Dostoevsky - The Idiot
Fyodor Dostoevsky was a Russian author famous for books such as 'Crime and Punishment' and 'The Idiot'.
It is of general opinion that 'the idiot', the main character in the book of the same title, represents Jesus. Whether this is true or not I cannot say, however one cannot help but see such resemblance - read it to see for yourself.
Looking at one scene in the book, a certain group of people have backstabbed 'the Idiot' having written a nasty and offensive newspaper article about him. Whilst the Idiot is offended, confused and upset with them, he will not leave them and is willing to continue to humbly serve them if needed and to be their friend. At one point an on-looker becomes so angry with 'the idiot' for 'keeping acquaintance with such horrible people' (sound familiar?). She becomes even more angry of the fact that despite these 'horrible people' treating the Idiot so badly he will forgive them and continue to be their friend, and even continue to forgive them if they are horrible to him again.
One of the biggest complaints about Jesus was that He kept company with sinners.
As Christians, when we are talking to people who are against God or who brag about their sin or use curse words or blaspheme we tend to overlook their actions and continue the conversation. Occasionally we may ask them to stop using God's name in vain because it is offensive to us. It is offensive to our loving Father and what we believe, but we are willing to let it go. After all, it is not us who are saying these things or acting in such a way, as long as we stay faithful to the Lord then it is okay, and who knows, maybe in five minutes, the conversation will provide us with an opportunity to talk about God! But, if the person was to start directly insulting you, mocking you, laughing in your face, promoting lies about you and hurting you right in front of you, how long would you last? Most probably, you would take offence immediately. If it continues you may challenge them. If it continues still you may become angry or even violent!? If the person still insults you and hurts you, then the probability is that you will leave. You have every right to. He shouldn't treat you like that. It's not right!
When we read the story of Jesus and the tax collector, or any story were Jesus is hanging out with sinners, we must realise that it is not as if Jesus can hear these people saying things that are offensive to God and He overlooks them and continues to be their friend so that He may be able to tell them about God. The things these sinners are saying and doing, what the whole of their life stands for, it is all a direct insult against Jesus Himself! Just like the people in Dostoyevsky's book have written a horrible and slanderous newspaper article about the idiot, the things these sinners are doing are directly against Jesus. The are laughing in His face and spitting on Him. Yet Jesus does not become angry, challenge them or walk out. He stays with them. He even tries to help them!
Most Christians who talk about being Christ-like don't have a leg to stand on. The standard that our Saviour has set for love is so high. It is unattainable by our own strength.
Psalm 117:2
It is of general opinion that 'the idiot', the main character in the book of the same title, represents Jesus. Whether this is true or not I cannot say, however one cannot help but see such resemblance - read it to see for yourself.
Looking at one scene in the book, a certain group of people have backstabbed 'the Idiot' having written a nasty and offensive newspaper article about him. Whilst the Idiot is offended, confused and upset with them, he will not leave them and is willing to continue to humbly serve them if needed and to be their friend. At one point an on-looker becomes so angry with 'the idiot' for 'keeping acquaintance with such horrible people' (sound familiar?). She becomes even more angry of the fact that despite these 'horrible people' treating the Idiot so badly he will forgive them and continue to be their friend, and even continue to forgive them if they are horrible to him again.
One of the biggest complaints about Jesus was that He kept company with sinners.
As Christians, when we are talking to people who are against God or who brag about their sin or use curse words or blaspheme we tend to overlook their actions and continue the conversation. Occasionally we may ask them to stop using God's name in vain because it is offensive to us. It is offensive to our loving Father and what we believe, but we are willing to let it go. After all, it is not us who are saying these things or acting in such a way, as long as we stay faithful to the Lord then it is okay, and who knows, maybe in five minutes, the conversation will provide us with an opportunity to talk about God! But, if the person was to start directly insulting you, mocking you, laughing in your face, promoting lies about you and hurting you right in front of you, how long would you last? Most probably, you would take offence immediately. If it continues you may challenge them. If it continues still you may become angry or even violent!? If the person still insults you and hurts you, then the probability is that you will leave. You have every right to. He shouldn't treat you like that. It's not right!
When we read the story of Jesus and the tax collector, or any story were Jesus is hanging out with sinners, we must realise that it is not as if Jesus can hear these people saying things that are offensive to God and He overlooks them and continues to be their friend so that He may be able to tell them about God. The things these sinners are saying and doing, what the whole of their life stands for, it is all a direct insult against Jesus Himself! Just like the people in Dostoyevsky's book have written a horrible and slanderous newspaper article about the idiot, the things these sinners are doing are directly against Jesus. The are laughing in His face and spitting on Him. Yet Jesus does not become angry, challenge them or walk out. He stays with them. He even tries to help them!
Most Christians who talk about being Christ-like don't have a leg to stand on. The standard that our Saviour has set for love is so high. It is unattainable by our own strength.
Psalm 117:2
2 For he loves us with unfailing love;
the Lord’s faithfulness endures forever.
the Lord’s faithfulness endures forever.
Praise the Lord!
Interesting fact: Psalm 118 is the middle chapter in the Bible. Psalm 117 is the shortest Chapter in the Bible and Psalm 119 is the longest chapter in the Bible! :)
-BACChristian
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