Imitate Jesus' Courage and Discernment

JESUS IS DISCERNING

Discernment is good judgment-the ability to tell right from wrong and then choose the wise course.  (Hebrews 5:14)  It has been defined as "the ability to make sound judgments in spiritual matters." A discerning worshipper speaks and acts in ways that please God. Such a person chooses words that helps others rather than hurt them. (Proverbs 11:12, 13)  He is "slow to anger." (Proverbs 14:29) He "walks straight ahead," sticking to the right course on his  journey through life. (Proverbs 15:21) How can we acquire discernment?  We must study God's Word and apply what we learn.  (Proverbs 2:1-5, 10, 11) It  is especially helpful to consider the example of Jesus, the most discerning man who ever lived. 

Jesus showed discernment in all he said and did.  In his speech.  He used good judgment when he preached the good news, choosing "gracious words" that amazed his listeners.  (Luke 4:22; Matthew 7:28) He often let God's Word speak for him-reading, quoting or referring to just the right scriptures to make his point.  (Matthew 4:4, 7, 10;  12:1-5; Luke 4:16-21) Jesus also explained the Scriptures, doing so in ways that moved the hearts of his listeners. After his resurrection, when speaking to two disciples on their way to Emmaus, he "interpreted to them things pertaining to himself in all the Scriptures." The disciples later said:  "Were not our hearts burning within us . . .as he was fully opening up the Scriptures to us?" - Luke 24:27, 32.

In his spirit and attitude. Discernment helped Jesus to control his spirit, making him "slow to anger." (Proverbs 16:32) He was "mild tempered." (Matthew 11:29)  He was always patient with his disciples despite their failings. (Mark 14:34-38; Luke 22:24-27) He remained calm even when he was treated unjustly. -1 Peter 2:23. 

Discernment also enabled Jesus to be reasonable. He saw beyond the letter of the Mosaic Law; he perceived the spirit behind that Law and acted accordingly. For example, consider the account at Mark 5:25-34. (Read)  A woman with a flow of blood made her way through a  crowd, touched Jesus' garment, and was healed. She was unclean under the Law, so she should not have touched anyone. (Leviticus 15:25-27) But Jesus-who discerned  that "the weightier matters of the Law" included "mercy and faithfulness" -did not chastise her for touching his garment.  (Matthew 23:23) Instead, he kindly said:  "Daughter, your  faith has made you well.  Go in peace,and be healed from your grievous sickness."  How touching that Jesus' discernment moved him to show such kindness!

In pursuing his life course.   Jesus showed discernment in choosing the right course and then sticking to it. He devoted himself to the preaching of the good news, making it his lifework.  (Luke 4:43) Jesus also stayed on course, making decisions that enabled  him to remain focused on the work and to see it through  to a successful completion. He wisely chose  to keep his life simple so that he could devote his time and energy to the ministry.  (Luke 9:58) He discerned the need to train others to carry on the work after his death. (Luke 10:1-12;  John 14:12) He promised his followers that he would remain involved in this work "until the conclusion of this system of things." -Matthew 28:19, 20. 

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

From the Watchtower magazine, 2015