Filter by Categories
The Meekness and Gentleness of Christ
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsGentleness is a God-like quality and was strongly evident in the life of Jesus Christ. He gathered children about Him, allowing them to sit on His knee and taking time to converse with them. When the disciples sought to dismiss them as a nuisance, Jesus rebuked them. He often demonstrated the character traits of meekness and gentleness, showing firmness yet tenderness in His interactions. Jesus had massive strength at His disposal, but He restrained His use of power, knowing He must die to bring salvation to the weak. He put aside the strength of a king and, in meekness, not weakness, demonstrated the kind of King He is—not a domineering tyrant, but a meek and gentle King, although supremely powerful. He entered Jerusalem riding on a donkey, presenting the image of a truly meek and gentle leader, teacher, and King. Even when He knew Peter would deny Him and Judas would betray Him, Jesus did not rise in angry protest; His gentle nature restrained Him. He commanded that we love our enemies, do good to those who hate us, and subdue our harsh nature with gentleness. From the cross, He prayed that His heavenly Father would forgive those who crucified Him, exemplifying meekness and gentleness even in the face of immense suffering. Defiant toward the religious establishment in defending the helpless and diseased, as well as opposing evil, Jesus was self-effacing in regard to His own interests. With all this gentleness, He was masculine and firm. When confronted by those seeking to entrap or destroy Him, He stood fearless, His gentle nature temporarily masked as He demonstrated a strength that struck fear into the hearts of those who heard Him. His gentleness was not a mere contemplative virtue; it was maintaining peace and patience in the midst of pelting provocations. When His disciples, James and John, wanted to destroy a Samaritan village for refusing them lodging, Jesus was repulsed by their attitudes. He turned and rebuked them, reminding them that the Son of Man did not come to destroy men's lives, but to save them. This account emphasizes that we are to be predominantly gentle Christians, just as our Savior, Jesus Christ, was gentle, balancing firmness and steadfastness in the truth. Jesus Himself characterized His nature as gentle and lowly in heart, setting the supreme example of meekness and gentleness. His life, as foretold by Isaiah, shows that He deals with us with the utmost tenderness and gentleness, providing a model for how we should interact with others.
Our Part in the Sanctification Process (Part Nine): Cultivating the Fruit of Gentleness
Sermon by David F. MaasOur Lord and Savior Jesus Christ embodies gentleness, a strength under perfect control, as seen in His actions and teachings. When arrested in Gethsemane, He ordered Peter to put away his sword, declaring in Matthew 26:53-54 that He could call upon His Father for more than twelve legions of angels, yet chose not to, fulfilling the Scriptures. In John 10:17-18, He affirmed His authority over His own life, stating that no one takes it from Him, but He lays it down voluntarily, demonstrating power coupled with gentle submission to a higher purpose. His rebuke of James and John in Luke 9:54-56, when they sought to call down fire on the Samaritans, further reveals His gentle nature, reminding them that He came not to destroy lives but to save them. This gentleness is not weakness, but a deliberate choice to harness immense strength with tender compassion, reflecting a balance that guides His interactions and mission.
Gentle and Lowly in Heart
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsIn stark contrast to the world's value system that exalts strength and aggression, Jesus Christ embodies the ideal of meekness and gentleness, presenting a bold contradiction to worldly wisdom. His portrayal as gentle and lowly in heart, as seen in Matthew 11:28-30, invites all who are burdened to find rest in Him, for He declares, "I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls." This gentleness is a Godlike quality, strongly evident in His life, where He gathered children around Himself, rebuked His disciples for dismissing them, and affirmed that the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these, as recorded in Matthew 19:13-14. Jesus' gentleness shines through in numerous interactions: His compassionate treatment of the woman caught in adultery, His patience with Thomas who doubted His resurrection, His association with society's outcasts, His healing of the suffering, and His engaging conversation with the woman at the well in Samaria, drawing her in without condemnation. Even during His arrest in the garden of Gethsemane, as recounted in Luke 22:49-51, when Peter struck the servant of the high priest, Jesus healed the man's ear, demonstrating restraint despite His immense power, choosing meekness for the benefit of the weak. His entry into Jerusalem on a donkey, as described in Matthew 21:1-6, further illustrates His humble and gentle nature, fulfilling the prophecy of a king coming lowly. Despite knowing of Peter's denial and Judas' betrayal, Jesus did not react with anger but commanded love for enemies and gentleness in response to harshness. His supreme example of meekness is captured in I Peter 2:21-24, where He suffered without retaliation, committing Himself to God, bearing sins for righteousness. Isaiah 53:7 reinforces this, depicting Him as a lamb led to slaughter, silent and without violence. Jesus rebuked His disciples James and John, known as the Sons of Thunder, for their desire to destroy a Samaritan village, reminding them in Luke 9:55-56 that He came not to destroy lives but to save them, emphasizing gentleness in dealings with others. His gentle nature, combined with strength, was evident even in confrontation, as He stood fearless against those seeking to entrap Him, yet maintained peace and patience amidst provocations. This gentleness, rooted in humility and self-sacrifice, is the attitude He calls His followers to embody, reflecting the mind of Christ in all relationships.
Displaying Gentle and Patient Conduct
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsGod's people must follow the spirit of the law regarding the treatment of others, being humble, sincere, and gentle, esteeming others before themselves.
The Christian Walk (Part Four): Mutual Submission in Godly Fear
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughAmericans have a hard time submitting to authority and like to consider themselves as sovereigns, having the last say over anything including church doctrine.
The Meek
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughMeekness is the opposite of weakness, exemplifying self-control under immense pressure, demonstrated by Jesus refusing to retaliate.
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.