DO YOU HAVE"THE MIND OF CHRIST?"

"HE HAS never once been seen to laugh." That is how Jesus is described in a document falsely claiming to be written by an ancient Roman official. This document, which has been known in its present form since about the 11th century,is said to have influenced many artists. In a number of paintings, Jesus appears as a solemn-looking person who rarely, if ever, smiled. But that is hardly a fair depiction of Jesus, whom the Gospels portray as a warm kindhearted man of deep feelings.

Clearly, to know the real Jesus, we must fill our minds and hearts with an accurate understanding of the kind of person Jesus truly was while here on earth. Let us therefore examine some Gospel accounts that give us insight into "the mind of Christ."-that is,his feelings, his perceptions, his thoughts and his reasonings. ( 1 Corinthians 2:16) As we do, let us consider how we might cultivate "the same mental attitude that Christ Jesus had." (Romans 15:5) Thus, we may be better equipped in our lives and in our dealings with others to follow the pattern he set for us. -John 13:15.

Next time: Easy to Approach

Watchtower, 2000