The Character of Jesus - FORETHOUGHT

Read Mark 11:1-6.

"And they spoke to them just as Jesus had told them, and they gave them permission." (v. 6)

Jesus sent the disciples on a "mission." He explained clearly the objectives and even gave a contingency plan should something else happen. He had forethought about the plan He was giving to the disciples.

I need to think through my plans clearly enough so that I can foresee any of the difficulties that might come up. This will make me a better leader and attract better, more confident, followers.

(12/18/98)

The Character of Jesus - A GOOD REPUTATION

Read Mark 10:46-52.

"And they called the blind man, saying to him, 'Take courage, arise! He is calling for you.'" (v. 49b)

Jesus sparked faith. Everywhere He went, people flocked to Him because He was known for doing great and godly things. Because He was so faithful, He built up the faith of others.

I need to be so consistent in my walk with Him that I am known as one who is faithful--as one who consistently does great and godly things. I want to have a godly reputation, so that when people are around me, their faith grows and God is glorified even more.

(12/16/98)

The Character of Jesus - A SERVANT

Read Mark 10:42-45.

"For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many." (v. 45)

Jesus, of all people, had the right to be served here on earth, but His priority was to serve. In God's economy / government / worldview, service equals greatness.

I need to see myself as a servant to others. I am not just a father / husband / missionary. I must see myself in this way and seek ways to serve others every day.

(12/14/98)

The Character of Jesus - ANSWERED QUESTIONS (2)

[See also entry on June 20, 2005)

Read Mark 10:35-41.

"But Jesus said to them, 'You do not know what you are asking for...'" (v. 38)

Jesus fostered an environment with the disciples that promoted the asking of questions. The disciples knew that He would answer them--even if they were "dumb" questions.

I need to build that kind of environment around me for my children as well as others. Help me to not prejudge even the value of the question itself. Help me to answer directly and with integrity and without degrading the "asker."

(12/12/98)

The Character of Jesus - PATIENT

Read Mark 10:32-34.

"And again He took the twelve aside and began to tell them what was going to happen to Him." (v. 32b)

Jesus "again" told His disciples about the hard things that were to happen to Him. Jesus patiently repeated the "hard" things to His disciples--and He did it privately.

I need to patiently repeat the "hard" things to my children. I assume/expect them to "get it" on the first hearing--but that's not necessarily the case. I need to do this privately too--for the sake of clarity and not embarrassing them.

(12/11/98)

The Character of Jesus - MODELED HUMILITY

Read Mark 10:28-31.

"But many who are first, will be last; and the last, first." (v. 31)

Jesus could have been the Conquering King that everyone expected. But rather, He saw the need to be in the role of a Servant, and to model that for us. Certainly, if there ever was someone who was "first," it was Jesus...and He became last.

I need to not be so concerned with building on my own agenda, but rather, looking for ways to make others successful. I need to seek the lower place.

(12/10/98)

The Character of Jesus - DEPENDENCE ON GOD

Read Mark 10:23-27.

"Looking upon them, Jesus said, 'With men it is impossible, but not with God; for all things are possible with God.'" (v. 27)

Jesus knew that the most important state of being was not independence, but dependence on God. That's why rich people have a hard time trusting Christ--they have to give away their independence and become fully dependent on God. Then...even new things are possible.

I must live in a state of dependence. He is my life source--He is my God. "I can do all things through Christ"--"All things are possible with God."

(12/8/98)

The Character of Jesus - SPOKE THE TRUTH IN LOVE

Read Mark 10:17-22.

"But at these words, [the rich young ruler's] face fell, and he went away grieved, for he was one who owned much property." (v. 22)

Jesus knew that what He was going to tell this young man would "grieve" him, but He did it anyway. He spoke the truth in love, risking the breaking of the relationship in order to speak truth.

I need to be bold enough to risk speaking the truth to those around me. They will be the better for it, than if I was just "nice" and silent.

(12/3/98)

The Character of Jesus - AFFECTIONATE

Read Mark 10:13-16.

"And He took them in Hi arms and began blessing them, laying His hands upon them." (v. 16)

Jesus took the children into His arms and touched them. He blessed them by touching them. He demonstrated His love for them in a physical way.

I need to NOT be afraid to be physically affectionate with people. This is a wonderful way to demonstrate my love for them. I must even turn away from the tide of public opinion to do this. I can bless people by my touch.

(12/2/98)

The Character of Jesus - CLARIFYING

Read Mark 10:1-12.

"Jesus replied, 'Moses gave you this law because you are so heartless. But in the beginning God made a man and a woman. ...and no one should separate a couple that God has joined together.'" (vv. 5-9, Contemporary English Version)

Jesus clarified the teaching that was common in the day. He taught the spirit of the law and not the letter. He was willing to go against popular opinion to tell people the truth.

I need to clarify wrong teaching when I see it, by pointing to the spirit of the teaching. I must not be afraid of the disagreements that may come up in my "truth-telling."

(11/29/98)