GETTING TO KNOW " THE MIND OF CHRIST"

What Jesus Was Like as a Person

The personality of Jesus that emerges from the Gospels is that of a man of tender warmth and deep feelings. He displayed a broad range of emotional responses: pity for a leper (Mark 1:40, 41); grief over an unresponsive people (Luke 19:41, 42); righteous indignation at greedy money changers ( John 2:13-17). A man of empathy, Jesus could be moved to tears, and he did not hide his emotions. When his dear friend Lazarus had died, the sight of Mary, Lazarus' sister, weeping touched Jesus so deeply that he gave way to tears himself, crying in full view of others. -John 11:32, 36.

Jesus' tender feelings were especially evident in the way he viewed and treated others. He reached out to the poor and oppressed, helping them to 'find refreshment for their souls.' (Matthew 11:4, 5, 28-30) He was not too busy to respond to the needs of the afflicted, whether a hemorrhaging woman who quietly touched his garment or a blind beggar who would not be silenced. (Matthew 9:20-22; Mark 10:46-52) Jesus looked for the good in others and commended them; yet, he was also willing to offer reproof when needed. (Matthew 16:23; John 1:47; 8:44) At a time when women enjoyed few rights, Jesus treated them with a balanced measure of dignity and respect. (John 4:9, 27) Understandably, a group of women willingly ministered to him from their own belongings. -Luke 8:3.

Jesus had a balanced view of life. Material things, were not of primary importance to him. Materially, it seems he had very little. He said that he had "nowhere to lay down his head." (Matthew 8:20) At the same time, Jesus added to the joy of others. When he attended a wedding feast-typically an event marked by music, singing and rejoicing-it is clear that he was not there to cast a pall over the occasion. Indeed, Jesus performed his first miracle there. When the wine ran out, he turned water into wine, a beverage that "makes the heart of mortal man rejoice." (Psalm 104:15; John 2:1-11) The festivities could thus continue, and the bride and groom were no doubt spared embarrassment. His balance is further reflected in that there are far more occasions mentioned when Jesus worked long and hard in his ministry. -John 4:34.

Next time: Continue with What Jesus Was Like as a Person

Watchtower, 2000