DO YOU HAVE"THE MIND OF CHRIST?"

Considerate of Others

Jesus was considerate. He was sensitive to the feelings of others. The mere sight of the afflicted touched him so deeply that he was moved to relieve their suffering. (Matthew 14:14) He was also considerate of the limitations and needs of others. (John 16:12) Once, people brought him a blind man and begged Jesus to heal him. Jesus restored the man's sight, but he did so gradually. At first, the man saw individuals only indistinctly-"what seemed to be trees, but they are walking about." Then, Jesus restored his vision completely. Why did he heal the man gradually? This may well have been in order to enable one so used to being in darkness to adjust to the shock of suddenly seeing a sunlit and complex world. -Mark 8:22-26.

Consider also an incident that took place after the Passover of 32 C.E. Jesus and his disciples had entered the region of the Decapolis, east of the Sea of Galilee. There, great crowds soon found them and brought to Jesus many who were sick and disabled, and he cured them all. (Matthew 15:29, 30) Interestingly, Jesus singled out one man for special consideration. The Gospel writer Mark,the only one to record this incident, reports what happened. -Mark 7:31-35.

The man was deaf and hardly able to talk. Jesus may have sensed this man's particular nervousness or embarrassment. Jesus then did something a bit unusual. He took the man aside, away from the crowd, to a private place. Then Jesus used some signs to convey to the man what he was about to do. He "put his finger into the man's ears and, after spitting, he touched his tongue." (Mark 7:33) Next, Jesus looked up to heaven and uttered a prayerful sigh. These demonstrative actions would say to the man,'What I am about to do for you is due to the power from God.' Finally, Jesus said: "Be opened." (Mark 7:34) At that, the man's hearing was restored, and he was able to speak normally.

What consideration Jesus showed for others! He was sensitive to their feelings,and this sympathetic regard, in turn , moved him to act in ways that spared their feelings. As Christians, we do well to cultivate and demonstrate the mind of Christ in this regard. The Bible admonishes us: "All of you be like-minded, showing fellow feeling, having brotherly affection, tenderly compassionate, humble in mind." (1 Peter 3:8) This certainly calls for us to speak and act in ways that take the feelings of others into consideration.

In the congregation, we can show the consideration for the feelings of others by according them dignity, treating them as we would like to be treated. (Matthew 7:12) That would include being careful about what we say as well as how we say it. (Colossians 4:6) Remember that 'thoughtless words can stab like a sword.' (Proverbs 12:18) What about in the family? A husband and wife who truly love each other are sensitive to each other's feelings. (Ephesians 5:33) They avoid harsh words, unrelenting criticism, and bitter sarcasm-all of which can causes hurt feeling that are not easily healed. Children too have feelings, and loving parents take these feelings into consideration. When correction is needed, such parents give it in ways that respect the dignity of their children and spare them needless embarrassment. (Colossians 3:21) When we thus demonstrate consideration for others, we show that we have the mind of Christ.

Next time: Willing to Trust Others

Watchtower, 2000

DO YOU HAVE"THE MIND OF CHRIST?"

Easy to Approach

People felt drawn to Jesus. On various occasions, Individuals of differing ages and backgrounds freely approached him. Consider the incident recorded at Mark 10:13-16) It took place near the end of his ministry as he was heading toward Jerusalem for the last time, to face an agonizing death. -Mark 10:32-34.

Picture the scene. People begin bringing children including infants, for Jesus to bless these. The disciples feel that Jesus surely does not want to be bothered with children during these crucial weeks. But they are wrong. When Jesus realizes what the disciples are doing, he is not pleased. Jesus calls the children to him saying: "Let the young children come to me; do not try to stop them." (Mark 10:14) Then he does something that reveals a truly tender and loving manner. The account says: "He took the children into his arms and began blessing them." (Mark 10:16) The children obviously are at ease with Jesus takes them into his caring arms.

That brief account tells us much about the kind of person Jesus was. Notice that he was approachable. Although he had occupied a lofty position in the heavens, he was neither intimidating nor demeaning to imperfect humans. (John 17:5) Is it not significant , too, that even children felt at ease with him? Surely they would not have felt drawn to a cold, joyless person who never smiled or laughed! People of all ages approached Jesus because they sensed that he was a warm, caring person, and they were confident that he would not turn them away.

Reflecting on this account, we can ask ourselves, 'Do I have the mind of Christ? Am I approachable?" In these critical time, God's sheep need approachable shepherds, men who are like "a hiding place from the wind." (Isaiah 32:1, 2; 2 Timothy 3:1) Elders, if you cultivate a sincere, heartfelt interest in your brothers and are willing to give of yourself in their behalf, they will sense your concern. they will see it in your facial expression, hear it in your tone of voice,and observe it in your kind manner. Such genuine warmth and concern can create a trusting atmosphere in which it is easier for others, including children, to approach you. One Christian woman explains why she was able to open up to a certain elder: "He spoke with me in a tender and compassionate manner. Otherwise, I would probably not have said a word. He made me feel safe."

