I was surprised by how radical and threatenging his teachings must have seemed to the religious hierarchy of his time.  I'm not as surprised by the reactions of the people that called for his death.

It also is interesting how he valued women and children so much and how he had so many women in his following, contrary to the times he lived in.

Jesus came from lower society and brought his message to all people.  It especially appealed to people of his class who were central to his teachings and miracles.  However, he had so much greater wisdom than the religious leaders of his day they felt threatened by his teaching and sought to squelch the groundswell.  Our awesome God used their evil actions to save us all and solidify his teachings for all of us to come.