Characteristics Of Christ

For easier reading, the "Characteristics Of Christ" is broken down into lessons.

Lesson 1

Characteristics Of Christ
(Lesson 2)

19. To see what Jesus was like we must also look at what he taught (at least in a general sense), as well as what He did. (Acts 1:1) Jesus was a teacher and preacher who taught repentance and belief in the gospel. (Mark 1:14,15) He also taught that the Kingdom of God would soon be established and it was, seven weeks after His resurrection on the day of Pentecost. (Acts 2)

20. Jesus was a fisherman and made fishermen of other men. (Matthew 4:19)
Men fishing for men was the concept or men fishing for souls.
{Goal: To so teach and live as Christ that others may be attracted and obey the gospel.} LET OTHERS SEE THE JOY ! !

21. Jesus called men. (Matthew 4:21)
{Although we can not call others to follow us directly, we can call them to follow Christ by the authority that is given in the scriptures.}

22. Jesus went everywhere to teach. The appropriate place in His day was the synagogues. (Matthew 4:23) From Jerusalem they went to Judea and then to Samaria and then to the uttermost part of the world. (Acts 1:8)

{Concept: We should cover all of our area in spreading God’s word.}

23. Jesus in His compassion and power healed the sick wherever He went.
{Understanding: We do not have the power to heal directly as Jesus did, but we do have the power of the “prayer of faith” that will “save the sick”. (James 5:15)}
We should have a deep concern for the sick and daily pray for them.

24. Jesus was concerned about how people lived now. (Matthew 5, 6, & 7 - - the Sermon on the Mount)
{Part of our message and hope to the world is to show them in God’s word, how to live in this present world. It is the only way they can have abundant life. (John 10:10)

Our Lord taught: (Matthew 5 - 7)
Humility
Mournful attitude toward one’s own sin
Meekness
Desire for righteousness
Mercy
Purity in heart
Peace
Rejoicing in tribulation
Preserving power of Christians
Light of the world
Not to do wrong because of anger
Repentance and reconciliation to brethren
Not commit adultery even in heart
Cast out lust
Only reason for divorce is adultery
Not to swear
Turn the other cheek
Do more than is expected of you
Give to those in need
Love your enemy
Do good to your enemy
Pray for those who persecute you
Goal of life: To be like the Father in Heaven
Rains on the just and the unjust
Do not seek man’s praise in your giving or prayers
Do not fast to be seen of men
Lay up treasures in Heaven
Singleness of purpose
Serve God not money
Dependence upon God for everything
Seek kingdom of God and His righteousness first
Take one day at a time
Don’t judge as a hypocrite
Don’t cast pearls before swine
Ask, seek, and knock
Know that the Heavenly Father will give you good things
The “Golden Rule”
The gate to Hell is wide and the way broad, gate to Heaven is straight and the
way is narrow
You can know men by their fruits
Must do the Lord’s will
Build your life on Christ by obeying His words

25. Jesus taught with authority. (Matthew 7:29)
{We should teach with the authority of God through Christ who has been given
“All power . . . in Heaven and in earth.” (Matthew 28:18)}
Never should we base our ministry on the authority of what any man says.

Characteristics Of Christ
(Lesson 3)

26. Jesus kept the law of God in his day and taught others to do the same. (the leper - Matthew 8:4)
{Now we keep the law of Christ and teach others to do the same.}

27. Jesus commended the faith of others. (the Centurion - Matthew 8:8-13)
{We need to constantly be aware of faith in others and commend them - - even before others for an example.}

28. Jesus taught more about Hell than about Heaven. (Matthew 8:12; 13:42; 25:30,41,46; Luke 13:28) {Paul put it this way: “Knowing the fear of the Lord, we persuade men.” (2 Corinthians 5:10, 11) We should always teach the whole gospel (good news). But how can hell be good news? - - It is good news in Christ that we have been saved from it.}

29. Jesus did good even when He was not asked. (Peter’s mother-in-law - Matthew 8:14,15) {Desire and goal in life: Always looking for good to do for others. But the greatest good is sharing Christ.}

30. Jesus cast out spirits with his words. (Matthew 18:16)
{Even though we do not have this power, we do have the power of the word which can defeat Satan in our lives and in the lives of others.}

31. Jesus knew, lived, and taught priorities in life. (Let the dead bury the dead-Matthew 8:21,22) {What is the most important thing in life for us to do? - - Seek God and kingdom first. Matthew 6:33)}

32. Jesus was not afraid of the elements as other men. (the storm - Matthew 8:23-27)
{You might say: “If I could stop the wind and walk on water, I wouldn’t be afraid either.” - - But remember, He that was in the ship with the disciples is going through life with you. (Matthew 28:20; 2 John 9)}

33. Jesus proved who he was by powerful action. (Healing the sick of the palsy-Matthew 9:1-8) {As Christ is seen in our lives by our actions, others see that we are the children of God. Matthew 5:16}