Next time: Considerate of Others

Watchtower, 2000

DO YOU HAVE"THE MIND OF CHRIST?"

"HE HAS never once been seen to laugh." That is how Jesus is described in a document falsely claiming to be written by an ancient Roman official. This document, which has been known in its present form since about the 11th century,is said to have influenced many artists. In a number of paintings, Jesus appears as a solemn-looking person who rarely, if ever, smiled. But that is hardly a fair depiction of Jesus, whom the Gospels portray as a warm kindhearted man of deep feelings.

Clearly, to know the real Jesus, we must fill our minds and hearts with an accurate understanding of the kind of person Jesus truly was while here on earth. Let us therefore examine some Gospel accounts that give us insight into "the mind of Christ."-that is,his feelings, his perceptions, his thoughts and his reasonings. ( 1 Corinthians 2:16) As we do, let us consider how we might cultivate "the same mental attitude that Christ Jesus had." (Romans 15:5) Thus, we may be better equipped in our lives and in our dealings with others to follow the pattern he set for us. -John 13:15.

Next time: Easy to Approach

Watchtower, 2000

GETTING TO KNOW " THE MIND OF CHRIST"

Conclusion of What Jesus Was Like as a Person

Jesus was a Master Teacher. Much of his teaching reflected the realities of everyday life, with which he was well acquainted. (Matthew 13:33; Luke 45:8) His manner of teaching was matchless-ever clear, simple, and practical. Even more significant is what he taught. His teachings reflected his heartfelt desire to acquaint his listeners with the thoughts, feelings, and ways of Jehovah. -John 17:6-8.

Often using illustrations, Jesus revealed his Father with vivid word pictures that could not be easily forgotten. It is one thing to talk in general terms about the mercy of God. It is quite another to liken Jehovah to a forgiving father who is so deeply moved at the sight of his returning son that he 'runs and falls upon his son's neck and tenderly kisses him.' (Luke 15:11-24) Rejecting a rigid culture in which religious leaders looked down on common people, Jesus explained that his Father was an approachable God who preferred the pleas of a humble tax collector to the showy prayer of a boastful Pharisee. (Luke 18:9-14) Jesus portrayed Jehovah as a caring God who knows when a tiny sparrow falls to the ground. "Have no fear," Jesus reassured his disciples,' "you are worth more than many sparrows." (Matthew 10:29,1) Understandably, people were astounded at Jesus' "way of teaching" and were drawn to hm. (Matthew 7:28, 29) Why, on one occasion "a big crowd" remained near him for three days, even going without food! -Mark 8:1, 2.

We can be thankful that Jehovah has revealed in his Word the mind of Christ! How, though, can we cultivate and demonstrate the mind of Christ in our dealings with others? This will be discussed in the next article.

Next time: DO YOU HAVE "THE MIND OF CHRIST"?

Watchtower, 2000

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

GETTING TO KNOW " THE MIND OF CHRIST"

Conclusion of Early Life and Influences

Jesus was raised by God-fearing parents who cared for him. His mother, Mary, was an outstanding woman. Recall that when greeting her, the angel Gabriel said: "Good day, highly favored one, Jehovah is with you." (Luke 1:28) Joseph too was a devout man. Each year he faithfully made the 90-mile journey to Jerusalem for the Passover. Mary also attended, even though only males were required to do so. (Exodus 23:17; Luke 2:41) On one such occasion, Joseph and Mary, after a diligent search, found 12-year old Jesus in the temple in the midst of the teachers. To his worried parents, Jesus said: "Did you not know that I must be in the house of my Father?" (Luke 2:49) "Father" -that word must have had a warm and positive connotation to young Jesus. For one thing, he evidently had been told that Jehovah was his real Father. In addition, Joseph must have been a good adoptive father to Jesus. Surely Jehovah would not have selected a harsh or cruel man to raise his dear Son!

During his last years in Nazareth, Jesus learned the carpentry trade, likely from his adoptive father, Joseph. Jesus so mastered the craft that he himself was called "the carpenter." (Mark 6:3) In Bible times, carpenters were employed in building houses, constructing furniture (including tables and making farming implements. In his Dialogue With Trypho, Justin Martyr, of the second century C.E., wrote of Jesus: "He was in the habit of working as a carpenter when among men, making ploughs and yokes." Such work was not easy, for the ancient carpenter probably could not buy his wood. More likely, he went out and selected a tree, swung his ax,and carried the wood home. So Jesus may have known the challengers of earning a living, dealing with customers and making ends meet.

