As I’ve been studying the life of Christ with Scarlette these last few years, I can’t help but reflect on the characteristics of Christ. In previous studies it was the compassion that Christ has with each and every person he encounters, that has stood out to me. He also continually addressed the heart issue and took things to a spiritual level. For example, in the account of the woman at the well, Jesus not only spoke with a woman, but a Samaritan woman! And then proceeded to ask her for a drink and told her of the living water that she was actually in need of. She goes away saying in John 4:29, “Come, see a man, which told me all things that ever I did: is not this the Christ?”
Another example of Jesus’ compassion and addressing heart issues is the account of the rich young ruler. A rich young ruler came running up to Jesus genuinely wanting to know what he had to do to obtain a future in heaven. When someone had a sincere question for Jesus, He always answered it. Which leads me into how Jesus handled the religious leaders (Pharisees, saducees…) Jesus typically didn’t answer their deceitful, insincere questions, but instead took things to a spiritual level and addressed the real issues of their hearts instead.
Most recently, in studying the life of Christ, God has shown me two things. The patience he has for me (and all of us) as well as what it is like to really serve with a servant’s heart. The last few months we have been studying Judus’ betrayal and the preparation for the Passover. The kindness that Jesus showed Judus throughout his entire ministry is so great that not one of the disciples ever suspected Judus to be the one to betray Christ! In fact, when Jesus announced in Mark 14:1 that it will be one of the disciples at the table that will betray Him, Mathew 26:22 says, “And they were exceedingly sorrowful, (“Then the disciples looked one on another, doubting of whom he spake.“ John 13:22) and began every one of them to say unto him, (“one by one” Mark 14:19) Lord, is it I?” They were literally questioning Jesus out loud if it could possibly be them that would betray Him. There is so much real life application here! Jesus treated Judus with a true kindness and compassion until the very end! How do we treat those that are working against us? The patience Jesus has with Judus, giving him so many opportunities and desiring Judus to come to Him is so great! Do we have patience like that with those around us? Continually sharing the gospel? Living righteously? We also must realize how close we may be to betraying Christ too, not letting pride sneak in and assuming we are above that. This lesson alone shows the kind, loving, and compassionate God that we serve.
I could write another entire page on how the Lord has spoken to my heart about my need for a servant ‘s heart. (and my lack of) God used our studying on the passages of Jesus washing the disciples feet, as well as my husband and newborn son to help me see my wrong, sinful heart attitude about serving Him and others. It’s not just about serving others and the condition of my heart while serving, but about the attitude of my heart all day, every day!