The Character of Jesus - HAD SPIRITUAL VALUES

Read Mark 9:42-50.

"And if your eye causes you to stumble, cast it out; it is better for you to enter the kingdom of God with one eye, than having two eyes, to be cast into hell." (v. 47)

Jesus was much more concerned with the spiritual than the physical. He tried to show others the logic of accepting these values. With such a posture, all His decisions were affected.

I need to remind myself that when making decisions, I need to make them in light of spiritual consequences. "How will this decision affect my spiritual life and the lives of others?"--I must ask this question.

(11/26/98)

The Character of Jesus - NON-PARTISAN

Read Mark 9:38-41.

"For he who is not against us is for us." (v. 40)

Jesus looked only at the fruit of the life--not at whether someone was "with Him" or not. He saw good things happening because of these men's work. He was supportive, and even saw that hey would joint together in the future.

I need to rejoice that other people are doing the work that I'm doing. More people will come to Christ as a result of both our efforts. And, one day, we many do things together.

(11/21/98)

The Character of Jesus - LOVED THOSE WHO COULD NOT GIVE HIM ANYTHING

Read Mark 9:30-37.

"Whoever receives one child like this in My Name receives Me; and whoever receives Me does not receive Me but Him who sent Me." (v. 37)

"Jesus loves the little children...". Even when these children could not "help" His ministry--He loved them. He loved without thinking of Himself or His own advantage.

I need to love in a way that is unbiased. I must people who need the love; not just those who can give it back.

(11/20/98)

The Character of Jesus - STIMULATING FAITH

Read Mark 9:20-29.

"...'And things are possible to him who believes.' Immediately the boy's father cried out and began saying, 'I do believe; help my unbelief.'" (vv. 23-24)

Jesus explained to this man that great faith can do wonderful things. Desiring the wonders, and get realizing the inadequacy of his faith, the father honestly cried out: "Help my unbelief!" The man's faith did grow!

I need to watch for and take advantage of opportunities to stimulate the faith of those around me. People should come away with more faith after an encounter with me.

(11/17/98)

The Character of Jesus - UNACCEPTING OF SPIRITUAL SLACKNESS

Read Mark 9:14-19.

"And He answered them and said, 'O unbelieving generation, how long shall I be with you? How long shall I put up with you?...'" (v. 19)

Jesus expected (expects!) great things from His followers. When they didn't live up to those expectations, like a loving teacher, He rebuked them. His desire was that they be spiritually tight--not spiritually slack.

I am quick with encouragement, but slow to rebuke when needed. I need to love enough to risk relationship and point out spiritual slackness. Lord, help me to be bold!

(11/10/05)

The Character of Jesus - ANSWERED QUESTIONS

Read Mark 9:9-13.

"And they asked Him, saying, 'Why is it that the scribes say that Elijah must come first?'" (v. 11)
Jesus was not just a lecturer with His disciples. He encouraged them to ask questions. And then He took the time to answer them. He used these "teachable moments" to instruct clearly.

I need to encourage questions with my children and then take them seriously when they ask. I also need to take advantage of those moments when they're seeking the answers.

(11/9/98)

The Character of Jesus - PURPOSEFULLY DISCIPLED A FEW

Read Mark 9:1-8.

"And six days later, Jesus took with Him Peter and James and John, and brought them up to a high mountain by themselves. And He was transfigured before them." (v. 2)

Jesus spent special time with these three men. This small group of men were with Jesus to learn well some deep lessons.

I need to purposefully pull around me several man in whom I can pour my life. There are lessons that can be learned in that intimate setting better than in any other way.

(11/7/98)

The Character of Jesus - COMMITTED

Read Mark 8:34-38.

"For whoever wishes to save his life shall lose it; but whoever loses his life for My sake and the gospel's shall save it." (v. 35)

Jesus was committed to God's will for His life no matter what the cost--even though He would lose His life. This commitment made other decisions easier; knowing that God's will was the highest priority.

I need to re-commit to follow Christ and His way above all else. He is my first priority. He is my reason for life and for living.

(11/6/98)

The Character of Jesus - ONE WHO REBUKES

Read Mark 8:31-33.

"But turning around and seeing His disciples, He rebuked Peter, and said, 'Get behind Me, Satan; for you are not setting your mind on God's interests, but mans.'" (v. 33)

Jesus recognized the origins of Peter's remarks and boldly rebuked him in front of the other disciples. They were probably thinking the same thing as Peter.

I need to be bold enough to speak the truth even in front of well-meaning friends. They would be better off hearing the truth than speaking a lie.

(11/4/98)

The Character of Jesus - DIDACTIC

[NOTE: "Didactic" implies that Jesus asked questions in order to teach and spur on faith.]

Read Mark 8:27-30.

"...and on the way He questioned His disciples, saying to them, 'Who do people say that I am?'" (v. 27)

Jesus talked to His disciples as they were "on the way." He took advantage of every chance to teach them about Himself. He asked them questions to lead them to faith.

I need to take advantage of every situation with my disciples (including my wife and my children). And I need to use questions to help them discover their faith for themselves.

(11/3/98)

The Character of Jesus - DISCREET (2)

Read Mark 8:22-26. (see also this post)

"And He sent him to his home, saying, 'Do not even enter the village.'" (v. 26)

Jesus was interested in meeting the needs of this man, but not in hundreds of people following Him to be healed. He asked him to go straight home and not into the village so that not many people would find out.

I need to be more discreet about how I handle God's blessings through me. The praise and attention of men could distract from the work of God. I need to be careful.

(10/31/98)

The Character of Jesus - REMINDING OF GOD'S HAND

Read Mark 8:14-21.

"[Jesus said,] 'Having eyes, do you not see? And having ears, do you not hear? And do you not remember?'" (v. 18)

Jesus reminded the disciples about how God had worked in the past, so that they would have faith that He could act in the present.

I need to remember myself how God has acted directly in my life, so that I can remind my wife and children. I want their faith strengthened by noting God's involvement in our lives.

(10/30/98)

The Character of Jesus - UNCONCERNED WITH POPULARITY

Read Mark 8:11-13.

"And sighing deeply in His spirit, He said, 'Why does this generation seek for a sign? Truly I say to you, no sign shall be given to this generation.'" (v. 12)

Jesus was asked to do miracles to prove Himself. People followed Him in order to see those miracles. He was more focused on God and His work than on His own popularity.

I am very concerned about what people think about me. I need to be more concerned about what God's agenda is than about my own popularity.

(10/28/98)

The Character of Jesus - CHALLENGING OTHERS

Read Mark 8:1-10.

"And He was asking [His disciples], 'How many loaves do you have?' And they said, 'Seven.'" (v. 5)

Jesus could have sent the hungry masses away. He could have provided manna from heaven. He chose, instead, to let the disciples take part in the miracle. By challenging them to see what they had to offer, He showed them what they could do to meet the need.

I need to allow others--challenge others--to meet impossible needs with God's blessing; to actively pray with me and seek to meet the need.

(10/26/98)