The Amazing Grace and Character of Jesus

  Posted on July 23, 2017  by RevAdmin  No comments

By Olufunso Joseph Omidiran www.livingsword.org
2 Corinthians 8:9 9 For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich.
The grace of our Lord Jesus made Him to deny His true identity and take up a lower status. He restrained Himself from demonstrating His immense riches; He actually chose to become poor (bereft of strength, power and ability), so that we might become rich, strong and enabled through Him. The Bible calls this GRACE!
Here are some of the great features of Jesus’ grace and character that we must follow:
1. Extraordinary Self-Control
1 Peter 2:21-23 21 For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps: 22 Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth: 23 Who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not; but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously:
This unique lifestyle is expressed in both the character and doctrine of Christ. Does this matter to you? (Matthew 5:35-48).
2. Extraordinary Meekness. Meek: quiet, gentle, obedient; showing mildness or quietness of nature.
Philippians 2:5-9 5 Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: 6 Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: 7 But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: 8 And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. 9 Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name:
The Bible reveals that the meek will inherit the earth (Psalm 37:11; Matthew 5:5). What does that suggest? Doesn’t it speak of reward, blessing or compensation?
3. Endurance/Perseverance.
Hebrews 12:1-2 Hebrews 12:1 Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, 2 Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.
Hence, He was resilient in the face of all adversities and discouragement. He followed through the pains and trials of His mission.
4. Extraordinary Submissiveness & Quietness. Hebrews 12:1, 2
Isaiah 53:7 7 He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth: he is brought as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is dumb, so he openeth not his mouth.
I am personally touched by this aspect of Christ’s life and character and I began to see how inadequate and different I have been compared to my Lord! He had the power and right to confront His oppressors, but He wouldn’t, because He wanted to do His Father’s will.
5. Focus. Hebrews 12:2. Jesus did not allow Himself to be distracted from the goal of His life. His decision to lay down His life for us was voluntary. He did it because of His love for us.
John 10:17-18 17 Therefore doth my Father love me, because I lay down my life, that I might take it again. 18 No man taketh it from me, but I lay it down of myself. I have power to lay it.
Read also John 3:16; 15:13.
6. Knowledge & Understanding. Hebrews 12:2; Luke 22:53; Isaiah 53:11; Jeremiah 3:15. He knew and understood what He did, why and how. His actions were borne out of a clear-cut and well laid out intent.
7. Quality Prayer. Luke 22:41-43; 23:34. Could you notice the content, the depth and the quality of Jesus’ prayer?
Conclusion
The birth, life, death and resurrection of Jesus have been so amazing. We need to learn of Him and be like Him by all means. Let’s also take a lesson from Paul’s submission:
1 Corinthians 9:24-27 24 Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain. 25 And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible. 26 I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that beateth the air: 27 But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway.
This also summarizes Jesus’ character. Our Lord carried Himself with much restraint; He wouldn’t be lured out of His chosen path. What’s your own submission too? Shalom.