A Living Example Of Justice

Jesus did more than teach about love. He lived "the law of the Christ." It was embodied in his life course. Consider three ways in which Jesus' example made clear what justice is.

First, Jesus scrupulously avoided committing any injustice. Perhaps you have noticed that many injustices come about when imperfect humans grow arrogant and overstep the proper bounds of their authority. Jesus did not do that. On one occasion, a man approached Jesus and said: "Teacher, tell my brother to divide the inheritance with me." Jesus' response? "Man, who appointed me judge or apportioner over you persons?" (Luke 12:13, 14) Is that not remarkable? Jesus' intellect, his judgment and even his level of God-given authority exceeded that of anyone on earth; yet, he refused to involve himself in this matter, since he had not been granted the particular authority to do so. Jesus has always been modest in this way, even during the millenniums of his prehuman existence. (Jude 9) It says much for Jesus that he humbly trust Jehovah to determine what is just.

Second, Jesus displayed justice in the way he preached the good news of God's Kingdom. He showed no bias. Rather, he earnestly endeavored to reach all kinds of people, whether rich or poor. In contrast, the Pharisees dismissed poor, common people with the contemptuous term 'am-ha-'a'rets, or "people of the land." Jesus courageously set that injustice right. When he taught people the good news-or, for that matter, when he ate with people, fed them, cured them, or even resurrected them-he upheld the justice of God who wants to reach "all sorts of men. -1Timothy 2:4.

Next time: Conclusion of A Living Example Of Justice

Draw Close To Jehovah, 2002