34. Jesus no doubt did not look on what a man was but what he could become. (Case of Matthew - Matthew 9:10-13)
{As we show others the mercy of God (verse 13), many lives will be changed.}

35. Jesus had a different perception of death. (Not dead but sleepeth - Matthew 9:24)
{So did Paul (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18) - - Our outlook on death will partly determine how we live life. - - Let us live life with no fear of death. For whether we live or die we are the Lord’s.}

36. Jesus was not a seeker of fame. (See that no man know it - - Matthew 9:30)
{We are God pleasers not man pleasers. (Acts 4:19, 20). Let us seek the approval of Heaven in all that we do, because the fame of the world will pass. (John 2:17).}

37. Jesus did not let false accusations or criticisms keep Him from doing good. (Matthew 9:34, 35) {Know for sure if we follow Christ there will be a cross to bear. People accused Paul and they will us if we do good and stand up for righteousness. Sometimes it will come, as it did with Jesus, from God’s people. Keep your eyes, mind, and heart toward Jesus and not the world or worldly people.}

38. Jesus was moved with compassion when He saw that man had no direction in their lives. (Matthew 9:36-38)
{So we should be moved to show others the shepherd and bishop of souls. (1 Peter 2:21-15) “Let me show you someone you can really follow”.}

39. Jesus freely gave of Himself and taught His disciples to do the same. (Matthew 10:7, 8)
{Although they expected food and lodging, they certainly did not anticipate getting rich. We are to think of ourselves as givers and servers. (2 Peter 1:1)}

40. Jesus had no consolation to those that did not listen. (Shake off the dust of your feet - - Matthew 10:14 & 15)
{Neither can we give consolation where there is none to give.}

Characteristics Of Christ
(Lesson 4)

41. Jesus was as wise a serpent and as harmless as a dove and taught His disciples to be the same. (Matthew 10:16) Also see His cunning in answering the chief priests and the scribes along with the elders and later the sadducees in Luke 20.
NOTE: JESUS NEVER DID HARM TO ANYONE.
{Great aspiration : To have this righteous, clever wisdom in action and speech. And to never harm anyone in what we say or do, teaching even the truth in love.}

42. Jesus confessed His relationship with the Father and God did so in Luke 12:27-29 & 44-50. Jesus wants us to confess Him. (Matthew 10:32 & 33) Three times in the previous verses
He tells of the main obstacle that keeps us from doing so:
(Verse 26) “Fear them not . . .”
(Verse 28) “Fear not them . . .”
(Verse 31) “Fear ye not . . .”
He wants the fruits of our lips: “Preach ye upon the housetops.”
{The mark to shoot for: To confess Jesus with our mouth and never to deny Him by the way we live.}

43. Jesus knew the joy beyond the cross and so He “ . . . endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.” (Hebrews 12:12)
So He said to lose our life for His sake is to gain it. (Matthew 10:39)
{Insight leading to foresight: Learning and knowing that everlasting life is in Christ and seeing in heart and mind beyond their life to the glory that will be revealed at His coming. (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18; Revelations 1:7) “Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher (example) of our faith . . .,” we do not faint and are willing to strive even unto death (blood) against sin. (Hebrews 12:2-4; Revelations 14:13)}

44. Jesus had another precept about life: “He that receiveth you, receiveth me; and he that receiveth me receiveth him that sent me.” (Matthew 10:40) When we receive Christ we receive God. When we do good (even giving of a cup of cold water), verse 4, to others for His glory, it is though we did it directly to Jesus.
{Comprehend: Life is going about doing good for Christ’s sake. (Galatians 6:10)}

45. Jesus “ . . departed thence to teach and to preach in their cities”. (Matthew 11:1)
{Need: To proclaim the Gospel is the cities of influence; thus, it will be spread to all the region there about. As it was in the case of Paul preaching in Thessalonica. They sounded out the good news to Macedonia, Achais and abroad. (1 Thessalonians1:8)}

46. Jesus put emphasis on the fact that He preached to the poor. (Matthew 11:5)
Many times it seems the poor are more ready to hear because they are not blinded by the riches of this world. {Special Interest: To have a goal, purpose, and desire to preach and teach the poor.}

47. Jesus had a different concept about greatness. He said that no other man born of woman was greater than a poorly clothed, uneducated, wilderness preacher, whose meat was locusts and wild honey. (John The Baptist - Matthew 11:11)
{Outlook: To determine a man’s greatness by his righteousness and relationship with God and not by his money, possessions, popularity, or power. And to strive for that greatness ourselves.}

48. Jesus did not dance to the world’s music or cry when they said cry. (Matthew 11:16-19) But He rejoiced over bringing sinners to repentance and cried over the sinful condition of Jerusalem.
{Right emotion: That His laughter and joy may become ours and we be stirred to tears over the needs of man.

