Imitate Jesus' Courage and Discernment

JESUS IS COURAGEOUS

Courage is a kind of confidence that can strengthen and sustain us. Being courageous has been described as "persevering in the face of adversity," "standing up for what is right," and "facing suffering with dignity or faith." Courage goes hand in hand with fear, hope, and love. How so? Godly fear gives us the courage to rise above fear of man. (1 Samuel 11:7; Proverbs 29:25)  Genuine hope helps us to see beyond present trials and to face the future with confidence.  (Psalm 27:14) Self-sacrificing love impels us to show courage even at great personal risk.  (John 15:13) We get courage by trusting in God and following the steps of his Son. -Psalm 28:7. 

Even as  a 12-year-old boy, Jesus courageously stood up for what was right.  Note what happened when young Jesus was "in the temple, sitting in the midst of the teachers."  (Read Luke 2:41-47) Those teacher were well-versed not only in Mosaic Law but also in the man-made traditions that undermined it. But Jesus was not intimidated into keeping quiet, he was "asking them questions."  Surely he was not asking the typical questions of a curious boy. We can imagine Jesus asking though-provoking questions that made those learned teachers sit up and take notice. And if the teachers tried to trip Jesus up  by asking him controversial questions, they failed.  Why, everyone listening-including the teachers-were in  "amazement at his understanding and his answers that no doubt upheld the truth of God's Word!

During his ministry, Jesus showed courage in various ways. He boldly exposed the religious leaders for misleading the people with false teachings.  (Matthew 23:13-36) He stood firm against the world's  contaminating  influence.  (John 16:33) He continued to preach despite pressure from opposers.  (John 5:15-18; 7:14) Twice, he fearlessly cleansed the temple, driving out those who were defiling the worship there. -Matthew 21:12, 13; John 2:14-17. 

It is faith-strengthening to trace Jesus' courageous steps in the face of suffering. Consider the courage he showed on the final day of his earthly life.  He knew the chain of events that would be set in motion by his betrayer. Yet, a the Passover meal, Jesus told Judas:  "What you are doing, do it more quickly." (John 13:21-27) In the garden of Gethsemane, Jesus fearlessly identified himself to the soldiers who came to arrest him. Although his own life was in danger, he spoke up to protect his disciples .  (John 18:1-8) When questioned before the Sanhedrin, he boldly affirmed that he was both the Christ and the Son of God, even though he knew that the high priest was looking for an excuse  to have him killed. (Mark 14::60-65) Jesus steadfastly  kept his integrity down to death on an  execution stake. About to take his last agonizing breath, he called out in triumph: "It has been accomplished!" -John 19: 28-30. 

Next time: Imitate Jesus' Courage and Discernment - IMITATE JESUS COURAGE

From the Watchtower magazine, 2015