“Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus: Who, being in
very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but
made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human
likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became
obedient to death–even death on a cross! Therefore God exalted him to the
highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name
of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and
every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.”
-Philippians 2:5-11.

Seven Woes: Matthew 23:1-39, Mark 12:38,39, Luke 20:45,46

• Jesus offers tough love when necessary. Jesus calls the Pharisees “hypocrites” (Matt.23:13), “blind guides” (Matt. 23:16), “blind fools” (Matt. 23:17), and “snakes” (Matt.23:33). He won’t stand for false teaching, hypocrisy, or arrogance. When necessary, tough love must be given to those around us that are destroying what God intended for good.

The Lord’s Supper: Matthew 26:17-35, Mark 14:12-25, Luke 22:7-13, 17-20

• Jesus was kind and forgiving to the man who betrayed him. Jesus tells his disciples about the one who “will betray [him]” (Matt. 26:23, emphasis added). The betrayal hadn’t happened yet, but Jesus knew that it would happen soon. Despite Jesus’ knowledge, He was still kind to his betrayer. He gave the bread to his disciples (including the betrayer). He offered the cup to “them” (including the betrayer). I, too, should be kind and forgiving to those that have betrayed me.

Gethsemane: Matthew 26:36-46, Mark 14:32-42, Luke 22:40-46

• Jesus prayed when he was in distress (Matt. 26:39). He prostrated himself and prayed for God’s will, despite the pain that He knew God’s will entailed. I don’t think any further elaboration is necessary here.
• Jesus withdrew himself to pray (Matt. 26:39, 42, 44). He separated himself from his friends so he could be in God’s presence alone. No distractions. Just raw, fervent prayers from the Son to the Father. Sometimes it is necessary for us to withdraw ourselves so we can fully experience God’s presence in our everyday lives and prayer lives.

This concludes my humble study of Jesus’ life. This is in no way complete. My study is the product of simply reading through the book of Matthew and taking notes about Jesus’ actions so that I might model my behavior after His.

Jesus Feeds the Five Thousand: Matthew 14:13-21, Mark 6:32-44, Luke 9:10-17, John 6:1-13

· Jesus saw a need in his community and provided to fulfill that need. The people that gathered around him became his community at that time. Jesus saw that they were hungry, and he ministered to them through food. There are so many needs in my own community—physically and emotionally. I can volunteer my time at church or local charities, cook a meal for a new mom or new neighbor, invite a lonely wife out for coffee, or offer to pray for someone who is hurting.

· Jesus gave thanks to God for his small ration (Matt. 14:19). Jesus thanked God for the five loaves and two fishes that were intended to feed five thousand hungry mouths. He did not pray for more or ask God why there was not enough. He was thankful for exactly what he had. God has given us things—people, circumstances, material possessions—for a reason. He knows exactly what we need and how much we need, and He will bless the gifts He has given.

The Fig Tree Withers: Matthew 21:18-22, Mark 11:12-14, 20-24

· Jesus’ faith caused the seemingly impossible to happen. This doesn’t seem to be another miracle Jesus performed. This seems to be an act of faith. Jesus had faith that God could do the impossible, and the impossible became reality. Jesus promises us that “if we have faith and do not doubt,” we, too, can “wither a fig tree” or “move a mountain.”

• Jesus remained calm in adversity (Matt. 8:23, 26). He didn’t panic. He didn’t worry.

• Jesus considered the disciples’ worry a lack of faith (Matt. 8:26). “You of little faith, why are you so afraid?” Ouch. Not only did Jesus not worry during the storm, he rebuked those that did (the disciples) when their Savior was right there with them. He is right to chastise us for our shallow faith when he is riding in the boat with us.

Jesus Heals a Paralytic: Matthew 9:1-8, Mark 2:14-17, Luke 5:27-32

• Jesus demonstrated faith (Matt. 9:2) and works (Matt. 9:6)–faith that the man’s sins were forgiven; works by healing the man. In our own lives, works alone will not save us, but works should be part of the outward manifestation of our salvation. Jesus combined faith and works.