49. Jesus condemned the lack of faith in the cities of Chorazin, Bethsaida, and Capernaum. He stated that even Sodom would have believed more than they did if the mighty works were done in that city long ago. (Matthew 11:20-24)
{Accept facts in our lives: Those who do not believe the truth of the Gospel with the evidence so clear (Hebrews 11:1) will be condemned at the judgment.}

WHAT WE BELIEVE SHOULD BECOME WHAT WE ARE . . . THE TWO ARE
UNSEPARABLE.

50. Jesus knew the Father. (Matthew 11:25-30)
{Seek: To know God by knowing Christ. HOW? ! . . . verses 28-30 . . .
“Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart, and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”}

Characteristics of Christ
(Lesson 5)

51. Jesus understood that God gave the law for the benefit of man. (Mark 2:27)
Specifically He was speaking of those things that concerned the Sabbath day. (Matthew 12:1-7)
{Perception: To know, like Jesus, that all of God’s commands and precepts are for our good:
Worship - - - Hebrews 10:25
Marriage & Divorce - - -Matthew 19:1-9
Giving - - - 2 Corinthians 9:7
Going the second mile, etc. - - - Matthew 5:41 }

52. Jesus was the son of man. (Matthew 12:8)
This term describes Jesus completely: He was God’s Son from Heaven that became a man for you and me.
{Comprehend: That the one who sets at the right hand of God to make intercession for us knows, understands, and has experienced our many trials, temptations, loneliness, etc. (Hebrews 2:18 & 7:25)}

53. Jesus was Lord of the Sabbath. (Matthew 12:8)
Even though He had the power and authority to overrule the Sabbath day law, Jesus did not. He kept it. The law that the Pharisees tried to impose was not God’s law but their wrong interpretation of it. {Follow Jesus example of keeping God’s law today (teaching of Christ - - - 2 John 9), realizing we do not have the power or authority to change it.}

54. Jesus reasoned even with the hypocrites and false accusers of that day. (Matthew 12:10-13 - - the healing of the man with the withered hand on the Sabbath and Matthew 12:24-30 - - being accused by the Pharisees)
{Purpose in teaching: To so reason with others (even hypocrites, accusers, and false teachers) that they may understand and obey or be put to silence.}

55. Jesus gave credit to the Holy Spirit. (Matthew 12:31 & 32) Many have misunderstood these scriptures. Our Lord was saying that the Pharisees were speaking against the Holy Spirit that did the work of healing through Him.
{GIVE GLORY TO GOD by acknowledging it is the power of the Holy Spirit working by the word in the hearts and minds of men and women to convert them. Never, never, never speak against, go against, or pervert the Word of God. For in doing so, we speak against the Holy Spirit which gave us the Word through inspired men. To go against the word is to go against the Holy Spirit which is rebellion against God.}

THE MAIN PROBLEM OF THIS WORLD: MOST MEN AND WOMEN TODAY ARE
REBELLING AGAINST GOD IN THEIR IGNORANCE, WEAKNESS, OR WILLFULLY.

56. Jesus did not speak idle words. (Matthew 12:33-37) In this context Jesus was talking of those words which bring forth bad fruit or no fruit at all.
Since Jesus did not sin (1 Peter 2:22) and we have many of the words He spoke, we know that His words were always of true meaning.
{A Great Challenge: To develop a heart and mind so we speak more and more only those words that bring forth fruit and cause others to see Jesus in us and want to do the same.}

57. Jesus was not in the business of giving signs to an evil adulterous generation.
(Matthew 12:38-40)
Although signs were given (even God speaking from Heaven three times - - - spoken of in Acts 2:22), Jesus went about showing who He was by what He did. There is a difference in giving proof of identity and power and just giving signs to please mankind. (This seems to be the purpose of many “so called signs” given by some preachers today.) The greatest sign is the resurrection of Christ. (verses 39 & 40)
{Understanding Enlightened: To know that all the proof needed to cause people today to believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God and that they can have life through His name is given in the Bible. (John 20:30,31)}

58. Jesus was a greater preacher than Jonah and had greater wisdom than Solomon.
(Matthew 12:41,42)
{Daily Living: To know that His words are all wise, are given to show me the right way to live and repent when I am convicted by them that I am going the wrong way.}

SO MANY TODAY WILL NOT LISTEN - - - TO BUSY LISTENING TO THE WORLD

59. Jesus’ mind and heart were filled with the word of God. We know this from the way he defeated Satan in Matthew 4 with the scripture and how he taught.
So we see in Matthew 12:43-45, that he rebukes this generation who did not fill themselves with the knowledge of God. The result was that the devil controlled their life. {Right Choice: To so fill my heart and mind with the word of God that Satan has no room to move in.}

60. Jesus viewed all those that did the will of God as His family. (Matthew 12:46-60)
{Desire: To want most in life to be in the Family of God with Jesus that He might call me brother and friend.}

Characteristics Of Christ
(Lesson 6)

