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

In this series

“… 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.)

Also in this series

Our Latest

Trump’s Racist Post Deserves Outrage

Evangelicals who back the president should no longer contort themselves to support a morally bankrupt leader.

Looking Past Bell Bottoms, Beads, Coffeehouses, and Communes

In 1971, CT said the Jesus People were not just another baby boomer fad.

I Have Chronic Pain. I Still Love the Olympics.

Aberdeen Livingstone

After a life-changing injury, I can’t compete like I used to. Watching the Olympics—the newest games starting tonight—brings me joy.

The Bulletin

International Surrogacy, Midterm Forecasts, and Temple Mount Prayer

Mike Cosper, Clarissa Moll, Russell Moore

Foreigners hire US citizens as surrogate mothers, midterm elections approach, and changes to prayer rules at Jerusalem holy site.

Review

Reckoning with Race, Immigration, and Power

Three books to read this month on politics and public life.

From Our Community

Where The Church Gathers, Listens, and Grows Together

How The Big Tent Initiative is fostering unity in the Church.

The Just Life with Benjamin Watson

Jemar Tisby: The History the Church Avoids

Understanding the past is essential for interpreting the present.

News

Families of Venezuelan Political Prisoners Pray for Their Release

The acting president proposed an amnesty law, yet hundreds remain in prison.

Apple PodcastsDown ArrowDown ArrowDown Arrowarrow_left_altLeft ArrowLeft ArrowRight ArrowRight ArrowRight Arrowarrow_up_altUp ArrowUp ArrowAvailable at Amazoncaret-downCloseCloseEmailEmailExpandExpandExternalExternalFacebookfacebook-squareGiftGiftGooglegoogleGoogle KeephamburgerInstagraminstagram-squareLinkLinklinkedin-squareListenListenListenChristianity TodayCT Creative Studio Logologo_orgMegaphoneMenuMenupausePinterestPlayPlayPocketPodcastprintRSSRSSSaveSaveSaveSearchSearchsearchSpotifyStitcherTelegramTable of ContentsTable of Contentstwitter-squareWhatsAppXYouTubeYouTube