Tips For Developing the Character of Jesus

 

Article by Barbara Mims - LINK HERE

Tips For Developing the Character of Jesus

 From the celebrated entry of Jesus into Jerusalem on a donkey to the somber last supper with His disciples, followed by His intense hours of prayer in the Garden of Gethsemane, His betrayal by those closest to Him,  and His crucifixion , Jesus modeled godliness and wisdom under pressure. 

The purpose of Jesus’ time on earth was to reveal the love of God the Father to us, to exemplify how to live the God-centered life, to pay the death price for the sins of all humanity, and then to demonstrate the ultimate power of God with His resurrection.

 As followers of Christ we need to know how to handle the challenges of life and relationships in ways that honor our Lord and also influence others to follow Him as their Savior. Consider these observations:

 -     Jesus knew people can be fickle (changeable, unstable), as observed in the attitude changes of the townspeople from the triumphal entry on a donkey to the demands for the death of Jesus in the place of the criminal Barabas

-     Jesus knew the hidden thoughts and motives of His accusers but maintained His mission on their behalf

-     Jesus dreaded the physical pain, humiliation, and alienation  from both God and mankind 

-     Jesus was honest with God the Father about His feelings yet submissive to what was in the best interest for humanity – their salvation

-     Jesus prayed for those attacking Him, asking God to forgive them because they did not understand what they were really doing

-     Jesus did not argue with His accusers nor retaliate

-     Jesus used His words sparingly, speaking only what needed to be said

-     Jesus did nothing according to human devices to numb the pain but experienced fully what we deserve

-     Jesus felt God’s absence as He bore our sins

-     Jesus offered salvation to the thief on the cross beside Him while approaching hell Himself

-     Jesus endured betrayal, false accusations, ridicule, intense physical abuse, separation from God and a horrible death to pay for the sins of humanity.

We are empowered by the Holy Spirit to respond to life’s assaults, in whatever form they appear, with the character of Christ. May we humble ourselves to follow His example for us.