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Explore how Jesus demonstrated servitude towards others, including his family, enemies, and the lost, and learn valuable lessons on forgiveness and compassion. Witness Jesus' profound example of putting others before Himself, even amid suffering and persecution.
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ESTEEMING OTHERS Learning From Jesus How To Serve Other People
Esteeming Family Jn 19:25-27 • Family was important to Jesus • He created it Gen 1:26-27 Col 1:16 • He defended its original design Mt 19:3-8 • Concerning Jesus’ family… • Mary’s love was as deep as any mother’s • Often, mothers can only watch as their children suffer cp. Lk 2:35
Esteeming Family Jn 19:25-27 • Concerning Jesus’ family… • Christ showed a concern for His mother’s care • Most likely, Joseph was now dead cp. Lk 2:52 • We must value, highly regard our family • Even though they’re not “perfect” • One could argue even Jesus’ family was not “perfect” cp. Lk 2:41-48 Jn 7:1-5
Esteeming Family Jn 19:25-27 • When we nurture, care for (“esteem”) our family…it will function more properly • Even in His most trying hours, Jesus did not lost sight of this responsibility
Esteeming Enemies Lk 23:33-34 • Jesus had to face His enemies at this most difficult hour • Their contemptuous treatment Mt 27:39-43 • Their “bloodthirstiness” Lk 23:21 Mt 27:24-25 • When having to “esteem” our enemies, we must show great restraint from what we really would like to do in favor of what we must do
Esteeming Enemies Lk 23:33-34 • When we are wronged, our usual response… “I’m not going to forgive you!!” • The greatest hindrance to peace, unity is an unwillingness to forgive others • Why do families suffer? • Why do local churches have problems…even for years and decades? Grudges Grudges
Esteeming Enemies Lk 23:33-34 • Notice Jesus “esteemed” His enemies before they were penitent • They had no concern for their forgiveness • They were completely intent on killing Him • Did they have any hope? Could they be touched by the gospel message? • There is always hope Acts 2:36-38, 41, 47
Esteeming Enemies Lk 23:33-34 • Jesus has always taught us to “esteem” our enemies Mt 5:43-48 • Their needs should become ours • He exemplified this basic teaching in a very powerful way…on the cross
Esteeming The Lost Lk 23:32, 39-43 • There are always lost souls around us • Should we not always be sensitive to them, look for opportunities to “esteem” them? • One thief responded in the way most were doing that day v. 39 • In fact, both thieves were guilty of mocking and despising Jesus Mt 27:44
Esteeming The Lost Lk 23:32, 39-43 • The other thief had a change of heart • He finally indicated a receptiveness • He acknowledged his own guilt vv. 40-41 • He did the only thing he could do…he reached toward Jesus for mercy, pardon v. 42 • How did Jesus respond?
Esteeming The Lost Lk 23:32, 39-43 • How did Jesus respond? • Was He only concerned with His present circumstances…miserable as they were? • He did not respond like we sometimes do… “Now isn’t a good time for Me!!” “Look at Me!! You expect Me to help you?? Can’t you see what I’m dealing with?!?”
Esteeming The Lost Lk 23:32, 39-43 • How did Jesus respond? • Jesus saw a soul in need of salvation v. 43 • We often complain of fatigue, a lack of time alone at home for rest, peace & quiet • However, we need to be more like Jesus in esteeming the lost • He showed this concern even while dying
Conclusion • “Have this mind (attitude) in you which was also in Christ Jesus”Phil 2:5 • Esteeming others is an attitude, a mindset • Those 6 hours Jesus spent on the cross were monumental • Most men would only be thinking of themselves, their own pain & agony
Conclusion • It is one thing to teach that Jesus shows us how to esteem others • This lesson emphasizes when Jesus displayed this attitude in the most profound way…when on the cross • At such a time, He taught the greatest lesson…gave the best example to follow
Conclusion • He thought of others first • He considered their needs and how He could render service to them • He “esteemed others better than Himself” • “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, take up his cross, and follow Me.”Mt 16:24