The Character of Jesus - SELF-SACRIFICING (2)

Read Mark 12:1-12.

"And they took him, and killed him, and threw him out of the vineyard." (v. 8)

Jesus came to the Jewish people after many prophets before Him had come. Many of them had been killed. He knew His death was eminent, yet He was willing to give Himself for us. He put His own needs after ours.

I need to put God's mission before my own needs. I, too, need to be a servant of others. May I be worthy to be last!

[See the blog on May 24, 2005 for another example of "Self-Sacrificing."]

(1/3/99)

The Character of Jesus - DISCERNING OF MOTIVES

Read Mark 11:27-33.

"And answering Jesus, they said, 'We do not know.' And Jesus said to them, 'Neither will I tell you by what authority I do these things.'" (v. 33)

Jesus knew that the Jewish leaders didn't really want answers to the questions they asked. They were motivated by trying to discredit Him.

I need supernatural discernment to tell the motives of other people. This cannot come naturally--I need God's involvement.

(1/1/99)

The Character of Jesus - GLORIFIES GOD

Read Mark 11:19-26.

"And being reminded, Peter said to Him, 'Rabbi, behold, the fig tree which You cursed has withered.' And Jesus answered saying to them, 'Have faith in God.'" (v. 21-22)

Jesus had just worked an unusual miracle, yet He didn't claim credit for Himself. His first words after being questioned about the miracle were pointing the inquirers toward God.

I must reflect any glory I receive back toward the One to Whom it is due. "What a ministry, Steve!" "Have faith in God!"

(12/31/98)

The Character of Jesus - BOLDNESS

Read Mark 11:15-18.

"and they came to Jerusalem. And He entered the temple and began to cast out those who were buying and selling in the temple..." (v. 15a).

Jesus saw flagrant sin masked with religious trimmings. He knew the evil that was there and was bold enough to "cast them out."

I see wrongdoings but rarely (if ever) am bold enough to speak out against it. I certainly have not been physically opposed to unrighteousness. My God, grow that in me!

(12/23/98)

The Character of Jesus - INCLUSIVE

[Sorry for the brief break. We were on vacation and away from computers regularly. I hope to be more consistent daily.]

Read Mark 11:7-14.

"...and after looking all around, He departed for Bethany with the twelve, since it was already late" (v. 11b). "...And His disciples were listening." (v. 14b)

Jesus included the disciples in His very living. Whether being honored by the crowd or cursing a fig tree alone, the disciples saw the authentic Jesus.

I need to include people in my everyday life--especially my son, Mark. He needs to see how I am in other settings. I need to be authentic and inclusive with him.

(12/20/98)