Jesus did not describe Himself explicitly very often, but one of the few times He did, He used two very non-authoritative (not so typical for a conquering hero, what the world would expect from a leader) words: humble and gentle.
These would not be the words one would expect from the Messiah, a King who is expected to come and conquer the world to establish a new kingdom. But these are the very words Jesus chose for Himself.
If it is God the Father’s concerted purpose to conform us into the likeness of His Son, Jesus (Rom 8; Eph 4), then these two words must not only end a part of our vocabulary, but the very aim of the building of our own character. And to be sure, this is not only the Father’s aim, this is the Spirit’s aim (Gal 5). And therefore, ought to be ours, as well.
Isn’t it interesting, that God would choose each, oh, any of us, to represent him when you consider just how average we all are. Well, it was no different for Jesus.
That this one who appeared like “a dry root… having no majesty or anything in His appearance to attract to Him” (Isaiah 53:1-3) was truly attractive because of what was going on on the inside - that leaked out His heart - His eyes and lips...
Could it be, that humble and gentle are two of the
primary attributes that would make this unassuming, even unattractive, blue collar man from Galilee, attractive?
...that bled out of His head, hands, feet, and side? (Isa 53:4-12)
Isaiah says that there was nothing in His appearance to attract is to Him… but the gospel, may, Jesus Himself, seems to indicate that a gentle and humble spirit
● Certainly, hearing of the healing and miracles drew people to see and experience… But it is was gentle and humble manner that invited them in
● The people came from everywhere to hear him (the words of life - both attracted and repelled) (Matt 9; Mark 2; 3; 7; Luke 5; and John 6)
● The people brought their children to him to have him bless and pray for them (Matt 19; Mark 10; Luke 18; their sick Matt 14; Mark 1)
“I am gentle and humble in heart”. Matt 11:28-30
28“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.29 Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.30 For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”
“...do so with gentleness and respect…”. 1Peter 3:15-16
15 But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, 16 keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander.
A gentle word turns back wrath… Proverbs 15:1,18
1 A gentle answer turns away wrath,
but a harsh word stirs up anger.
18 A hot-tempered person stirs up conflict,
but the one who is patient calms a quarrel.
The demoniac (Luke 8:26-39) - there are monsters in all of us...
● His love drew and changed the man
● His words of life gave him life
● His. Power scared the people
● So he sent the man (us) in his place
● How? To go, like he came to us
This is, there are, for all of us… Living lives of gentle consideration - 1Peter 3:1-7
It is the power of God transforms, but it is the love of God that invites, embraces, and saves… that might bask in His presence.
