HOW MUCH DO YOU LOVE GOD'S WORD?

God's Word Sustained Jesus

On one occasion, Jesus' parents found him sitting in the midst of the teachers at the temple in Jerusalem. How these experts in God's Law "were in constant amazement at his understanding and his answers"! (Luke 2:46, 47) That was when Jesus was 12 years old. Yes, even at a young age, he clearly had a fondness for God's Word. Later, Jesus used the Scriptures to rebuke the Devil saying: "Man must live, not on bread alone, but on every utterance coming forth through Jehovah's mouth." (Matthew 4:3-10) Soon after that, Jesus preached to the inhabitants of his hometown of Nazareth using the Scriptures. -Luke 4:16-21.

Jesus frequently quoted from God's Word to support his teachings. His listeners "were astounded at his way of teaching." (Matthew 7:28) And no wonder-Jesus' teachings came from Jehovah God himself! Jesus said: "What I teach is not mine, but belongs to him that sent me. He that speaks of his own originality is seeking his own glory; but he that seeks the glory of him that sent him, this one is true, and there is no unrighteousness in him." -John 7:16, 18.

Unlike the writer of Psalm 119, there was "no unrighteousness" in Jesus. He was sinless, the Son of God who "humbled himself and became obedient as far as death." (Philippians 2:8; Hebrews 7:26) Yet, perfect as he was, Jesus studied and obeyed God's Law. this was a key factor in his ability to maintain his integrity. When Peter used a sword to try to prevent his Master from being arrested, Jesus rebuked the apostle and asked: "Do you think that I cannot appeal to my Father to supply me at this moment more than twelve legions of angels? In that case, how would the Scriptures be fulfilled that it must take place this way.?" (Matthew 26:53, 54) Yes, the fulfillment of the Scriptures meant more to Jesus than escaping a cruel and humiliating death. What outstanding love for God's Word!

Next time: Other Imitators of Christ

Watchtower, 1999