The Character of Jesus - RECEIVED HONOR

Read Mark 14:3-9.

"But Jesus said, 'Let her alone; why do you bother her?  She has done a good deed to me.'" (v. 6)

Jesus allowed the young woman to give Him honor--and even praised her for doing so.  He did not put up false humility and push her away.  He allowed her the joy of honoring Him.

I need to lighten up and allow others to compliment a job well-done.  False humility many times indicates pride over the ones giving the honor.  Lord help me!

(2/3/99)

 

The Character of Jesus - PROTECTIVE REPUTATION

Read Mark 14:1-2.

"...for they were saying, 'Not during the festival, lest there be a riot of the people.'" (v. 2)

Jesus was popular with the people--and this popularity protected Him. The "people" knew that He was a man of God and only came to serve. This threatened the religious leaders, but drew the common man to Him.

I need to have such a reputation--that the common people with no agenda see that my motives are pure and I am genuine. Lord, make me so!

(2/1/99)

The Character of Jesus - READY

Read Mark 13:33-37.

"And what I say to you I say to all, 'Be on the alert.'" (v. 37)

Jesus traveled light--He didn't have a place to "lay His head"--so He could be spontaneous. He could obey God's promptings immediately--"Go here!"--"Go there!" He had no ties that slowed Him down.

I need to be available enough to obey God spontaneously. I do have the God-given responsibility of a family, but other than that, I should be "lean and mean"--able to go where He says quickly. Lord, help me to get rid of the extraneous stuff.

(1/30/99)

The Character of Jesus - SPEAKS OF WORTHY THINGS

Read Mark 13:28-32.

"Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will not pass away." (v. 31)

Jesus certainly spoke of worthy things--so much that His words are scripture. He didn't waste time on trivialities and gossip. He even asked God about what to say.

I certainly will never say anything on par with scripture, but I ought to say things of consequence--things that matter. I want to lean on You, Lord, for what to say and how to say it.

(1/28/99)

The Character of Jesus - SPOKE FROM GOD

Read Mark 13:9-13.

"And when they arrest you and deliver you up, do not be anxious beforehand about what you are to say, but say whatever is given you in that hour; for it is not you who speak, but it is the Holy Spirit." (v. 11)

Jesus modeled this all the time. He was constantly in communion with the Father asking what He should say. He said nothing that the Father had not given Him.

I need to see every opportunity to speak as an opportunity from God. I need to ask Him to give me the words and then to depend on the Holy Spirit for power in the midst of speaking.

(1/27/99)

The Character of Jesus - WARNING

Read Mark 13:3-8; 14-27.

"And Jesus began to say to them, 'See to it that no one mislead you.'" (v. 5)

Jesus warned His disciples of upcoming difficulties. He knew they would face them and wanted them to be prepared and expect them. These were hard sayings.

I need to warn others with hard sayings. There are difficulties in every situation and I must be bold enough--love enough--to ward those around me of them.

(1/25/99)

The Character of Jesus - FOCUSED

Read Mark 13:1-2.

"And Jesus said to him, 'Do you see these great buildings? Not one stone shall be left upon another which will not be torn down.'" (v. 2)

Jesus could not be dissuaded from His calling to important matters. A casual comment from a disciple was met with a sobering one by Jesus.

I need to be focused on the urgency of the message of the gospel. I cannot afford to just "busy" myself with inconsequential tasks. I must move everyday toward the goal and cause others to wake up to that fact as well.

(1/23/99)