As the oldest son, Jesus probably helped to care for the family, particularly since it appears that Joseph died before Jesus. Zion's Watchtower of January 1, 1900, said: "Tradition declares that Joseph died while Jesus was yet young, and that the latter took up the carpenter's trade and became the support of the family. this finds some support in the Scriptural testimony where Jesus himself is called a carpenter, and his mother and brethren are mentioned, but Joseph is ignored. (Mark 6:3) . . . It is quite probable,then,that the long periods of eighteen years of our Lord's life, from the time of the incident [recorded at Luke 2:41-49] to the time of his baptism, was spent in the performance of the ordinary duties of life." Mary and her children, including Jesus,likely knew the a pain that results when a beloved husband and father dies.

Clearly, Jesus was not born into a cushioned life. Rather, he experienced firsthand the life of ordinary people. Then, in 29 C.E., the time came for Jesus to carry out the divine assignment awaiting him. In the fall of that year, he was baptized in water and was begotten as a spiritual Son of God. 'The heavens were opened up to him,' evidently indicating that he could now recall his prehuman life in heaven, including the thoughts and feelings that went with it. (Luke 3:21, 22) So when Jesus embarked on his ministry, it was with knowledge, insight and depth of feeling that no other man could have had. With good reason, the Gospel writers devoted most of their writings to the events of Jesus' ministry. Even so, they could not record everything he said and did. (John 21:25) But what they were inspired to record enables us to peer into the mind of the greatest man who ever lived.

Next time: What Jesus Was Like as a Person

Watchtower, 2000

GETTING TO KNOW " THE MIND OF CHRIST"

Earthly Life and Influences

God's Son had more to learn, for Jehovah's purpose was to equip his Son to be a compassionate High Priest, able to "sympathize with our weaknesses." (Hebrews 4:15) to meet the requirements for this role was one of the reasons the Son came to earth as a human. Here, as a man of flesh and blood, Jesus was exposed to circumstances and influences that he previously had only observed from heaven. Now he was able to experience human feelings and emotions firsthand. At times he felt tired,thirsty and hungry. (Matthew 4:2; John 4:6, 7) Even more, he endured all manner of hardships and suffering. He thus "learned obedience" and became completely qualified for his role as High Priest. -Hebrews 5:8-10.

What about Jesus' experiences during his early life on earth? The record of his childhood is very brief. In fact, only Matthew and Luke related the events surrounding his birth. The Gospel writers knew that Jesus had lived in heaven before coming to earth. that prehuman existence, more than anything else, explained what kind of man he became. Nevertheless, Jesus was fully human. though perfect, he still had to grow from boyhood through childhood and adolescence to adulthood, all the while learning. (Luke 2:51, 52) The Bible reveals certain things about Jesus' early life that no doubt affected him.

Evidently, Jesus was born into a poor family. This is indicated by the offering Joseph and Mary brought to the temple about 40 days after his birth. Instead of bringing a young ram as a burnt offering and a young pigeon or a turtledove as a sin offering, they brought either "a pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons." (Luke 2:24) According to the Mosaic Law, this offering was a provision for the poor. (Leviticus 12:6-8) In time, this humble family grew by natural means after the miraculous birth of Jesus. (Matthew 13:55, 56) So Jesus grew up in a large family, likely in modest circumstances.

Next time: Conclusion of Earthly Life and Influences

Watchtower, 2000

GETTING TO KNOW " THE MIND OF CHRIST"

His Prehuman Existence

Our close associates can have an effect on us, influencing our thoughts, feelings and actions for good or for bad. (Proverbs 13:20) Consider the association that Jesus had in the heavens before coming to earth. The Gospel of John calls attention to Jesus' prehuman existence as "the Word, or Spokesman, of God. Says John: "In the beginning the Word was, and the Word was with God, and the Word was a god. This one was in the beginning with God." (John 1:1, 2) Since Jehovah had no beginning, the Word's being with God from "the beginning" must refer to the start of God's creative works. (Psalm 90:2) Jesus is "the firstborn of all creation." Hence, he existed before other spirit creatures and the physical universe were created.- Colossians 1:15; Revelation 3:14.

According to some scientific estimates,the physical universe has existed for at least 12 billion years. If those estimates are anywhere near correct, God's firstborn Son enjoyed close association with his Father for eons before the creation of Adam. (Compare Micah 5:2) A tender and deep bond thus developed between the two of them. As wisdom personified, this firstborn Son in his prehuman existence is represented as saying: "I cam to be the one [Jehovah]was specially fond of day by day, I being glad before him all the time. (Proverbs 8:30) Surely spending countless ages in intimate association with the Source of love had a profound effect on God's Son! (1 John 4:8) This S0on came to know and reflect his Father's thoughts, feelings and ways as no one else could. -Matthew 11:27.

