Canton, MI: Visible Ink Press, 2004. •Ellwood, Robert S., and Gregory D. Alles. The Encyclopedia of World Religions. New York, NY: Book Builders Incorporated, 1998.//
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