-
Do You Have the Mind of Christ?The Watchtower—1986 | December 1
-
-
Do you have “the mind of Christ”?—1 Corinthians 2:16; Ephesians 4:13.
2, 3. How can we get to know the mind of Christ?
2 How may we get to know someone who lived almost two thousand years ago and whose public life spanned only some three and a half years? In Jesus’ case there are four reliable biographies that help to build up a mental picture of the kind of person he was. By a careful reading of those four Gospel accounts, we can also perceive the pattern of thinking that motivated his actions. Hence, to be a true Christian rather than a nominal one, what is necessary? Jesus expressed it this way: “This means everlasting life, their taking in knowledge of you, the only true God, and of the one whom you sent forth, Jesus Christ.”—John 17:3; 2 Peter 3:18.
3 Thus, every Christian should have a deep knowledge and understanding of the Father, Jehovah, and of the life and teachings of the Son, Christ Jesus. It is not enough to call oneself a Christian witness of Jehovah. To have the mind of Christ, we must regularly fill our minds with understanding of Jesus’ life and example. That means we need a regular and genuine study of the Scriptures along with Bible study aids that help to clarify meaning and context. It also calls for a proper frame of mind so that we can understand and accept Christ’s role in God’s purposes.—John 5:39-47; Matthew 24:45-47.
A Man of Feelings
4. What kind of man was Jesus?
4 Jesus, a healthy active man, performed his ministry while in his early 30’s. (Luke 3:23) But what kind of man was he? Was he impersonal and distant? On the contrary, being a Middle Eastern Jew, he was expressive. He was not inhibited and introverted. He publicly manifested a wide range of human emotions ranging from sadness and compassion to righteous indignation and anger.—Mark 6:34; Matthew 23:13-36.
5. How did Jesus react on hearing of the death of Lazarus?
5 For example, how did Jesus react when he found Martha and Mary weeping over the loss of their brother Lazarus? John’s account tells us: “He was deeply and visibly moved, and distressed in spirit,” and he “burst into tears.” (John 11:33-36, The New Testament, by William Barclay) He shared his feelings with these close friends. He was not ashamed to weep with them. Although he was “the Son of God,” he revealed very human emotions. (John 1:34) How touching that must have been to Martha and Mary!—Compare Luke 19:41-44.
6. Why was Jesus not unmanly because he wept?
6 Some today, however, might draw the conclusion that Jesus was a weakling because he wept publicly with those women. In fact, Catholic author Hilaire Belloc called Jesus a “milksop.” Is that true? Was Jesus the unmanly type often depicted in Christendom’s works of art? No, tears are not necessarily a sign of weakness. As one medical journal expressed it: “The prohibition of the appropriate expression of tender emotion is both illogical and harmful . . . Expression of tender emotion, particularly crying, is one attribute that is uniquely human.”—Compare 2 Samuel 13:36-38; John 11:35.
7. In what ways can Jesus’ humane example help us today?
7 Jesus’ reactions to suffering were truly human and humane. They help us to identify with him and his mind. We are not following some impersonal mythological figure but rather the perfect human example sent from God, “the Son of the living God.” (Matthew 16:16; John 3:16, 17; 6:68, 69) What a model for all Christians today, especially Christian elders, who must often give comfort and show empathy in times of loss and stress! Yes, having the mind and the heart of Christ on such occasions can make a great difference.—1 Thessalonians 2:7, 8.
A Bold Man of Action
8. How did Jesus display courage and bold action?
8 Jesus also showed himself to be a man of courageous convictions and dynamic action. For example, on two occasions he vigorously drove the animal dealers and money changers out of the temple. (Mark 11:15-17; John 2:13-17) He also did not balk at publicly exposing the hypocrisy of the self-righteous scribes and Pharisees. In his bold denunciation, he warned: “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! because you resemble whitewashed graves, which outwardly indeed appear beautiful but inside are full of dead men’s bones and of every sort of uncleanness.” Certainly, there was no weakness here!—Matthew 23:27, 28; Luke 13:14-17.
9, 10. (a) Why did Jesus not sin by showing indignation? (b) How should Christ’s example affect a Christian elder?
