Today we will talk about what was Jesus like. Many Christians do not know what this means. Be on the mode of meditation as we read through God’s word. Jesus, the central figure of Christianity, has had his life and character examined through Holy Scriptures for generations. He came to enlighten our path, showing us God’s love, grace, and truth. To understand Jesus, we must look at His actions, teachings, and interactions with people. We’ll explore various aspects of His character, from His compassion and humility to His authority and divinity. Get ready for a wondrous journey through the life of Jesus Christ, as we discover more of who He is and who He calls us to be.
What Was Jesus Like
The Compassionate Healer
When we think of Jesus, one of the first traits we notice is His profound compassion for others. The Hebrew word for compassion, “רחמים” (rachamim), illustrates a deep, nurturing love, akin to that of a parent for their child. Jesus exemplified this type of compassion throughout His ministry. In the Greek, compassion is translated as “σπλαγχνίζομαι” (splagchnizomai), meaning to feel deeply for someone, often leading to an action of help.
Jesus demonstrated compassion in numerous scenarios. In Matthew 9:36, we read, “When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.” This verse showcases Jesus’ emotional response to the struggles and suffering of the people around Him. Instead of merely observing their hardships, He actively sought to alleviate their pain.
Additionally, in the story of the Good Samaritan found in Luke 10:33-34, we see that Jesus teaches us to extend compassion even to those considered enemies. This illustrates His inclusive love toward all humanity, regardless of societal barriers. Our Savior did not withhold kindness from anyone, continuously reaching out to the marginalized and suffering.
Through His healing miracles—like healing the blind man (John 9:1-12) and raising Lazarus from the dead (John 11:1-44)—Jesus’ compassion was not just an emotion; it was an impetus for action. He encouraged us to embody this compassion, as seen in Matthew 25:40, where He states, “Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.”
The Humble Servant
Another significant aspect of Jesus’ character is His humility. The Hebrew word “עָנָו” (anav) translates to “humble” and denotes a condition of lowliness and modesty. Jesus lived this out remarkably during His time on Earth. In Philippians 2:7, we learn that He “made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness.”
Unlike other religious figures of His time, Jesus didn’t flaunt His authority. Instead, He served others. In John 13:14-15, during the Last Supper, He washed the feet of His disciples, a task meant for the lowest servant. This act conveys a powerful lesson: “If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet.”
Jesus knew that true greatness comes from serving others. For instance, when the disciples were arguing about who would be the greatest among them, Jesus reminded them in Luke 22:26, “But you are not to be like that. Instead, the greatest among you should be like the youngest, and the one who rules like the one who serves.” His humility challenges us to forsake pride and embrace the joy of serving others.
Through His humility, Jesus managed to set a new standard of greatness. He teaches us that glory does not come from our status or accomplishments but through our willingness to serve. As a community, we can emulate His footsteps by embracing a humble spirit in all our interactions.
The Teacher of Truth
Jesus is often referred to as a teacher, with His teachings forming the very foundation of Christian beliefs. In John 14:6, He boldly claims, “I am the way, the truth, and the life.” This declaration affirms that Jesus is not just a source of wisdom, but He embodies truth itself.
Throughout His ministry, Jesus shared profound insights through parables and teachings that challenged societal norms and religious misconceptions. His spoken words resonated with the people, including those marginalized in society, as seen in Matt 5:1-12, the Beatitudes, where He emphasizes blessings for the poor in spirit, the meek, and those who hunger for righteousness.
Jesus didn’t stop at mere words; He lived out the truths He taught. His life encapsulated love, grace, justice, and forgiveness. For instance, in John 8:7, when confronting the woman caught in adultery, He said, “Let any one of you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her.” This moment revealed God’s heart—one of mercy over judgment.
Moreover, He encouraged His followers to seek truth. In Matthew 7:7, He invites us, “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened to you.” Here, He actively encourages a relationship with God rooted in exploration and sincerity.
The Powerful and Sovereign
Jesus is no ordinary teacher; He is also powerful and sovereign. The Greek term “κυριος” (Kyrios) refers to someone possessing authority and power. Throughout the Gospels, we witness His divine authority over nature, disease, and even death. For example, in Mark 4:39, He calms a storm by simply saying, “Peace! Be still!” This miracle shows us that His command is final, and nature itself obeys Him.
Moreover, His authority over sin is beautifully illustrated in Luke 5:20-24, where He forgives a paralytic’s sins before healing him. This act reveals the spiritual authority of Jesus, highlighting His divine identity as the Son of God. It emphasizes that He came not only to heal our physical ailments but most importantly, to restore our broken relationship with God.
We can also reflect upon the Resurrection, where death is beaten! In Matthew 28:6, an angel declares, “He is not here; he has risen!” This pivotal moment showcases Jesus’ sovereignty over life and death. His resurrection assures us of victory, providing hope that extends beyond the grave.
Understanding Jesus as powerful encourages us to trust Him with all aspects of our lives. In Ephesians 1:21-22, we see Christ’s authority extends far above all rule and power. He is our commander, and in Him, we find strength, even amidst trials. We can place our worries and burdens in His capable hands.
The Advocate for Justice
Jesus also stood as an advocate for justice. The Hebrew word “מִשְׁפָּט” (mishpat) means justice or the act of treating people fairly. Jesus consistently challenged injustices in His time, standing up for the oppressed and marginalized. In Matthew 23:23, He rebukes the Pharisees for neglecting justice: “Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You give a tenth of your spices… But you have neglected the more important matters of the law—justice, mercy and faithfulness.”
His life exemplified justice as He advocated for the woman at the well (John 4:1-42) and the tax collector, Zacchaeus (Luke 19:1-10). Jesus reached out to those whom society often forgot. As a result, He calls us to push against injustice today, urging us to be change-makers in our communities as shown in Micah 6:8, “He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.”
When we follow Jesus’ lead, we will advocate for those who cannot voice their pain and support the oppressed. His everlasting commitment to justice encourages us as believers to seek social justice by loving one another and standing up against inequalities.
Final Thoughts
Reflecting on what Jesus was like unravels a beautiful tapestry of compassion, humility, truth, power, and justice. Each aspect of His character invites us to grow in our spiritual maturity. In Him, we find the perfect model. He displayed deep compassion for all, humbling even Himself to serve others. As the ultimate teacher, He imparted wisdom that still guides us today, embodying the very truth He preached.
While His authority over all creation is awe-inspiring, it’s His advocacy for justice that resonates deep within us. He calls us not to remain passive observers but active participants in the work of love and justice. In living like Christ, we become vessels of His grace and truth in a world that needs it. Let us strive to reflect His character in our everyday lives, serving others with compassion and standing firm in truth.
Ultimately, understanding what Jesus was like means embracing His call to be more like Him. It’s a journey filled with growth and transformation, where we learn to love as He loved, serve selflessly, and advocate passionately. In every step, we become more aligned with His heart and purpose for our lives.
Further Reading
30 Bible Verses About Getting Closer To God (With Commentary)
30 Bible Verses About Removing People From Your Life (With Commentary)
30 Bible Verses About Israel (With Explanation)
30 Bible Verses About Being Lukewarm (With Explanation)
4 Ways to Encounter Grace and Truth: A Study on John, Chapter 4