The New Testament Witness to Christ and His Kingdom, Mentor's Guide, MG13

/ 2 6 3

T H E N E W T E S T A M E N T W I T N E S S T O C H R I S T A N D H I S K I N G D O M

however, Jesus did in fact display his identity, both as the Davidic Messiah (4.25-26) and as Suffering Servant of the LORD (Luke 22.37). Now, why is this so important, again? The life and character of Jesus identify him as the Suffering Servant of the Lord, and, if the Servant and the Messiah are one and the same , then Jesus of Nazareth is the Messiah. A careful analysis, then, of Jesus’ life, character, mindset, and behavior can give us clues into his true identity, which we believe to be the Messiah of Israel. Highlight this truth as you focus on the objectives in this lesson. These aims are clearly stated, and you ought to emphasize them throughout the lesson with this connection of Jesus to the Servant of Yahweh in mind. Help them to make the connection between the characteristics of Jesus’ life and his claim regarding Messiahship. This was a critical part of Jesus’ own evidence for who he was, cf. John 14.7ff. This devotion focuses on the humility of Jesus. Christ’s lowliness is the subject matter for the disciple of Christ (cf. Matt. 11.29-30 - Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. [30] For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light). Perhaps no virtue of Jesus is more transparent and remarkable than his meekness and gentleness. Look at some of the representative texts: Zech. 9.9 - Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion! Shout aloud, O daughter of Jerusalem! behold, your king is coming to you; righteous and having salvation is he, humble and mounted on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey. Matt. 12.19-20 - He will not quarrel or cry aloud, nor will anyone hear his voice in the streets; [20] a bruised reed he will not break, and a smoldering wick he will not quench, until he brings justice to victory

2 Page 81 Devotion