Emulate the Man Who Drove Merchants from the Temple and Denounced Hypocrisy
When I blogged about the need for a male role model, I wondered if the life of Jesus might stand as an example for men to follow. Is he the perfect blend of godly power and God-intended masculinity?
Indeed the character and actions of Jesus is compelling, more gripping than any other. Here are the lessons we can learn from Jesus:
A Man of Action
Incensed over sacrilegious commerce being conducted in the temple, degrading worship and exploiting people, Jesus makes a whip and drives the merchants away.
He scatters their money and overturns their tables; animals flee. He makes a real mess.
Jesus takes bold action to confront wrong behavior (Matthew 21:12-13, John 2:15-17).
A Man of Strength
Jesus is physically strong, able to endure the barbaric tortures of crucifixion. Being flogged (Mark 15:15) was enough to kill some people; Jesus survives.
He withstands the soldiers as they beat him (Luke 22:63-64) and carries his own cross (John 19:17).
In this Jesus stands as our modern view of manly power.
A Man of Faith
Jesus prays (Luke 11:1) and fasts (Matthew 4:1-2). He places priority on his relationship with God.
A Man of Boldness
Not afraid to condemn misguided spiritual practices, Jesus speaks against hypocrisy (Matthew 12:34). His concern is righting spiritual wrongs, and he has no worries over offending religious leaders in error.
A Man of Spiritual Power
With supernatural insight Jesus knows what others are thinking (Luke 5:22), has command over nature (Mark 4:39), heals people (Matthew 4:23), and raises the dead (Luke 8:54-55).
A Man of Love and Compassion
Jesus blesses children (Matthew 19:13-14). He longs to love and protect them (Luke 13:34). He cares about the masses, offering compassion (Matthew 9:36) and loving them (Mark 10:21).
This is an impressive list, one truly worthy of emulation, yet Jesus is not our model for masculinity. Instead Jesus stands as a model for humanity, both men and women.
Jesus is the ultimate paragon, our model of excellence and perfection, a peerless example.
Jesus is an Example For All to Follow, Not Just the Guys
Which of Jesus’s characteristics do you most identify with? Which ones seem aligned with one gender more than the other?
Peter DeHaan writes about biblical Christianity to confront status quo religion and live a life that matters. He seeks a fresh approach to following Jesus through the lens of Scripture, without the baggage of made-up traditions and meaningless practices.
Read more in his books, blog, and weekly email updates.
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