Searching the Scripture

Lesson 13 The Character of CHRIST

Part 1

What kind of person was JESUS? What do we mean when we say we want to be like JESUS? HE is our example, not just in actions, but also in character.

I Peter 2:21 For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps:

Romans 8:29 For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren.

Being conformed to the image of CHRIST means being conformed to HIS character.

JESUS Was Holy

We covered this aspect in the lesson on the sinlessness of CHRIST. HE was holy, completely, totally, absolutely holy. From birth HE was without a sin nature. HE never committed any sin. HE always did what was right and pure.

Acts3:14 But ye denied the Holy One and the Just, and desired a murderer to be granted unto you;

CHRIST demonstrated HIS holiness by HIS love of righteousness and by HIS hate of iniquity. HE cleansed the temple. HE denounced hypocrisy and sin.

Galatians 3:13 Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree:

Romans 4:6 Even as David also describeth the blessedness of the man, unto whom God imputeth righteousness without works,

JESUS Was Loving

JESUS demonstrated HIS love toward HIS FATER and toward mankind.

John 14:31 But that the world may know that I love the Father; and as the Father gave me commandment, even so I do. Arise, let us go hence.

HE proved HIS love for HIS FATHER by obedience.

John 6:38 For I came down from heaven, not to do mine own will, but the will of him that sent me.

HE proved HIS love by finishing the work that the FATHER gave HIM to do.

John 17:44 I have glorified thee on the earth: I have finished the work which thou gavest me to do.

John 19:30 When Jesus therefore had received the vinegar, he said, It is finished: and he bowed his head, and gave up the ghost.

JESUS had a special love for the church.

Ephesians 5:25 Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it;

JESUS had a special love for HIS own.

John 13:1 Now before the feast of the passover, when Jesus knew that his hour was come that he should depart out of this world unto the Father, having loved his own which were in the world, he loved them unto the end.

JESUS also loved and still loves sinners.

Luke 19:10 For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.

Matthew 9:13 But go ye and learn what that meaneth, I will have mercy, and not sacrifice: for I am not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.

Luke 23:34 Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do. And they parted his raiment, and cast lots.

Mark 10:13-16 And they brought young children to him, that he should touch them: and his disciples rebuked those that brought them.
But when Jesus saw it, he was much displeased, and said unto them, Suffer the little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God.
Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child, he shall not enter therein.
And he took them up in his arms, put his hands upon them, and blessed them.

JESUS proved HIS love by becoming poor so that we might be rich.

II Corinthians 8:9 For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich.

The ultimate proof of HIS love was willingly and voluntarily dying for us.

John 15:13 Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.

JESUS continues to demonstrate HIS love to us by caring for us day by day.

Matthew 6:33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.