61. Jesus had a prophetic understanding that some people were dull of hearing, had closed their eyes to truth and would not hear. (Matthew 13:14,15)
{Should motivate us:
a. Not let the Devil steal word from our heart. (Verse 19)
b. To let the word take root in our heart by meditating upon it and putting it into
action. (Verses 20, 21)
c. Never let the cares and riches of this world kill the effectiveness of the word in
our life. (Verse 22)
d. To take the time to read and study God’s word so that we may understand it,
put it into constant practice and bear fruit unto God through Christ. (Verse 23)

62. Jesus could state such things as the world, time and eternity, in such simple terms.
(Matthew 13:24-30 & 36-43)
World - like a field that a man planted with good seed (the CHILDREN OF THE KINGDOM).
The tares or weeds were the CHILDREN OF SATAN (those that do not serve God)
THE HARVEST TIME is the end of the world in which judgment takes place. The
righteous will shine forth as the sun and the wicked shall be cast into a furnace of fire.
{Realize: The gospel message is a simple one if it is presented in the words of Jesus.}

63. Jesus as a prophet and preacher in His own country (home town) did not get the respect that He received in other places. Thus, because of their unbelief, He did not do many mighty works there. (Matthew 13:53-58)
{Can be true for us, but remember that Jesus’ family did later believe and were great workers in the church: James - - Elder in Jerusalem (Acts 15) and wrote the Book of James; and Jude, wrote the book that bears his name. Remember the word of God will always have it’s effects upon good hearts.}

64. Jesus was moved (motivated) by compassion for the people who were:
SICK: (Matthew 14:14)
IN NEED OF GUIDANCE: (Matthew 9:36)
HUNGRY: (Matthew 15:32)
BEREAVED: (John 11:35 & 36)
Jesus cared because He loved, He had compassion because He cared. He felt the need and hurt for others, because He had compassion; this lead Him to action.
{Follow: May His mind and heart though the word be so linked with ours that we may be and do the same.}

65. Jesus prayed alone. (Matthew 14:23) In the stress of His work and the people trying to make Him a king (John 6:15), He shows us one of the great keys to success as a child of God.
{Victory: As in the garden of Gethsemane , great triumph comes when we get alone with God in prayer.}

66. Jesus could walk on the sea. (Matthew 14:24-33) And you never read of anyone in history doing the same.
{Keep eyes on Jesus: This should increase our faith and we can know that He can help us over the trouble waters of life. (Philippians 4:13)}
Remember Peter sank because of doubt brought on by a lack of faith; because of the boisterous wind he took his eyes off Jesus.

IT IS NOT WHAT WE CAN DO, BUT WHAT CHRIST CAN DO IN US !! (Galatians: 2:20)

67. Jesus did not adhere to the doctrines of men that changed the work of God. (Matthew 15:1-9)
He did rebuke them FOR IT.
{Do the same: We must not let such practices go unanswered. Why? Because they will condemn men’s souls.}

68. Jesus was more concerned about the heart than the belly. (Matthew 15:10-20) It was and is what comes out of a man’s mouth that defiles him because it comes from the heart.
{Primary work: As Jesus, we are doctors operating on the mind and heart with the word of God.}

69. Jesus’ works produced glorification to God. (Matthew 15:31)
{Our goal and purpose: To glorify the Father in all that we do.}

Characteristics of Christ
(Lesson 7)

70. Jesus was aware of the danger the influence the doctrine of the Pharisees could have on His disciples. It could spread like leaven in bread. (Matthew 16:6-12) {Watchful: The Devil works through men to destroy the true faith of many. (1 Peter 5:8; Ephesians 4:14). We must try the spirits of men by the Word to see they are of God. (1 John 4:1) Remembering the admonition to the elders in Acts 20:28-32.}

71. Jesus referred to God as Father eighty times or more that are recorded. (Matthew 11:25-27)
And so the early disciples did the same. (1 John 5:7)
{Live: In such a way that in honesty, truthfulness, and integrity you may call Jehovah, God of the Universe, Father.}

72. Jesus healed all that desired to be healed. (Matthew 12:15)
{Our task: To teach all that are willing to hear. (Matthew 28:19, 20)}

73. Jesus was a church builder. (Matthew 16:16-18) It was His church not John the Baptist’s not Luther, not Peter, or Paul. (Ephesians 1:22,23; Colossians 1:18,24)
{Determined: Not to build on any other foundation (Ephesians 2:20; 1 Corinthians 3:9-11) and be careful how we build. To proclaim the church that was established on Pentecost. (Acts 2)}

74. Jesus rebuked even His disciples when necessary. (Matthew 16:23) Told Peter, “Get thee behind me Satan”, because Peter was trying to interfere with Him doing the Father’s will and completing His work and purpose.
{Realize: We must let nothing stand in our way from doing the Father’s will - - not family, job, time, or money.}

