Mayella's Influence On Jesus

Jesus Christ was willing to help everyone, even though he did not expect any reward for doing so, just as Tom was willing to provide aid to others without want of compensation. A large portion of the Gospels, the four books written detailing Christ’s life, involve Christ’s active ministry, seeking out people to help. Despite this, he did not want anything back. Tom also dedicated a large amount of time to helping others, Mayella in particular. He helped her nearly every day: “Seemed like every time I passed by yonder she’d have some little somethin‘ for me to do—choppin’ kindlin‘, totin’ water for her,” (Lee 194-195). Tom was not hesitant to take time out of his day to contribute to the life of another, helping someone who he knew was in need. Afterall, Mayella came from a shattered home with an alcoholic father that was hardly ever providing for his children. When discussing the fact that Mr. Ewell was able to hunt out of season, Atticus stated, “‘It’s against the law, all right,’ said my father, ‘and it’s certainly bad, but when a man spends his relief checks on green

Mayella, however, did nothing to help Tom; as a matter of fact, she falsely testified against him in the court of law. Mayella betrayed Tom, one of the only men who showed him any kindness. This was like the betrayal of Jesus by Judas. Jesus had befriended Judas, and, even though he knew that he was going to betray him, built a strong relationship with him, the kind of bond two people get when they travel together for nearly two years. Surely, Tom had some knowledge that Mayella would eventually forsake him. Afterall, she was a white female, part of a group that, in general, looked down on people like Tom, just for their skin color. He was just trying to be helpful, even at the risk of exposing himself to a white person. Tom Robinson was willing to do the right thing, helping a person in the potential face of betrayal, just as Jesus