The Calling of Matthew: Matthew 9:9-13, Mark 2:14-17, Luke 5:27-32

• Jesus spent time with “sinners” in order to minister to them (Matt. 9:9-10). “Sinners” are all of us. I should not limit my circle of friends and acquaintances to only those I can relate to, understand, or feel comfortable with. If I do, I maintain a righteous attitude.

Today we continue looking through the Gospels at the life of Jesus.

Jesus Begins to Preach, The Calling of the First Disciples: Matthew 4:12-22, Mark 1:16-20, Luke 5:2-11, Matthew 8:1-17; Mark 1:29-34, 40-44; Mark 1:29-34, 40-44; Luke 4:38-41, 5:12-14, 7:1-10

Simple truths:
-Jesus preached to those around him (Matt. 4:17). That’s it. He told people to turn to God.

-Jesus called on others to help him in his ministry (Matt. 4:19, 21). He didn’t try to do it all himself or go it alone. If I have been called to minister to others (which all Christians have), I should surround myself, in ministry, with others that also desire to spread God’s love. (Please note that I don’t mean to surround yourself only with Christians, for where is the ministry in that?)

-Jesus helped those that asked for his help (Matt. 8:2-3, 16). We should help those that specifically ask for our help.

-Jesus helped those that didn’t ask for his help, yet were still in need (Matt. 8:14-15). If we see someone struggling, we should help that person if possible.

-Jesus helped those that sent intercessors for help (Matt. 8:6-7, 16; Mark 1:30). If we become aware of one’s struggle through another person, we should help that person if possible (prayer or otherwise).

-Jesus physically touched the outcast (Matt. 8:3). We should acknowledge those that are outcast in our own society. Hello, conviction!

-Jesus was filled with compassion for the helpless (Mark 1:41). Lord, break my heart for what breaks yours.

When I decided to re-read through the New Testament a few months back, I immediately skipped the Gospels, deciding that I had heard those scriptures enough and already knew what to expect. It wasn’t until a week ago that God really put on my heart how naive and proud this attitude is. With a polite nudge from God, I am now reading through the Gospels, focusing on Jesus’ life and how He lived, hoping to glean simple truths from His lifestyle. I invite you to follow along with me as I learn how to have the same attitude and lifestyle of Christ Jesus.

The Temptation of Jesus: Matthew 4: 1-11, Mark 1:12-13, Luke 4: 1-13

-Jesus was tempted when he was physically weak (Matt. 4:2). He had been fasting in the desert for 40 days when Satan decided to make his appearance. Be on the lookout for how temptation will come to you when you are the most exhausted. If you’re tired physically, temptation could take the form of irritation or laziness. If you’re tired emotionally, temptation could take the form of self-pity or emotional numbness. If you’re tired spiritually, temptation could take the form of religion (just going through the motions) or apathy towards God. All of these temptations come from the great tempter himself.

-Jesus fought temptation with God’s word (Matt. 4: 4, 7, 10). When Satan offered Jesus food, Jesus responded with God’s word. When Satan offered Jesus the world, Jesus responded with God’s word. Know what the Bible says so that when temptation seems appealing and tries to talk you into whatever it is, you can also fight it with God’s word.

-Jesus commanded Satan to leave (Matt. 4:10). Jesus got mad at Satan and told him to back off. We can do the same thing! Look your temptation straight in the face and demand it to go away from you.

After Jesus resisted Satan, angels (ministers of God (Heb. 1:14)) came to take care of Jesus (Matt. 4:11). God will send a “support system” to you after you have dealt with or while you are dealing with temptation. I believe these could be close friends, accountability partners, family, church members–anyone that has your best spiritual interest at heart. God will bless your resistance to temptation by surrounding you with His angels.

-Satan will try to tempt you again (Luke 4:13). Always be on the lookout for his deceptive ways.