9 Was Jesus’ indignation an evidence of lack of self-control? Peter, a close companion of Jesus during his ministry, states: “He committed no sin.” (1 Peter 2:22) The apostle Paul wrote: “For we have as high priest, not one who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who has been tested in all respects like ourselves, but without sin.” (Hebrews 4:15) There is a difference between controlled righteous indignation and uncontrolled anger.—Compare Proverbs 14:17; Ephesians 4:26.
10 Therefore, while a Christian elder, for example, would not be “prone to wrath,” he should certainly have the moral strength to be able “to reprove those who contradict,” even “with severity” if necessary. He must be qualified to ‘reprove, reprimand, and exhort.’ (Titus 1:7-13; 2 Timothy 4:1, 2) Certain situations might also provoke his righteous indignation, especially if he sees a blatant threat to the congregation’s unity, spirituality, or moral cleanness. As Paul said, at times “it is necessary to shut the mouths” of “profitless talkers . . . and deceivers of the mind” who ‘subvert entire households by teaching things they ought not for the sake of dishonest gain.’ In such cases, having the mind of Christ will help elders to be bold, balanced, and decisive.—See 1 Corinthians 5:1-5; Revelation 2:20-23; 3:19.
11. What questions have a bearing on how we should imitate Christ?
11 In the course of his travels through Galilee, Samaria, and Judea, Jesus came into contact with all kinds of people—men, women, children, the sick, and those who viewed him as their sworn enemy. How did he deal with them? Was he pompous and aloof, or approachable? Could he identify with people’s problems and temptations? Was he unforgiving or merciful? The answers to these questions have a bearing on how we should imitate Christ in our own daily actions and reactions.—Romans 15:5; Philippians 2:5.
How Did Jesus React to Children?
12. How did the disciples and Jesus react to children on one occasion?
12 We find a very beautiful account of how Jesus responded to children at Mark chapter 10, verses 13-16. It reads: “Now people began bringing him young children for him to touch these; but the disciples reprimanded them.” Why the disciples acted this way the account does not say. It was the year 33 C.E., and Jesus was on his way from Galilee through Perea to what would be his final public ministry in and around Jerusalem. Perhaps they thought that Jesus was too important or too busy to be concerned with children at that point. Yet, did he himself indicate that he was too busy? “At seeing this Jesus was indignant and said to them [the disciples]: ‘Let the young children come to me; do not try to stop them, for the kingdom of God belongs to suchlike ones. . . . And he took the children into his arms and began blessing them, laying his hands upon them.”
13. How did people react to Jesus?
13 Now what else does that teach us about the mind of Christ? It illustrates his firmness with his erring disciples and his humane attitude toward lesser ones. He understood what motivated the parents to bring their children to him. They wanted him to touch and bless their children. And what does that tell us about Jesus? That people were not afraid of him or in awe of him. He had the common touch, and people wanted to be with him. Even children were at ease in his presence—and he was at ease in the presence of children. Are people, including children, comfortable in your presence?—Mark 1:40-42; Matthew 20:29-34.
14. As regards being approachable, who especially should follow Jesus’ example?
14 Jesus showed warm affection and kindness. (Mark 9:36, 37) He was accessible and approachable. As a follower of Christ, do you have his mind in that respect? Christian overseers in the districts, circuits, congregations, and Watch Tower Society branch offices around the world do well to ask themselves: Am I dogmatic and unbending? Or do I make others, even children, feel at ease with me? Am I truly approachable?—Proverbs 12:18; Ecclesiastes 7:8.
Jesus’ Dealings With Women
15, 16. How was Jesus different from other Jews in his dealings with women?
15 As elders, servants, and brothers in the Christian congregation, do we have the mind of Christ when dealing with our Christian sisters and with women in general? How did Christ, a bachelor, react under differing circumstances as he came into contact with the women of his day?
