The Character of Jesus - ADVOCATE FOR MEN

Read Mark 2:23-28.

“And He was saying to them, ‘The Sabbath was made for man, and not man for the Sabbath.’” (v. 27)

Jesus came to the defense of the disciples when the Pharisees were accusing them of doing wrong. He pointed out that what they were doing was not wrong to God, just by their man-made (Satan-made) laws. Jesus also comes to our defense when we are falsely accused by Satan. He speaks truth to us and about us.

I want to be an advocate for men by telling them the truth. Help me to point out when men are living in the bondage of error. Help me to point out the freedom in Christ!

The Character of Jesus - INNOVATIVE

Read Mark 2:18-22.

"And no one puts new wine into old wineskins, ...but one puts new wine into fresh wineskins." (v. 22)

Jesus squelched the comparative comments of the disciples of John and the Pharisees. He was saying that there was a new day and some of the old, external disciplines were not necessary (or had become ends in themselves). The goal of the spiritual life was not the discipline, but a relationship with "the Bridegroom." The method was not as important as the goal.
I want to not be "pigeonholed" (by myself or others) into thinking that one activity is more spiritual than another. I want to not be afraid of others' disapproval as I try new things.

(9/12/98)

The Character of Jesus - LOVE THE UNPOPULAR

Read Mark 2:13-17.

"And hearing this, Jesus said to them, 'It is not those who are healthy who need a physician, but those who are sick; I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners.'" (v. 17)

Jesus was not concerned with His reputation--His love was unrestrained. His love wasn't clouded by the position or esteem of others. He ministered to those who knew of their destitute lives--not those who didn't think they had any needs.
I want to make sure that I'm more concerned with ministry for God's sake than with position or public esteem. "Lord, make me like You!"

(9/7/98)

The Character of Jesus - UNAFRAID OF OPPOSITION

Read Mark 2:1-12.

"[The scribes were reasoning in their hearts,] 'Why does this man speak this way? He is blaspheming...'. And immediately Jesus...said to them, 'Why are you reasoning about these things in your heart?'" (vv. 7-8)

The scribes had not said anything out loud. It is unlikely that anyone else knew their thoughts. Yet, Jesus chose to open up the situation and to address their accusing hearts. He could have been silent and no one would have known the difference.
I need to welcome the confrontation of opposition. With that confrontation comes clarity of the thought and conviction in the thing you defend. Help me to be bold and seek out opposition (or at least not run from it!).

(9/6/98)

The Character of Jesus - PEOPLE-MINDED

Read Mark 1:40-45.

"And moved with compassion, He stretched out His hand, and touched him, and said to him, 'I am willing; be cleansed.'" (v. 41)

Jesus was interrupted during His busy schedule, but too time for this man with a great need. He put this individual before His public ministry.
I want to always take time for the individual over and above the ministry--or my "to do" list. I want to put my family before work/ministry/support or anything. My time is where my treasure is.

(9/5/98)

The Character of Jesus - SINGLE-MINDED

Read Mark 1:35-39.

"...for that is what I came out for." (v. 38b)

Jesus didn't just do things that made Him more popular. He could have simply reveled in the popularity of the moment. But instead, He sought the will of the Father (v. 35) and then quickly obeyed it--He went to another town. He didn't try to do several things, but only those things that were in line with his purpose in coming to earth.
I want to (1) know my mission, (2) take away everything that doesn't help accomplish that mission, and (3) devote all my energy toward accomplishing that mission. I want to be single-minded.

(9/5/98)

The Character of Jesus - MEETER OF NEEDS

Read Mark 1:29-34.

"And He healed many who were ill with various diseases, and cast out many demons...." (v. 34)

Jesus saw the needs of the people--even extraordinary needs--and sought to meet them. He had the power and ability to meet the needs of individuals--not just of the masses--not through well-devised programs.
I want to be able to see (supernaturally!) the needs of others--even the exraordinary needs--and willingly and anxiously seek to meet them. I want to meet those needs that are even outside my regular experience. God use me!

(9/2/98)

The Character of Jesus - CONFIDENCE

Read Mark 1:21-28.

"And Jesus rebuked [the demon] saying, 'Be quiet, and come out of Him.'" (v. 25)

Jesus did not make a big show out of casting out this demon. He could have, but He didn't. It could have been more impressive than it was. He was so confident in His Father's authority that He didn't have to make a show.
I want to be confident in the face of opposition. If I am confident that my authority too comes from the Father, nothing can be too big for me to handle.

(9/2/98)

The Character of Jesus - COURAGEOUS PURPOSE

Read Mark 1:14-20.

"And Jesus said to them, 'Follow Me, and I will make you become fishers of men.'" (v. 17)

In His first encounter with the disciples, Jesus challenged them to follow Him to a higher purpose. They fished all day (and night) as their livelihood. Jesus called them to a new purpose of catching men for the kingdom of God.
I want to have that as a quality of my life--to challenge people to go past the "average" life, the natural life, and into the "super-natural" life. I want to challenge them to leave the nets of normality and to follow Him in to kingdom work!

(8/30/98)

The Character of Jesus - OBEDIENCE

Read Mark 1:9-13

"And immediately, the Spirit impelled Him to go..." (v. 12)

Jesus had just been baptized and already the Spirit was prompting Him to do certain things. And as quickly as He was prompted, He obeyed. No questions asked.
I want to have that same sort of obedience--quick obedience. Not calculated, but immediate. Not partial, but complete.

(8/29/98)

The Character of Jesus - IMPACT

Read Mark 1:1-8.

"[John the Baptist says:] I baptize you with water; but He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit." (v. 8)

John the Baptist (and Jesus more so) never lift someone unchanged after a personal encounter. They were either mad, sad, or glad after they met these men. Jesus had the ability to baptize with the Holy Spirit!
A character quality that I want to incorporate in my life is IMPACT. I come in contact with people everyday. Are they closer to God or father away after an encounter with me? ...or do they even know that they've encountered me?

(8/22/98)