75. Jesus denied self and taught His disciples to do the same. (Matthew 16:24) What does self denial mean for you? For different people it may be different things.
{To make up our mind: that anything is worth giving up for Christ; and we are willing to bear any burden, even a cross (verse 26) because this life is temporary and the reward is to great. (verse 25 & 27)}

76. Jesus was able to talk to the dead. (Matthew 17:1-3)
{You and I cannot talk to the dead, but we can let them talk to us by the Holy Spirit through the Word. (2 Peter 1:20,21) What a shame when we refuse to listen. - - - What a joy when we do.}

77. Jesus knew that He was going to suffer. “Likewise shall also the Son of man suffer of them”.
(Matthew 17:12, 22 & 23; 16:21) This to me is one of the most amazing things about our Lord. How could He bear the burden of knowing the terrible abuse and death He would go through. The Answer: Jesus not only saw all the way to the cross, He saw beyond it. (Hebrews 12:2, 3) He saw the V I C T O R Y.
{Goal: To endure all things for the love of our God and the brethren (Corinthians 13:7) or hardness as good soldiers in the army of Jesus Christ. (2 Timothy 2:3) We can do it because we see beyond this life and know the victory that is ours in Christ Jesus. (SALVATION) (2 Timothy 2:10)}

78. Jesus’ distress was different than other men’s. “O faithless and perverse generation, how long shall I be with you? How long shall I suffer you?” Could it be that our Lord was home- sick for heaven? (Matthew 17:17)
{Realize: As we grow in Christ our desire to be out of this world and with God will
increase. (2 Corinthians 5:1,2; Philippians 1:23) But we know the need to stay.
(verse 24)}

79. Jesus could readily answer the question of His disciples: “Why could we not cast him (devil) out?” (Matthew 17:19) He told them the problem was their small amount of faith. It was smaller than a grain of mustard seed. (verse 20) Is this the reason Satan through sin stays in our life so that we cannot overcome him in certain things? OUR SMALL FAITH .
{Realize: Greater faith is only as far away as an open Bible. (Romans 10:17)}

FAITH IS THE VICTORY THAT OVERCOMES THE WORLD ! !

Characteristics of Christ
(Lesson 8)

80. Jesus gave forgiveness without limits. (Mark 16:15,16) Every creature who believes and is baptized is saved. And the Christian walks in a continual state of being forgiven as long as he or she is willing to confess and repent. (1 John 1:7-9; Acts 8:22)
Thus Jesus taught His disciples in Matthew 18: 21, 22 to forgive a brother an unlimited number of times. This of course was said after Jesus had shown the necessity for repentance. (Matthew 18:15-17)
{To follow Jesus my forgiveness must become like His. Let us be ready and willing to forgive with the rejoicing spirit of Matthew 18:11-14.}
HEED THE WARNING OF THE PARABLE (Matthew 18:23-35)

81. Jesus believed and taught that marriage was and is a divine institution for only God can put it asunder. (Matthew 19:3-9) Divorce for any other cause but adultery is not God given and is a sin.
{Respect for God and His word will lead us to the proper attitude and steadfastness in marriage.} COMMITMENT TO GOD LEADS TO COMMITMENT IN MARRIAGE…

82. Jesus was single and taught there was nothing wrong with living single for the Kingdom of Heaven’s sake. (Matthew 19:10-12) Paul, who wrote fourteen books of the New Testament, was also single. (I Corinthians 7:7)
{Make sure: We do not make singles in the Church feel like outcasts, but exhort them in our common relationship in Christ.}

83. Jesus’ view of riches: They are a hindrance to a man entering the Kingdom of
Heaven, (Matthew 19:23,24) as was the case with the man in verses 16-22. But with God’s help man can overcome the temptation of riches. (verse 26) (Also see Paul’s inspired instruction to rich Christians in 1 Timothy 6:17-19).
{Never, never put the things of this world above seeking the Kingdom of God and His righteousness. (Matthew 6:33)}
*BEWARE covetousness, which is idolatry. (Colossians 3:5)

84. Jesus was meek and came not on a great horse or in a chariot like a Roman conqueror, but sitting upon an ass, and a colt the foal of an ass.
(Matthew 21:5; Zechariah 9:9) The wonderful thing is He became the greatest conqueror of all. He won over Satan, sin and even death. (Acts 2:32-36) Now by Jesus’ sacrifice and victory, we have obtained grace whereby we too become conquerors through Him. (1 Corinthians 15:10; Romans 8:34-39)
{Remember: “The meek shall inherit the earth.” (Matthew 5:5) To really win in this life and eternity let us take on the meek (humble) nature of our Lord.}
*This does not take away from the bold spirit in doing the work of God as manifest in Matthew 21:12,13.

