What is the heart of Jesus like?
Peace
Not anxious in feeding thousands. John 6:1-15 Matthew 14:13-21 Matthew 15:32-29
Not in fear of the storm, napping. Luke 8:22-25
Not violent when attacked, did not draw the sword, but healed. Matthew 26:47-56
Did not pout, curse, or lose temper when abandoned and betrayed. Matthew 26 & 27 Mark 14 & 15
Did not choose revenge on soldiers, Romans, or Jewish leaders. Luke 22 & 23 John 18 & 19
Pure
Travelled with the 12 and several ladies and yet never accused of lustful thoughts or acting out of anger or manipulation. Luke 8:1-3
“sinless, spotless Lamb of God,” 1 Peter 1:19
“Jesus came to take away our sins, and there is no sin in Him.” 1 John 3:5
Purpose
“came to seek and save the lost,” Luke 19:10
Personable
Approachable, enjoyable, accessible to children. Matthew 19:13-14 Mark 10:13-16 Luke 18:15-17
Approachable, enjoyable, accessible to people who felt they were “far” from God. John 4, 8:1-11 Luke 5:27-32 Luke 19:1-10
Talked about personal relationship with the Father and the Holy Spirit. John 14:11 Luke 4:18 Matthew 4:1
Devoted
Worship habit. Luke 4:16
Memorized Scripture. Luke 4:4
Private prayer. Luke 5:16 which brought guidance. Mark 1:38 Luke 6:12-13
God loves us just as we are today, and yet God will not keep us in that same way. God wants us to become more like Jesus.
Let us have the “same attitude that Jesus had,” Philippians 2:5 (think/act, underlying disposition, thoughtful planning)
We should “let the Spirit make new our thoughts and attitudes,” to become more like God. Ephesians 4:23-24
God decided ahead of time to shape them in a similar form to the nature of His Son. “He decided from the outset to shape the lives of those who love Him along the same lines as the life of His Son.” Romans 8:29 The Message
You already have the heart of Jesus. “Christ lives in me, I live, by trusting in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.” Galatians 2:20
When you have given yourself to Jesus, Jesus has given Himself to you.
“The Lord who is Spirit makes us more and more like Him.” 2 Corinthians 3:18
Why am I not more like the heart of Jesus? We can be connected to the power of God, within us, and yet not put it to use. It is helpful to slow down the pace of our life so that we can spend time learning more about Jesus, considering the heart of Jesus, and allowing God to make new our thoughts & attitudes.
This transformation, this shaping of your heart to be more like the heart of Jesus, has already begun for everyone who follows Jesus. Learning how to tell your “Jesus Story” will help you see just how you have already been changed. It’s encouraging. Let’s think about how we are better since finding and following Jesus. Think about the answers to these questions (fill in the blanks):
Who is Jesus?
Before meeting Jesus I was _____ . My life was _____ . My focus was _____ .
Since meeting Jesus I have become _____ . In meeting Jesus I have realized that I am _____ . My life is now _____ . My focus is now _____ .
Think about your personal story of the time you first found Jesus. Think about the way that you have changed for the good since you started following Jesus. Please take those memories, and the answers to these questions, and write out a 3 minute version of your own personal “Jesus Story”. Share it with someone.