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The Meekness and Gentleness of Christ
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsJesus Christ's meekness and gentleness stand as profound examples of strength under control, not weakness. His gentle nature was evident in His interactions, as He gathered children around Him, conversed with them, and rebuked His disciples for dismissing them as a nuisance. Despite His immense power, He restrained Himself, knowing He must die to bring salvation to the weak, demonstrating that He is not a domineering tyrant but a meek and gentle King. Entering Jerusalem on a donkey, He embodied the image of a truly meek and gentle leader, teacher, and King. Even when foreknowing Peter's denial and Judas' betrayal, He did not rise in angry protest, showing restraint through His gentle disposition. From the cross, He prayed for His heavenly Father to forgive those who crucified Him, exemplifying meekness as enduring injury with patience and without resentment. Though masculine and firm, standing fearless against those seeking to entrap or destroy Him, His gentle nature often masked His strength, striking fear into the hearts of those who heard Him. When His disciples, James and John, sought to destroy a Samaritan village for refusing them lodging, He rebuked their harsh attitudes, reminding them that the Son of Man came not to destroy lives but to save them, emphasizing gentleness in dealing with others. Jesus Himself characterized His heart as gentle and lowly, setting the supreme example of meekness and gentleness for all to follow.
The Miracles of Jesus Christ: The Coin in the Fish's Mouth
Bible Study by Martin G. CollinsIn the account of the miracle of the coin found in the fish's mouth, Jesus Christ's meekness is profoundly displayed. Though as the Son of God He is free from the Temple tax, He chooses not to cause offense, saying, "lest we offend them." He arranges for the precise amount needed—a full shekel for both Himself and Peter—to be found miraculously in a fish's mouth, demonstrating His willingness to pay any amount, however unjust, rather than provoke negative comments that could harm the credibility of God's work. This act of humility and consideration reflects His desire to avoid unnecessarily offending others, placing Himself alongside Peter as a son of the Kingdom. His example of meekness and wisdom should inspire us to act with similar grace when we feel slighted or taken advantage of.
Meekness
Bible Study by Martin G. CollinsJesus Christ exemplifies meekness through His profound humility, patience, and complete submission to the will of the Father. His meekness is not a mere contemplative virtue but a powerful demonstration of maintaining peace and patience amidst intense provocations. True meekness, as shown by Him, is always the standard by which this virtue is measured, revealing an internal attitude of enduring injury without resentment.
Servant Leadership: Practical Meekness
'Ready Answer' by David F. MaasMeekness, a tolerant and yielding spirit, embodies having the right of way but not insisting on it. Jesus Christ exemplifies this approach in His interactions with the sons of Zebedee and the other disciples. Despite speaking with authority derived from an unlimited reservoir of experience as the personification of the Word of God, the Gospels portray His manner as peaceable and yielding in most situations. Jesus Christ learned obedience through what He suffered, enabling Him to empathize with His brethren. This meekness, developed through trials, equips individuals with the sympathy and sensitivity to help others facing similar difficulties. Jesus promises that the meek will inherit the earth, demonstrating that meekly yielding for the ultimate good reflects strength, wisdom, and common-sense survival rather than weakness.
The Meek
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughJesus Christ's meekness, as exemplified in various accounts, reveals a profound strength of character marked by humble self-restraint and patient endurance under duress. During His trial before Pilate, as accusations and hatred were hurled at Him by the chief priests, He remained unperturbed, answering nothing to the barrage of slander, which astonished Pilate with His calm composure. This display of meekness was not weakness but a powerful restraint, as He endured insult without retaliation or resentment. In the moments of His arrest on the Mount of Olives, facing a great multitude armed with swords and clubs, Jesus maintained an unruffled demeanor. Despite the volatile situation and the potential for violence, He did not resist or retaliate, even as hands were laid on Him roughly. Instead, He rebuked His disciple for drawing a sword, emphasizing that He could call upon legions of angels for protection but chose not to, submitting to the will of God to fulfill the Scriptures. His composure and refusal to use His immense authority for self-preservation highlight a meekness rooted in trust in God's plan. Jesus further models this virtue in His teachings and personal example, as seen in His call to the weary to take His yoke and learn from Him, for He is gentle and lowly in heart. During His triumphal entry into Jerusalem, He is described as lowly, riding on a donkey, presenting a stark contrast to worldly expectations of royal power. This meekness, often misunderstood as weakness or passivity, is a strength that enables one to suffer injury or adversity without being emotionally rattled, knowing safety lies under God's direction. It is a calm submission to God's will, not to men, allowing one to face persecution or abuse with the same placid resolve Jesus demonstrated, trusting in God's ultimate deliverance.