85. Jesus was the son of David. (Matthew 21:9) He came as a king that would set on the throne of David. (Acts 2:3,31) But this throne is not an earthly throne but a heavenly “on the right hand of God.” (Acts 7:55; Revelations 2:21).
{He is our King and Lord (Acts 2:36). And so as the song says “Oh I dearly love Him,” let us by this true motivation serve Him with all our life. No matter at home, church, work, or play, Jesus is still our king now and forever.}

86. Jesus always took action with a true purpose in mind, even in causing the fruitless fig tree to wither so quickly. (Matthew 21:18-22) The purpose here being to show His disciples the power of faith and prayer. (verses 21 & 22)
{Be truthful: Let us ask ourselves, “What is the true purpose of my actions?” To be like Jesus it must be a Godly purpose according to His righteousness…unselfish and giving glory to God. “Whatsoever is not of faith is sin.” (Romans 14:23)}

87. Jesus did not err concerning the scriptures as the Sadducees. (Matthew 22:23-33) They did not understand that Abraham, Isaac and Jacob were alive in paradise.
{Give diligence to rightly understand God’s word. (2 Timothy 2:15) Study to know the Holy Scriptures and their purpose in our lives. (2 Timothy 3:15-17)}
Our life in Heaven will be far greater than anything here on this earth, even the marriage relationship. (Matthew 22:30)

88. Jesus was one who gave an invitation (The parable of the wedding feast, Matthew 22:1-10); And woe unto those who made light of it.
{Answer always this invitation with a surrendering faith filled heart in obedience
(Hebrews 5:8,9) and offer that same invitation to others.}
Be sure to have on your wedding garment - - clothed with the white robe of the righteousness of God. (Matthew 22:11-13; Revelations 3:4,5; 19:8)

Characteristics Of Christ
(Lesson 9)

89. Jesus allowed the woman to use the costly ointment to prepare him for burial.
(Matthew 26:6-13)
{Likewise: Although we are not worthy as Christ, when others do good things for us, we should receive it with thanksgiving, giving glory to God. Especially when it is for the furtherance of the Gospel. (2 Corinthians 8:1-7)}
Albert Hill Sr. (who is gone now, but was then in his 80’s and still preaching) told me not to turn down gifts from others for I would rob them of a blessing. And if I did not need the gift I should pass it on and receive a blessing. Thus, two blessings would be gained instead of lost. It made since to me. So I put a dollar in his pocket. When he objected I said, “Practice what you preach.” And he did.

90. Jesus knew that his works would live on and so would this woman’s service to him. (Matthew 26:13) The four gospels record and the apostles proclaimed what Jesus did and taught. (Acts 1:1) {So we should live realizing this is the way we will be remembered and our works will follow us. (Revelations 14:13)}

91. Jesus response to betrayal was amazing. (Matthew 26:21-25) Jesus did not give Judas a sermon . (He had heard them all). He did not openly rebuke him. He did not curse him. {Realize: (As Christ) There are some brethern that you will not change and they will continually, because of envy, jealously, self righteousness, preconceived ideas, the love of money, or self interest, slander and persecute you. Let us simply state that we know what they are doing and with a question like Luke 22:48, try to pierce their heart.}
This of course does not mean that we do not follow the teaching of Matthew 18 in trying to restore a brother.

92. Jesus thought of His disciples and of all the generations to come and gave a way to remember
Him: (Matthew 26:26-28)
a. His covenant (verse 28)
b. His love (Romans 5:6-10)
c. His sacrifice
d. His coming again (1 Corinthians 11:26)
{Let us to look at our present generation and those to come and know the only way they will remember Him is if we preach and teach the gospel of Christ.
(Romans 1:14-17)}

93. Jesus was a singer. (Matthew 26:30) (Note the time frame and what He was to face.)
{In times of stress, joy, success, failure, war or peace, let us sing unto the Lord.} (Ephesians 5:19; Colossians 3:16; James 5:13)

94. Jesus did reprove Peter but after the fact and then gave him a challenge.
(Matthew 26:33-35)
Reproof and Challenge - John 21:15-17
{May we follow Him in proclaiming the will of the Lord: “ . . . In season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort, will ALL LONGSUFFERING and doctrine.” (2 Timothy 4:2)}

95. Jesus too could be “sorrowful and very heavy.” (Matthew 26:37) His simple but supreme answer was diligent prayer. (verses 39, 42, 44) - - - three times.
{When our burden is to heavy to bear, we can find power and strength in prayer.}
And we too can say, “Rise let us be going.” (verse 46)

96. Jesus went through His struggle in the garden alone while others were sleeping. (Matthew 26:40, 41, 43, 45)
{Realize always: My faithfulness and struggle against sin does not depend on what others may or may not do.}My faith is not in man but Jesus Christ the son of God ! !

