Gentle Like Jesus

As discussed in last week's devotional, Jesus referred to Himself as "gentle and lowly in heart" (Matthew 11:29).  When Paul encourages followers of Christ indwelled by the Holy Spirit to walk in step with the fruit of gentleness in Galatians 5, he is referring to the same gentleness exhibited throughout the life, ministry, death, and continued eternal reign of King Jesus.

But what does it practically look like to bear the fruit of gentleness in the Spirit? Here are three practical situations when, as Christians, we can demonstrate radical gentleness that points the world towards the Savior.

1- Jesus dealt gently with those who were already at rock bottom.

Isaiah 42:3 accurately prophesied that Jesus would minister in this way, "A bruised reed he will not break, and a smoldering wick he will not snuff out. In faithfulness he will bring forth justice."

When Jesus encountered the oppressed, weak, neglected, needy, hungry, sick, discouraged, downcast, or outcast populations of his time, he didn't kick them down even further like the religious zealots of His day. Instead, His heart was moved with compassion. Unlike many humans in positions of high power, Jesus stopped down to the needs of the people with this purpose in mind: to demonstrate the power of God in the weakness of men by humbly meeting both their physical and spiritual needs. He didn't snuff down his nose at them. As Isaiah prophesied, Jesus didn't further harm those who were already bruised up by the hardships of this life. He didn't put out the flame in those running on fumes.

Jesus even referred to this prophecy about Himself during His ministry in Matthew 12:18-20 as He highlighted that in His ministry, He would deal gently and mercifully to bring about justice to all nations. Examples of Jesus demonstrating radical gentleness towards those that society and even religious leaders often took advantage of or inflicted further harm upon can be found in John 4:4-42, Luke 5:12-16, Mark 5:25-34.

2- Jesus dealt gently with those who were doubtful, but willing.

Throughout His ministry on earth, Jesus encountered individuals who desperately wanted to believe in Him, but vulnerability expressed feelings of doubt. Their willingness to want to believe, despite the presence of disbelief, moved Jesus towards gentle responses and reassurance.

When most religious leaders and Jews of His time would have ridiculed the faith and salvation of followers who drew near to Jesus but in vulnerable transparency of their doubts and weaknesses, Jesus chose to lean in and highlight what little faith they did have. Examples of this radical demonstration of gentleness can be found in Marks 9:24, John 4:4-42, John 20:24-29 and Luke 23:43.

3- Jesus dealt gently with those whose hearts were humble, not prideful.

Again and again we see Jesus sternly scolding and warning those who approached Him with prideful hearts--most often the religious zealots and leaders of His time. Those who assumed they were in right standing with Jesus based on their own good works and human efforts were quickly humbled by Christ, whereas those who approached Christ with humble hearts and transparency in their weaknesses and sin patterns were met with gentleness and forgiveness. While many might assume that Christ dealt most harshly with sinners that wished to draw near to Him and His grace, He actually dealt with such individuals with gentle mercy and encouragement. On the contrary, those who pridefully and arrogantly assumed they had earned right standing with Christ were often dealt with harshly.

Examples of Christ demonstrating this level of gentleness can be found in accounts such as John 8:3-11,  John 21:15-17, Luke 7:36-50, and Luke 18:9-14.

We can learn so much from how Jesus demonstrated radical gentleness that bucked against the religious systems and governmental systems of His time. And next week we will look at three common ways that we as humans fail to demonstrate Christ's level of gentleness.