Coclusion of A Living Example Of Justice

Third, Jesus' sense of justice was profoundly merciful. He reached out to help sinners. (Matthew 9:11-13) He readily came to the aid of people who were powerless to protect themselves. For instance, Jesus did not join the religious leaders in promoting a distrust of all Gentiles. He mercifully helped and taught some of these, even though his primary mission was to the Jewish people. He agreed to perform a miraculous cure for a Roman army officer, saying: "With no one in Israel have I found so great a faith." -Matthew 8:5-13.

Similarly, Jesus did not support the prevailing views toward women. Instead, he courageously did what was just. Samaritan women were held to be as unclean as Gentiles. Yet, Jesus did not hesitate to preach to the Samaritan woman at the well of Sychar. In fact, it was to this woman that Jesus first plainly identified himself as the promised Messiah. (John 4:6, 25, 26) The Pharisees said that women should not be taught God's Law, but Jesus spent much time and energy teaching women. (Luke 10:38-42) And whereas tradition held that women could not be trusted to give reliable testimony, Jesus dignified several womwn with the privilege of being the first to see him after his resurrection. He even told them to go tell his male disciples about this most important event! -Matthew 28:1-10.

Yes,Jesus made clear to the nations what justice is. In many cases, he did so at great personal risk. Jesus' example helps us to see that upholding true justice requires courage. Fittingly, he was called "the Lion that is of the tribe of Judah." (Revelation 5:5) Recall that the lion is a symbol of courageous justice. In the near future, though, Jesus will effect even greater justice. In the fullest sense, he will set "justice in the earth." -Isaiah 42:4.

Next time: The Messianic King "Sets Justice In The Earth"

Draw Close To Jehovah, 2002