97. Jesus gave himself up to the mob that night willingly. He could have called 72,000 angels from Heaven to put a stop to the whole thing. (Matthew 26:53)
{Ours too, must be a willing sacrifice. (Romans 12:1, 2)}

Characteristics Of Christ
(Lesson 10)

98. Jesus was hated in his day by some. And He told His disciples: “Ye shall be hated of all nations for my name’s sake.” (Matthew 24:9) Many do not teach the gospel message because they know they will be rejected by many. And some stumble and leave the faith. (verse 10)
{Never be ashamed of the gospel (Romans 1:16), realizing some people will not like you; and some will hate you. If you suffer, rejoice and continue to teach Jesus Christ! (Acts 5:41, 42)}

99. Jesus knew false teachers would come and deceive (lead astray). (Matthew 24:24) {Live in Christ knowing that in this world there will always be false teachers. (Thessalonians 2:9-11).} LOVE THE TRUTH ! !

100. Jesus’ words never did or will pass away. (Matthew 24:35)
{Since our words are His words they will not pass away or return void. (Isaiah 55:11)}

101. Jesus has given all warning. His return will be sudden as the flood in the days of Noah. (Matthew 24:37-39)
{So live and continue to grow in Him that we are always ready for His
coming. (1 Corinthians 15:58)}
AM I READY “TODAY” FOR HIS COMING ? ! (2 Corinthians 6:2)

102. Jesus so lived as to show us how to be a servant. Now He is the Lord and we are His servants and one day we will give an account for all Jesus has given us. (Matthew 24:45-51) Note: Especially in our relationship with others. (verse 49) {Live in expectation of His coming} Even so, come Lord Jesus! (Revelations 22:20)

103. Jesus is the bridegroom who will initiate at His coming the wedding feast. (Matthew 25:1-13)
Jesus was prepared for the Devil in the wilderness.
Jesus was prepared to answer the scribes and the Pharisees.
Jesus was prepared to teach and preach to the multitudes.
Jesus prepared Himself for the cross in the garden. The five foolish virgins were not prepared. Jesus expects without condition, that we be prepared.
{Prepare to meet the Lord on a daily basis!}

104. Jesus is a Lord that gives reward to His faithful servants and condemns to outer darkness the unfaithful servant. (Matthew 25:14-30)
A faithful servant is one who uses the talents the Lord has given. (verse 20 & 21)
An unfaithful servant is one who buries his talent or talents. (verse 24 & 25)
NOTE: The unprofitable servant was lazy (slothful).
{Goal: To use all our opportunities and abilities in the service of our God through
Jesus Christ.}

105. Jesus now has all authority in Heaven and earth (Matthew 28:18) and will reveal His authority in His glorious coming. (Matthew 25:31-33) Jesus no longer hangs on a cross, neither is He in the tomb, but His majesty is revealed in Revelations 1 & 5.
HE IS “KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS.” (Revelations 19:16)
Jesus is coming back as judge and will judge us by the words He has already spoken.
(John 12:48) {View Him as one that was crucified, was buried, but is alive ever more. SEE HIM
ON THE THRONE OF HEAVEN. (Revelations 3:21)}

106. Jesus’ view of life is: When we do good to others (Galations 6:10) it is the same as doing it to Him. (Matthew 25:34-40) But, when we fail or reject doing good to others, we reject Him. (verses 41-45 )
{Life’s persistent goal: To go about doing good as Jesus did with the full knowledge of the reward and consequences.}
PS - No one can accomplish this without faith, hope, and love. (1 Corinthians 13:13)

107. Jesus is a judge with only two sentences. (Matthew 25:46)

GUILTY or INNOCENT - - -
CONSEQUENCES:
EVERLASTING PUNISHMENT OR EVERLASTING LIFE.

{To completely understand: To follow Jesus is my choice, but, when I make that choice, I also choose Heaven or Hell.}

WHAT IS YOUR CHOICE ?

Characteristics Of Christ
(Lesson 11)

108. Jesus exposed the false teachers and hypocrites of His day in a straight forward manner.
(Matthew 23) At least seven times in this one chapter He calls them “hypocrites”.
Jesus also said they were:
“Blind guides” twice
“Fools” 2 times
“The children of hell”
“Blind” 3 times
“Full of hypocrisy and iniquity”
“Serpents”
“Offspring of vipers”
Jesus had already silenced these scribes and Pharisees. (Matthew 22:46) Now it was time to make sure they were exposed to the multitudes and His disciples. (Matthew 23:1)
{We must show in detail the unrighteousness of false teachers and hypocrites in our day. Why? - - - For the same reason Jesus did.} If the brethren are not made aware of false teachers, they will lead some astray.

