Day 33 – Lenten Devotional
LENTEN DEVOTIONAL – DAY 33 – FRIDAY, APRIL 12, 2019
Jesus Demonstrates Godly Behavior to Disciples
Matthew 20:34 “Jesus had compassion on them and touched their eyes. Immediately they received their sight and followed him.”
The disciples observed Jesus for over three years as He demonstrated what true Godly behavior was all about. They saw Jesus show compassion, mercy, love, righteous anger, correct bad theology, make others aware of bad (sinful) behavior, extend forgiveness and more. Jesus was and is our example of a truly righteous walk with God. Yes, He was God, but He was a living human being as well and so He exhibited how a true human being whose eyes are heaven-focused through faith is to behave.
Jesus life was filled with:
- Prayer – contact with His heavenly Father
- Preaching – talking about what Scripture means, proclaiming God’s Word
- Sharing Good News – told others what was necessary for reconciliation with God, faith in Christ!
- Sharing meals with others – enjoyed others company, physically together eating from God’s abundance
- Engaging in conversation – no texting, but eye-to-eye talking to others
- Walking with others – enjoying the scenery together on a journey
- Showing compassion – healed and fed multitudes, cared for their faith journey
- Giving mercy – withheld giving people what they deserved
- Giving grace – gave people what they did not deserve
- Love – heart filled with unconditional, altruistic, all-encompassing, agape love
- Righteous Anger – when holiness was desecrated physically or by corrupt teaching He strongly condemned
- Correcting Bad Theology – incorrect Scriptural understanding of blind guides must always be corrected
- Making others aware of sin – NEVER minimize sin, the disobedience of God’s commands always leads astray
- Extending forgiveness – God’s ultimate answer to repentant hearts, even unknowing Roman soldiers at the cross
…and much more than can be written in this short devotional!
He is our model of Christian life and purpose. The teacher to the church of disciple-making through a hands-on demonstrative life. Jesus is our guide who shows us the way, the truth and the life (John 14:6).
REFLECT: The gospel accounts of Jesus reveal Godly humanity, no other person on the face of the earth was, is or ever could be such a true example. God incarnate. His life, death and resurrection given for you, disciple of Christ, to emulate.
REPENT: Change your ways. Do you understand the life and work of Christ? Do you seek to be like Jesus? Do you intentionally try? Ask the Holy Spirit to illuminate Scripture to you, so you may see the true life of Christ and strive for the perfection of Christ-likeness!
RESTORE: True Truth can be exhilarating yet sobering, encouraging yet convicting, enticing yet difficult. Jesus is True Truth! He will show you an ever increasing clearer way as your faith grows. What was once sobering, convicting and difficult can become exhilarating, encouraging and enticing!
Galatians 2:20 “I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.”
Blessings,
Pastor Tom Bellhy