The inspired wise person is thought to be crazy: “His family came to take Jesus away, because [people were saying] ‘He’s out of his mind.’” [Mark 3:21] “[The wise man] is scolded by the common people, who regard him as mad and do not know that he is inspired.” [Plato, Phaedrus 249C-D]
“[Jesus:] If anyone wants to come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.” [Matthew 16:24] “Every executed criminal carries his own cross to the place of execution.” [Plutarch, Sera 9.554B]
“[Jesus :] He who does not sacrifice his father, his mother, his wife, his children, his brothers, or even his own life cannot be my disciple.” [Luke 14:25-26] “[To become a philosopher] one must abandon one’s people, be humiliated, suffer the worst everywhere.” [Epictetus, Diss. 3.15.10-11]
Jesus as a Greco-Roman philosopher: “[Jesus :] A prophet is not despised anywhere except in his own hometown, his circle of relatives, and his own home.” [Mark 6:4] “..the opinion of all philosophers is that life is difficult in their country.” [Dio Chrysostom, Discourses 47:6]
“[Jesus :] .. love your enemies, pray for those who persecute you.” [Matthew 5:44] “[The ideal philosopher and person] He should be beaten like an ass, and yet when he is beaten, he should love those who beat him.” [Epictetus, Diss. 3.22.54]
Having died unjustly, submitting yourself to your Father before being raised from the dead: “[Jesus :] Father, into your hands I commit my spirit!” | Luke 23:46 “[Hippolythus :] Take me, father, lay my body down!” | Euripides; Hippolytus (428 BC)
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