16 In that male-dominated Jewish society, Jesus was an unusual teacher in that he was willing to talk to women, even non-Jewish women. (John 4:7-30) For example, when he was visiting a home in the Gentile territory of Tyre and Sidon, a Grecian woman asked him to help her demon-possessed daughter. Normally, an orthodox Jew would have had no dealings with her. But Jesus listened and tested her faith, saying: “First let the [Jewish] children be satisfied, for it is not right to take the bread of the children and throw it to the little [Gentile] dogs.” Was Jesus’ tone such that it ended the matter? Did he dogmatically stifle further discussion? Evidently not, for the woman tactfully replied: “Yes, sir, and yet the little dogs underneath the table eat of the crumbs of the little children.” Jesus was impressed, and he cured her daughter.—Mark 7:24-30.
17. What can we learn from the way Jesus dealt with a certain woman who was a sinner?
17 Jesus kept an open mind with women and did not judge by outward appearances. (Matthew 22:16) On another occasion, when eating in the house of a Pharisee, he allowed a known sinner, possibly a prostitute, to wash his feet and then to anoint them with oil. By her actions she indicated a repentant attitude toward her sinful course. (Luke 7:36-50) Jesus did not write her off and dismiss her with a blanket judgment because she was immoral. (See also John 4:7-30.) He forgave her “because she loved much.” What does that indicate about the mind of Christ? He was compassionate and understanding toward the woman. Can we not act likewise in the congregation and in our ministry?—Luke 19:1-10; Romans 14:10-13; 1 Corinthians 6:9-11.
Jesus’ Dealings With His Disciples
18. (a) How do some react to those working under them? (b) How did Jesus treat his disciples and others? (Mark 6:54-56)
18 At times people in authority feel threatened by their subordinates. They stifle what they subconsciously sense to be competition. Pride comes to the fore. They are quick to criticize and slow to commend those who work under them. Their expressions of disdain fail to respect the personal dignity of others. But what about Jesus—how did he treat those under him, his disciples? Were they made to feel inferior, incompetent, or stupid? Or, rather, did they feel at ease working along with Jesus?—Compare Matthew 11:28-30; 25:14-23.
19. What does John 13:1-17 teach us about Jesus?
19 In this respect, one of the outstanding lessons that Jesus taught his disciples is found in John chapter 13. We suggest that you read Joh 13 verses 1 to 17. In those days the roads were dusty, and it was the custom to have a servant wash the visitors’ feet. Jesus took that menial task upon himself. What is the quality that he highlighted by washing his disciples’ feet? He gave them a practical lesson in humility. What do we learn here about the mind of Christ? Jesus’ words give the answer: “A slave is not greater than his master, nor is one that is sent forth greater than the one that sent him. If you know these things, happy you are if you do them.”—John 13:16, 17.
20. What self-analysis can we apply to see if we have the mind of Christ?
20 Do we have the mind of Christ in this respect? Are we willing to perform humble, menial tasks in the home and in the congregation? Or do we want to do only those things that seem “important” or that will make us seem “special”? Are we willing to participate in the sometimes humiliating work of preaching the good news from house to house? Or do we only want assignments on the Kingdom Hall platform? Really, having the mind of Christ will keep us humble and approachable, even as Jesus was.—Romans 12:3.
21. How did Jesus show fellow feeling toward his apostles? Toward the crowd?
21 On one occasion, after a special preaching campaign, Jesus showed great consideration for the apostles. Although perfect, Jesus did not expect perfection from others. At the end of a preaching campaign, he did not insist that the apostles immediately go back to their preaching and do even better. He was considerate of their need for rest and took them to a lonely place for privacy. But when the crowd followed them, did Jesus get annoyed and impatient? No, for “his heart went out to them,” the account tells us.—Mark 6:30-34, The New English Bible.
22. What will help us further to understand the mind of Christ?
22 With such a fine example, is it any wonder that most of the apostles were faithful followers of Christ?
-
-
Do You Have the Mind of Christ?The Watchtower—1986 | December 1
-
-
[Picture on page 10]
Jesus was compassionate and did not hide his feelings
[Picture on page 12]
Jesus was a man of courageous action
[Picture on page 15]
Jesus set an outstanding example in humility
-
-
Jesus, a Model to Follow CloselyThe Watchtower—1986 | December 1
-
-
Jesus, a Model to Follow Closely
“In fact, to this course you were called, because even Christ suffered for you, leaving you a model for you to follow his steps closely.”—1 PETER 2:21.
1, 2. What kind of disciple was Peter during his ministry with Jesus?
