A study of Jesus' life, Part 6...

“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.

Part 1

Part 2

Part 3

Part 4

Part 5

A study of Jesus' life, Part 5

"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.

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.”

Part 1

Part 2

Part 3

Part 4

 

Where's the baby? Part 2...

See Part 1

CLOSED: FoundIt Review and Giveaway...

*The winner is Maria from Personalized Sketches and Sentiments! Congratulations, and thank you to everyone who entered! :)


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I was recently contacted by FoundIt to review their MacDaddy Package, which offers its buyers a four year subscription to the FoundIt service.

Here's how it works (think microchipping for you beloved pets):

• You buy a FoundIt package that includes a different number of FoundIt stickers and either a one, two, or four year subscription (all at different prices--starting at $7.99!).

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The winner will be announced September 13! Good luck!