Next time: Earthly Life and Influences

Watchtower, 2000

GETTING TO KNOW " THE MIND OF CHRIST"

WHAT did Jesus look like? What color was his hair? His skin? His eyes? How tall was he? How much did he weigh? Over the centuries, artistic representations of Jesus have varied from the reasonable to the far-fetched. Some have depicted him as manly and vibrant, while others have portrayed him as frail and pallid.

The Bible, however, does not focus attention on Jesus' appearance. (No one knows what he looks like because no one has seen him except as a very bright light much as the sun, to try to look at him is like looking straight into the sun for awhile. No one would live) Rather, Jehovah saw fit to reveal something far more significant: The kind of person Jesus was. The Gospel accounts not only report what Jesus said and did but also reveal the depth of feeling and and the pattern of thinking behind his words and actions. These four inspired accounts referred to as "the mind of Christ." ( 1 Corinthians 2:16) It is important that we become acquainted with the thoughts, feelings and personality of Jesus. Why? For at least two reasons.

First, the mind of Christ gives us a glimpse into the mind of Jehovah God. Jesus was so intimately acquainted with his Father (No,not like that, get your minds out of the gutter people) that he could say: 'Who the Son is no one knows but the Father, and who the Father is, no one knows but the Son, and he to whom the Son is willing to reveal to him." (Luke 10:22) It is as if Jesus was saying, 'if you want to know what Jehovah is like, look to me.' (John 14:9) Thus, when we study what the Gospels reveal about the way Jesus thought and felt, we are, in effect, learning how Jehovah thinks and feels. Such knowledge enables us to draw closer to our God. -James 4:8.

Second, our knowing the mind of Christ helps us to "follow his steps closely." (1 Peter 2:21) Following Jesus is not simply a matter of repeating his words and copying his deeds. Since speech and actions are influenced by thoughts and feelings, following Christ requires that we have the same "mental attitude" that he had. (Philippians 2:5) In other words, if we are to truly act like Christ, we must first learn to think and feel like him, that is, to the best of our ability as imperfect humans. Let us, then with the help of Gospel writers, peer into the mind of Christ. We will. first discuss factors that influenced the way Jesus thought and felt.

Next time: His Prehuman Existence

Watchtower,2000

HEED THE WARNING!

Once You Have Fled, Stay Away

It is one things to flee from the endangered system, but it is quite another to remain in the protective care of "the whole association of brothers." (1 Peter 2:17) Let us not forget the farmers who, after being evacuated, went back to check their fields near Mount Fugen. Probably they were anxious to return to the "normal" life they used to have. But you realize that their decision to go back was unwise. Perhaps that was not their first attempt to crossing the line. They might have stayed a little longer, and still nothing happened. Likely, they soon became accustomed to crossing the protective line and were emboldened to linger in the endangered area.

Jesus Christ referred to a similar situation that would occur during "the conclusion of the system of things." He said: "As they were in those days before the flood, eating and drinking., men marrying and women being given in marriage, until the day that Noah entered into the ark; and they took no note unto the flood came and swept them all away, so the presence of the Son of man will be." -Matthew 24:3,38, 39.

Notice that Jesus mentioned eating, drinking and getting married. None of those things are in themselves wrong in Jehovah's eyes. What was wrong then? The people of Noah's day "took no note," leading a life centered around their regular routine in a time of emergency, one cannot live a "normal" life.

Once you have fled from or have separated yourself from, the present doomed world, you must fight any urge to go back to take advantage of whatever can be gleaned from it. (1 Corinthians 7:31) You may be able to wander out of the spiritually safe zone and come back unscathed with no one even noticing it. However, that likely will embolden you and lead you to returning to the world again, lingering in it a bit longer. Soon the attitude could develop: "The end won't come today.

Also, think of the three cab drivers who lost their lives waiting for the news reporters and cameramen when the volcanic flow swirled down the slope. Some today may tag along with other who have dared to go back into the world. Whatever the reason, it is clear that being coaxed into returning to the perilous zone is not worth the risk.

All the victims of the eruption of Mount Fugen crossed the safety line and went into the danger zone. Though they expected that the mountain would erupt someday, no one thought that they would be on that day. By observing the sign of the conclusion of the system of things, many expect the day of Jehovah to come sometime but likely not soon. Some even feel that the day could never be "today." Such an attitude is indeed risky.

"Jehovah's day will come as a thief," the apostle Peter warned. We need to be alert, "awaiting and keeping close in mind the presence of the day of Jehovah,: doing our utmost to be found finally by him spotless and unblemished and in peace." (2 Peter 3:10-14) After the destruction of the present wicked system of things, a paradise earth under the Kingdom of God awaits. May we never be tempted to venture into the danger zone for whatever reasons our mind might come up with, since the day we cross the line back into the world could be the day of Jehovah.

Take refuge along with Jehovah's people and stay with them.

Next time: GETTING TO KNOW "THE MIND OF CHRIST"

Watchtower, 2000