DURING a period of three and a half years, Simon, who became known as Cephas, or Peter, had the privilege of enjoying intimate association with Christ Jesus. (John 1:35-42) After about a year of discipleship, he was named as one of the 12 apostles. (Mark 3:13-19) The Gospel accounts show that Peter was bold, impulsive, and expressive. He was the one who said he would never deny Christ, come what may. Yet, under pressure, he denied him three times, even as Jesus had prophesied.—Matthew 26:31-35; Mark 14:66-72.
2 Peter was the apostle who said to Jesus, “You will certainly never wash my feet.” Then when Jesus admonished him, he went to the other extreme and said, “Lord, not my feet only, but also my hands and my head.” (John 13:1-17) It was this same Simon Peter who, when Jesus was arrested, acted boldly by drawing his sword and slashing off the right ear of Malchus, the slave of the high priest. That also drew a rebuke from Jesus: “Put the sword into its sheath. The cup that the Father has given me, should I not by all means drink it?”—John 18:10, 11.
3. What can we learn from Peter’s example?
3 What do these and other incidents indicate about Peter? That very often he did not think and reason like Jesus. Further, that he did not always have the mind of Christ. That is often true in our own case. We fail to focus on matters in line with Jesus’ way of thinking. Our reactions are flawed by our imperfect human nature.—Luke 9:46-50; Romans 7:21-23.
4. What events later affected Peter’s way of thinking? (See Galatians 2:11-14.)
4 However, things began to change for Peter from Pentecost onward. Moved by holy spirit, he spearheaded the preaching work among the Jews in Jerusalem. (Acts, chapters 2–5) Under the illumination of holy spirit, he also adjusted his thinking to be in line with the mind of Christ regarding the Gentiles. (Acts, chapter 10) Peter showed humility, a quality that is essential for us if we want to be in harmony with Christ.—Matthew 18:3; 23:12.
Unseen but Known
5, 6. Is the fact that we have never seen Christ a hindrance to our following his example?
5 By the time Peter wrote his first inspired letter, about 62-64 C.E., there had been time for him to reflect on his ministry with Jesus and to understand Jesus’ mind on matters better. Early in this letter the apostle recognizes a simple fact—that most of the brothers in Asia Minor had never known Jesus personally as he had. But was that a barrier to having Christ’s mind and imitating his example? Peter states: “Though you never saw him, you love him. Though you are not looking upon him at present, yet you exercise faith in him and are greatly rejoicing with an unspeakable and glorified joy, as you receive the end of your faith, the salvation of your souls.”—1 Peter 1:8, 9.
6 Peter’s words should have equal application to all of Jehovah’s people today. We have not known Christ personally, but if we make “a diligent inquiry and a careful search” and ‘keep on investigating’ as did the prophets, then we can, to a greater degree, acquire the mind of Christ.—1 Peter 1:10, 11.
Jesus, the Perfect Model
7, 8. (a) What general counsel does Peter offer in his first letter? (b) What is the basic meaning of hy·po·gram·mosʹ? How does Peter apply it?
7 With his clearer understanding of Jesus’ thinking and under the guidance of the holy spirit, Peter could offer counsel to his fellow believers on how to reflect the mind of Christ in their differing circumstances. (2 Timothy 3:16) Thus, he exhorts all Christians “as aliens and temporary residents” to abstain from fleshly desires. He encourages them, although they are suffering for righteousness’ sake, to maintain fine conduct in their daily lives.—1 Peter 2:11, 12.
8 A few lines later Peter introduces a subtle illustration, saying: “If, when you are doing good and you suffer, you endure it, this is a thing agreeable with God. In fact, to this course you were called, because even Christ suffered for you, leaving you a model for you to follow his steps closely.” (1 Peter 2:20, 21) The Greek word translated “model,” or “example” in many other translations, is hy·pogram·mosʹ. This literally means “under-writing,” or “writing-copy, including all the letters of the alphabet, given to beginners as an aid in learning to draw them.” (A Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament, J. H. Thayer) Thus, schoolboys were sometimes given waxed tablets on which the teacher had written letters in model script with a stylus. The student had to follow the example and try to make an exact copy underneath. Peter makes a strong point here, for he is the only writer of the Greek Scriptures who uses the word hy·po·gram·mosʹ. He thus highlights the fact that Jesus left a perfect example for his followers to imitate.
