Theology

This Jain Leader’s Favorite Verse from the Bible

Why Sharad Jain loves Matthew 20:28.

Christianity Today December 21, 2023
Illustration by Christianity Today / Source Images: Getty

“… the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” (Matt. 20:28)

What I like most about Jesus Christ is that the religion he established has seva (service), prem (love) and sadbhav (harmony) as its foundational values.

Christians today are known for the service they provide and the way they serve with love. They are farther ahead in terms of service than anyone—see Mother Teresa. The church in my locality is also known for service.

I believe a big controversy has been created about conversion for nothing. There are many people in our country today who need resources to lift them up from their dire circumstances as much as they need God. Christians are helping them by not only providing for their spiritual needs but also support them to rise in society, thereby lifting those who have been cut off from mainstream society. Christians get involved with them and help them by fulfilling their needs. So people turn to Christianity. What is wrong about that?

Christianity is all about harmony and peace, and if you look closely, no religion teaches you to fight with the other. For sure, there are some misguided people in every religion who cause problems. But we should not let that deter us from loving people and serving them as taught by Jesus Christ.

Sharad Jain is an attorney, businessman, and the founder and secretary of Shishu Sanskar Kendra (School) in Mahasamund, Chhattisgarh State, India.

Read more about this series in the lead article, We Asked Hindu, Muslim, Sikh, Jain, and Bahá’í Leaders to Pick Their Favorite Bible Verses. (Other articles in this special series are listed to the right on desktop or below on mobile.)

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