Yesterday was a great talk given by one of our brothers. The watchtower of course was great. It's focus was on Jesus and his qualities. His Love, his compassion, his wisdom, and of course his way of teaching. There is many things he taught.
Today we will cover just a few of them. First Jesus's example can help us to cultivate godly devotion. Jesus knew his Father better than anyone else. And so closely did Jesus imitate Jehovah’s ways and qualities that he could say: He that has seen me has seen the Father also.
Through the life and ministry of Jesus, then, we can gain a deeper appreciation for Jehovah’s tender qualities, thus strengthening our personal attachment to our loving Creator.The life and ministry of Jesus Christ reveals much about how godly devotion should be manifested.
A touching example is recorded at John 19:25-27, where we read: “By the torture stake of Jesus, however, there were standing his mother and the sister of his mother; Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene. Therefore Jesus, seeing his mother and the disciple whom he loved John standing by, said to his mother: ‘Woman, see! Your son!’ Next he said to the disciple: ‘See! Your mother!’ And from that hour on the disciple took her to his own home.
Imagine that! Just moments before he surrendered his earthly life, Jesus’ love and concern moved him to entrust the care of his mother, Mary, to the beloved apostle John. But why John and not one of Jesus’ own fleshly brothers? Because Jesus was concerned not just with Mary’s physical, material needs but more especially with her spiritual welfare. And the apostle John had proved his faith, whereas there is no indication that Jesus’ fleshly brothers were, as yet, believers. Which of course means that Jesus had brothers and sisters.
The fact that Jesus died for us showed that he loves us. The fact that he left Heaven to die for us shows that he loves us. The fact that he taught us the truth. There is nothing that Jesus didn't help us with.
To illustrate: Imagine trying to explain what kindness is. You might define it with words. But if you can point to someone actually performing a kind deed and say, “That is an example of kindness,” the word “kindness” takes on added meaning and becomes easier to understand. Jehovah has done something similar to help us grasp what he is like. As well as describing himself in words, he has provided us with the living example of his Son. In Jesus, the qualities of God are seen in action. Through the Gospel accounts describing Jesus, Jehovah is, in effect, saying: “That is what I am like.” How does the inspired record describe Jesus when on earth?
The four main attributes of God found beautiful expression in Jesus. He had power over disease, hunger, even death. Yet, unlike selfish men who abuse their power, he never used miraculous power in his own behalf or to hurt others. He loved justice. His heart was filled with righteous indignation at seeing unfair merchants exploiting the people.
He treated the poor and downtrodden with impartiality, helping such ones to “find refreshment” for their souls. There was matchless wisdom in the teachings of Jesus, who was “more than Solomon.” But Jesus never made a showy display of his wisdom. His words reached the hearts of common people, for his teachings were clear, simple, and practical.
Jesus was an outstanding example of love. Throughout his ministry, he displayed love in its many facets, including empathy and compassion. He could not see the suffering of others without feeling pity. Over and over again, that sympathetic regard moved him to action. Although he healed the sick and fed the hungry, Jesus expressed compassion in a far more vital way. He helped others to know, accept, and love the truth about God’s Kingdom, which will bring permanent blessings to mankind.
Is it any wonder that people of all ages and backgrounds felt drawn to this man of tender warmth and deep feelings? However, as we read about and reflect on the living example of Jesus, let us keep ever in mind that in this Son we are seeing a clear reflection of his Father.
Tomorrow we will talk about another area where Jesus discusses those in the opposite sex.
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