9. What is implied by the Greek word translated “mental disposition”? (Compare Matthew 20:28.)
9 Later, Peter draws a lesson for us from Christ’s endurance of suffering. “Therefore since Christ suffered in the flesh, you too arm yourselves with the same mental disposition [Greek, enʹnoi·an].” (1 Peter 4:1) Here again he uses an unusual word, enʹnoi·a, which is found only twice in the Greek Scriptures. (See Hebrews 4:12, The Kingdom Interlinear Translation.) According to J. H. Thayer, enʹnoi·a means “mind, understanding, will; manner of thinking and feeling.” Therefore, we have to adjust to Christ’s way of thinking and feeling. But how can we make that adjustment? To what degree should it be made?
10. What does Peter mean by the expression “arm yourselves”?
10 Peter makes singular use of the Greek verb ho·pliʹsa·sthe, which means ‘to arm oneself as a soldier.’ Any soldier who arms himself halfheartedly is not likely to survive very long in battle. Peter’s words, therefore, leave no room for lukewarm imitation of Jesus’ manner of thinking. We must be whole-souled in our desire to have Christ’s “mental disposition,” or “way of thinking.” (1 Peter 4:1, Today’s English Version) This reminds us of how Paul emphasized that a Christian must arm himself with “the complete suit of armor from God” in order to be able to stand firm against Satan and his world.—Ephesians 6:11-18.
Christ’s Mental Disposition for Wives
11. What counsel does Peter give for Christian wives?
11 Halfway through his letter, Peter turns his attention to wives and husbands. In that ancient pagan world, where women had very few rights at all, it was extremely difficult for a Christian woman to maintain her integrity if she had an unbelieving husband. She was subject to reviling, suffering, and possible divorce for having abandoned the ancestral gods. The situation is not much different in modern times. But Peter again emphasizes the importance of having Christ’s mental disposition, being willing to suffer for righteousness’ sake. He says: “In like manner [that of Christ, as mentioned in the previous verses], you wives, be in subjection to your own husbands, in order that, if any are not obedient to the word, they may be won without a word through the conduct of their wives, because of having been eyewitnesses of your chaste conduct together with deep respect.”—1 Peter 3:1, 2.
12. (a) How does a wife’s submissive, mild spirit reflect Jesus’ example? (1 Corinthians 11:3) (b) How is her mild spirit viewed by God, and possibly by her husband?
12 Yes, an unbelieving mate can sometimes be won over, not necessarily by persistent preaching tactics, but by the “deep respect” and “faithful and conscientious” example of the submissive wife. (1 Peter 3:2, The Jerusalem Bible) Her “quiet and mild spirit, which is of great value in the eyes of God,” can also help her husband to perceive the results of having the mind of Christ in daily life. (1 Peter 3:4) Why does that mild spirit reflect the disposition of Jesus? Because Jesus himself said: “Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am mild-tempered and lowly in heart, and you will find refreshment for your souls.”—Matthew 11:29.
Christ’s Mental Disposition for Husbands
13. How should husbands treat their wives? (Ephesians 5:28, 29, 33)
13 Husbands likewise must reflect Christ’s mental disposition as they manifest true love for their wives. Peter again exhorts: “You husbands, continue dwelling in like manner with them according to knowledge, assigning them honor as to a weaker vessel, the feminine one.” (1 Peter 3:7) For that ancient pagan world, this counsel was surprising—assign honor to a woman! But the Christian congregation had to be different from the world. In Christian marriage, there had to be dignity and mutual respect.—1 Peter 4:3, 4.
14. How can a husband show honor and consideration for his wife?
14 Christ was always considerate toward his disciples and toward the crowds who followed him. (Mark 6:30-44) This ties in well with Peter’s counsel to husbands to take into account the feminine condition of their wives. A Spanish translation expresses it this way: “Regarding husbands: have tact in your shared life, showing consideration for the woman, because she is of a more delicate constitution.” (Nueva Biblia Española) If a husband follows Christ’s model, he will take into account the delicate feminine side of his wife’s life. That includes those difficult days when she needs more kindness, patience, and consideration. Certainly a loving husband will exercise self-control and will not be demanding on such occasions. True love is self-sacrificing.—Compare Leviticus 15:24; 20:18; 1 Corinthians 7:3-6.
