Imitate Jesus' Humility and Tenderness

JESUS IS TENDER

What is tenderness? The word "tender" is defined as "marked by responding to, or expressing the softer emotions."  Tenderness is a facet of love and is akin to such "softer emotions" as compassion and mercy. The  Scriptures refer to "tender compassion," "tender mercies," and "tender affection." (Luke 1:78; Corinthians 1:3; Philippians  1:8) Regarding the Scriptural call for compassion, one Bible reference work says:  "That call is more than an appeal for us to feel with and for the needy.  It is a call to care enough to become  involved and to help by taking some action that will set others' lives on a fresh, new course." Tenderness is a motivating force. A tender person is moved to make a difference in the lives of others. 

How did Jesus show tenderness?  "His tender feelings and actions.  Jesus felt tender compassion for others . When he saw his friend Mary and those with her weeping over the death of her brother Lazarus, Jesus openly "gave way to tears." (Read John 11:32-35) Then, likely stirred by heartfelt pity-just as when he raised a widow's son-he resurrected Lazarus.  (Luke 7:11-15; John 11:38-44)  By means of that tender act, Jesus may have put Lazarus  in line to receive life in heaven. On an earlier occasion, Jesus "felt tender affection" for a crowd that came to him. Impelled by his compassion, "he started to teach them many things." (Mark 6:34; Kingdom Interlinear) What a life-changing experience that was for any who responded to his teachings!  Note that Jesus' tenderness was more than a feeling; it moved him to take the initiative to help others. -Matthew 15:32-38; 20_29-34; Mark 1:40-42. 

His tender words.  Jesus' tender heart moved him to speak tenderly to others, especially to the downtrodden. The apostle Matthew applied to Jesus these words of Isaiah:  "No crushed reed will he break, and no smoldering wick will be extinguished." (Isaiah 42:3; Matthew 12:20)  Jesus spoke in a way that lifted the spirits of those  who were figuratively  like a bruised reed or the wick of an oil lamp about to go out. He preached a message of hope "to bind up the brokenhearted." (Isaiah 61:1) He invited those who were "toiling and loaded down" to come to him, reassuring them that they would "find refreshment"  for themselves (Matthew 11:28-30)  He assured his followers that God had tender  concern for each of His worshippers,including the "little ones"-those who may seem unimportant from the standpoint of the world. -Matthew 18:12-24; Luke 12:6, 7. 

Next time: Imitate Jesus' Humility and Tenderness -IMITATE JESUS' TENDERNESS

From the Watchtower magazine, 2015