109. “Jesus held His peace”, even though He was being falsely accused. (Matthew 26:60-63)
What patience! What endurance! Jesus’ mind was not focused on their illegal trial against Him. He was focused entirely on doing the will of the Father.
{May our heart and mind be so focused that we will have the same patience, determination, even if it means a cross. (Revelations 2:10)}

110. Jesus only answered the high priest when he earnestly charged Him in the name of God.
(Matthew 26:63) And so Jesus proclaimed who He was and His power to be revealed later.
Matthew 26:64) {Have the inclination to respect the name of God always, even in the face of a heathen
world.}

111. Jesus endured physical pain and humiliation, even though He could have stopped it. (Matthew 26:67-68: 27:26-50)} Why? “Being found in fashion as a man, He humbled Himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death on the cross”. (Phillipians 2:8) Also, Hebrews 5:8 & 9, speaks of His obedience, thus Jesus “became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey Him”. He showed us the way!
{Be willing to endure rain, pain, humiliation, or death to obey God, because you love Him and His son Jesus Christ. (Revelations 14:23)}

112. Jesus had a marvelous and wonderful concern for others, even on the cross:
a. His mother (John 19:26, 27)
b. The thief (Luke 23:42, 43)
c. Those that crucified Him (Luke 23:34)
{Great Goal: To so grow in Christ that even when we are suffering we have a
loving concern for the welfare of others.}

113. Jesus did not revile when He was being reviled. (1 Peter 2:23) The meaning of the verb here in the original language is that Jesus did not render railing for railing. When they accused Him, Jesus could have truthfully accused them right back..
{Our desire should be never to get in railing matches with anyone.}

114. Jesus although suffering, did not threaten. (1 Peter 3:21 & 18-20) He practiced non-retaliation.
{If we are to behave ourselves in the house of God (1 Timothy 2:15) - - - retaliation is not an option. The correct response is to do good. (Matthew 5:43-48)}

115. Jesus never in a single instance committed sin. (1 Peter 2:22)
{Although we are not sinless, our desire should be to sin less, to be more like Christ.}
(A complete study of 2 Peter 1:1-11 is suggested.)
We are sinless as we are continually cleansed by His blood when we walk in the light, confess, and repent (turn from) our sins. (Acts 8:22; 1 John 1:7-9)

Characteristics Of Christ
(Lesson 12)

116. Jesus is the only man to die, come to life again and never die again. (Matthew 28:6-8;
Acts 1:1-11) “I am He that liveth, and was dead; and behold, I am alive for evermore,
Amen.” (Revelations 1:18)
{Believe: This is the real hope that Jesus holds out to us. We too can live forevermore
because of Him. (Study 1 Corinthians 15)} DO YOU WANT TO LIVE FOREVER ?

117. Jesus’ goodness and power caused others to see how sinful they were. (Luke 5:5-10) “But Simon Peter, when he saw it, fell down at Jesus knees saying, “Depart from me; for I am a sinful man, O Lord.”
{As we see Jesus in the scriptures, we will be convicted of our sin; then we should obey His word and be cleansed by His blood. (Romans 5:6-10; 1 John 1:6-9)}

118. Jesus was a man approved of God. (Acts 2:22) It was the mighty works and wonders and signs, which God did by Christ, His Son, that showed this.
{We show that we are approved of God when we keep the doctrine or teaching of Jesus. (2 John 9-11)}

119. Jesus is described in different ways in Acts 3:
(a) God’s Servant (ASV: verse 13)
(b) Holy and Righteous One (ASV: verse 14)
(c) Prince of Life (verse 15)
(d) Christ (verse 18)
(e) The Prophet Moses said would come (verse 22)
(f) The blessing that was to come through Abraham’s seed (verse 25)
(g) He is God’s Son who will turn you from your iniquities. (verse 26)
The name fits. Let Him be all of them to you! (Study also the many other names He is called)

120. Jesus is the one Stephen called to when he was being stoned to death. (Acts 7:56, 59)
Jesus was standing on the right hand of God, which shows His interest in the lives of the saints.
{May we so live that we would have concern for our brethren in Christ around the world.}
May we also be of good conscience toward God and Christ that we may call out like Stephen: “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.”

121. Jesus is the peacemaker between God and man. (Acts 10:36) Peter was “preaching good tidings of peace by Jesus Christ.”
{We to are to be peacemakers between God and man by proclaiming the gospel.
(Matthew 5:9)} AND WE SHALL BE CALLED THE CHILDREN OF GOD

122. Jesus is the one ordained by God and will judge the world. (Acts 17:31) He is also the chief shepherd to whom all the church will give account and receive reward. (1 Peter 5:1-4)
{Understand: Jesus is the ordained Head of the Church. Therefore, no earthly head is needed. (Ephesians 1:22 & 23; Colossians 1:18)}

123. Jesus is a name worth dying for. (Acts 21:13) Also worth living for !
{Let nothing detour us from sharing Jesus Christ and doing His will.}

Jesus is the door through which you must travel!
And the one who knocks at the door of your heart.
He is the way, the truth and the life,
And the lamb that takes away the sin of the world.
He is the captain of my salvation,
And the keeper of my soul.
He is the rock on which we can build our lives,
And will hold us in the hollow of His hand.
He is the root of Jesse and the living Son of God.
And His name is JESUS CHRIST.

By Tom Leavins