15. What example did Jesus set in matters of headship?
15 True, the “husband is head of his wife.” But who is his model in the exercise of that headship? Paul clarifies this by adding, “as the Christ also is head of the congregation.” (Ephesians 5:23) These modifying words leave no room for despotism and petty tyranny in the Christian marriage relationship. In his dealings with the disciples, Christ never abused his power (his headship) but, rather, used his power in line with Bible principles.—Compare Matthew 16:13-17, 20; Luke 9:18-21.
Christ’s Model for Men
16. (a) Why was Peter very conscious of the need for humility? (b) Who especially must manifest this quality?
16 In his ministry Jesus constantly highlighted the quality of humility. In his illustration of those invited to a marriage feast, he said: “For everyone that exalts himself will be humbled and he that humbles himself will be exalted.” (Luke 14:11) Peter was very conscious of Jesus’ mental disposition in this respect. Could he not remember Jesus’ example in washing the disciples’ feet? (John 13:4-17) Therefore, in his first letter he exhorts the older men and the younger ones to manifest an attitude of humility. The elders ‘should not lord it over the congregation but become examples to the flock.’ The younger men should be in subjection to the elders. But then all of them, young and old, should ‘gird themselves with lowliness of mind, because God opposes the haughty but gives undeserved kindness to the humble.’—1 Peter 5:1-5.
17. How does the Greek verb for “gird yourselves” highlight humble service?
17 Here again Peter makes unique use of a word to drive home his point about humility. He says: “Gird yourselves [Greek, eg·kom·boʹsa·sthe] with lowliness of mind.” This verb is derived from a root that means to knot or tie, and its meaning is related to “the white scarf or apron of slaves, which was fastened to the girdle of the vest . . . and distinguished slaves from freemen; hence, . . . gird yourselves with humility as your servile garb . . . i.e. by putting on humility show your subjection one to another.”—A Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament, J. H. Thayer.
18. (a) What should dedicated men have in mind regarding their motive? (b) In what special way are many sisters an example of humility?
18 How can dedicated men apply that counsel today? By recognizing that any position of responsibility within the Christian congregation is an assignment of humble service. Some may mistakenly think that to be a ministerial servant, a congregation elder, a circuit, district, or Bethel overseer is to achieve a position of prestige and power. In that case they do not have the mind of Christ on the matter. There is no place for selfish ambition if we have Christ’s mental disposition. Our motive for serving God and our brothers must be pure. For example, many of our Christian sisters are taking the lead in pioneer and missionary service. Others are zealous publishers of the good news in spite of persecution or domestic opposition. And all of this without any incentive for ever becoming ministerial servants or overseers!
Love—The Cornerstone of Christ’s Example
19. What is the cornerstone of Christ’s example? How do we know that?
19 What does Peter emphasize above all else regarding the mind of Christ? He writes: “Above all things, have intense love for one another, because love covers a multitude of sins.” (1 Peter 4:8) How did Jesus reflect that love? He taught: “This is my commandment, that you love one another just as I have loved you. No one has love greater than this, that someone should surrender his soul in behalf of his friends.” (John 15:12, 13) Shortly thereafter, Jesus sacrificed his life in behalf of mankind. And certainly his love has covered a multitude of sins! Therefore, if we really have the same mental disposition that Jesus had, we, too, will manifest “intense love for one another” and be forgiving.—Colossians 3:12-14; Proverbs 10:12.
20. If we want to follow Christ’s model closely, what must all of us do?
20 Christ’s example is summed up in one word—love. If we truly follow Jesus’ model closely in all we think, say, and do, we will also practice love. As Peter stated: “Finally, all of you be like-minded, showing fellow feeling, having brotherly affection, tenderly compassionate, humble in mind, not paying back injury for injury or reviling for reviling, but, to the contrary, bestowing a blessing, because you were called to this course, so that you might inherit a blessing.”—1 Peter 3:8, 9.
-