Blessed Are the Meek (2014)
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughThe greatest example of meekness in Scripture is Jesus our Savior. Nothing is emphasized more consistently in the story of His life and death than His forbearing response to injury from others. He did not open His mouth, did not retaliate, and did not fight fire with fire. Even amidst insults and injuries from friends and enemies, He showed meekness time and time again. His lamb-like disposition toward His adversaries exemplifies how we are to behave. Lambs are gentle creatures, not aggressive or confrontational, and so too is the Lamb of God, Jesus Christ. His meekness went so far, and His humble submission to the will of God was so complete, that He was willing to suffer to the utmost, even to the point of death on the cross. With some of His last breath, He said, "Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing." This is meekness. In the Beatitudes, Jesus teaches that those who realize their spiritual poverty and learn godliness through sorrow and suffering will also be meek, humbly submissive to God and His will despite criticism, offense, and adversity. Meekness is godly composure under fire.
Christ Riding the Donkey
Sermonette by Ronny H. GrahamIn Scripture, riding a donkey denoted kingship and royalty, as well as wealth. Jesus riding on a donkey indicated he was not a common man but a King.
Lowly and Riding on a Donkey?
'Prophecy Watch' by Ronny H. GrahamAll four gospels include Zechariah's prophecy that Messiah would ride into Jerusalem on a donkey. This misunderstood beast has a unique symbolic meaning.
Perfect, Gentle Courtesy (Part 2)
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsGood manners are not just an accomplishment, but a duty that everyone must practice in order for society to move smoothly.
Wild Horses
Sermonette by Ronny H. GrahamThe Greek author Xenophon, in his work The Art of Horsemanship, dispels the notion that meekness is weakness by describing the 'meeking' of war horses.
God's 'Heart Measure'
Sermon by Bill OnisickJudgment begins with God's own people and calls believers to examine themselves, not merely by outward obedience but by the inner condition of their hearts.
Overcoming (Part 9): Self-Exaltation
Bible Study by Martin G. CollinsSelf-exaltation was one of the sins that got Satan in trouble. Conversely, we are to humble ourselves so God can exalt us in due time.
Gentle and Lowly in Heart
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsPaul displayed a gentleness not grounded in weakness, but in strength, a gentleness which showed anger, but only at the right time and to the right degree.
Our Part in the Sanctification Process (Part Nine): Cultivating the Fruit of Gentleness
Sermon by David F. MaasBiblical meekness brings strength under control, enabling God's called out ones to tame the temper, calm the passions, managing the unruly impulses.
Living By Faith: Humility
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Paradoxically, God stoops to us when we humble ourselves. Humility produces honor from God; if we humble ourselves, He will hear us.
Unity (Part 7): Ephesians 4 (D)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughBecause of our lack of self-discipline and willingness to guard the truth, we have allowed our theological base to deteriorate under the persuasion of the world.
Whom the Lord Loves He Chastens (Part One)
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsIf we are not receiving God's correction or chastisement, we should be concerned! God's chastening is what He uses to sanctify His spiritual children.
Led Outside the Gate
CGG Weekly by David C. GrabbeJesus permitted Himself to be sent by the leaders and led by their agents in true meekness, submitting to the Father's will, even cleansing those who led Him.
God Gives Grace to the Humble
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsGenuine humility is one of the most elusive characteristics a person can attain. It consists of of self-respect accompanied by a genuine desire to serve.
Happiness is Circumstantial, but Joy is Not!
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Martin G. CollinsHappiness is a by-product of our response to God's calling, coupled with our determination to connect with the Father, the Son, and the whole spiritual family.
Have You Become an Example to All Who Believe?
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsWhether we are called to welcome others, speak truthfully, keep commitments, or guard our own speech, credibility flows from consistent daily actions.
Potential for Good
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughThe chief tool we can use to do good (building positive relationships between other people) is to develop and exercise the mind of God within us.