Practically all radicals, being redden down in life but always ended it up in glory. This is historical and perennial truth which is not just narrated in classics and novels, but can be traced out through the centuries in real lives of chivalrous men and women who have been the causes of ushering historical ‘paradigmshifts’ in human civilizations. We can say boldly Jesus of Nazareth was number one of that kind who has become an eternal icon for spiritual and religious radical ever lived.

The word "radical", coming from the Latin radix meaning ‘root’, has been historically used (quite distinct from the modern usage to denote political extremes of right or left) to designate individuals, parties, and movements that wish to alter drastically any existing cultural, social and religious practice, institution, or system. In this historical sense, Jesus of Nazareth seems to be a typical radical.

From the day of his youth, Jesus was so anxious to fulfill his Father’s Will of bringing radical changes in all his children. In Luke we read Jesus saying to his parents, I must be in my Father’s house (Lk. 2: 49). This saying, according to Biblical scholars, can also be translated, “I must be about my Father’s work.” Referring it as the fire of purifying and refining the twisted and distorted holdings of humans, he is quoted saying (Lk. 12: 49-50): I have come to set the earth on fire, and how I wish it were already blazing! In his program of bringing about radical changes in human society he chalked out through his life and sayings the list of those changes:

First, Jesus’ radicalism proposed that humans should choose God and his covenantal love as their life’s priority. He preached: Seek first the kingdom [of God] and his righteousness, and all these things will be given you besides. (Matt. 6: 33) Righteousness he recommended is nothing but a change of heart and conduct, a turning of one’s life from rebellion to obedience towards God. Undoubtedly he first lived upto this attitude of righteousness.

The second radical change Jesus endorsed was that we should lead a life not self-centered but self-sharing. He wanted us to become matured persons who love to share, rather than to accumulate the good things of life. In his own life he upheld this radical life. Though he was in the form of God, as Paul beautifully writes, “he did not regard equality with God something to be grasped. Rather, he emptied himself, taking the form of a slave, coming in human likeness; and found human in appearance, he humbled himself, becoming obedient to death, even death on a cross.” (Phi. 6-8)

At the same time Jesus kept on proclaiming the most challenging historical paradigmshift to be encountered in every human. He envisioned that there should be a radical change in us from arrogant power-play to merciful and compassionate serviceability; from proud mindsetup to humble melting heart-setup. I came to serve and not to be served, he said. In addition he exhorted his followers, if anyone wants to be first let him be last.

However the humanity, being beguiled by power-display and triumphalism, almost unaware of this expression of humility and not recognizing in it a messianic radical paradigmshift, went on glorifying Jesus, even as he was entering into Jerusalem, riding on a donkey (Matt 21: 1-11), in order to fulfill obediently what his Father demanded of him. In fact, he was pointing out his radical change to be ushered in his followers: To be faithful service, even when it’s a burden; be ready for humble service; not caring who gets the glory, resisting a “hero” image; not getting enthralled or overwhelmed by the crowds, their noisy praises; and being obedient to the will of the One who holds the reins.

It is very hard to do such radical changes within ourselves, and even just to hear them seems madness. However thousands of saints tried to imitate Jesus in his radical and controversial ways. Come, let us follow their footsteps.