MY PERSPECTIVE, Gary Damron
In a previous study, we explored the finer aspects of Jesus’ character as reflected in His everyday life. Those included humor, fairness, gratitude, consistency, and wisdom, as well as the absence of self-pity, spite, or pursuit of personal acclaim. Today we focus on four fundamental traits—humility, compassion, indignation, and courage—to understand what it means to follow Him. Again, credit is given to Everett F. Harrison for his outline of these characteristics.
Jesus’ humility stands out starkly against the cultural backdrop of His time. In Matthew 11:29, He declared, "'I am gentle and humble in heart.'” While modern culture may view humility as a virtue, the world of Jesus’ time saw it as unacceptable and hindering self-expression. Jesus’ statement is remarkable given its context in Matthew 11:27, where He spoke of His unique knowledge of the Father and the role of humble servant. His humility was not self-deprecation, but a selfless commitment to the well-being of others. When James and John sought prominence in His kingdom, Jesus taught in Mark 10:43-45, "'Whoever wishes to become great among you shall be your servant; ... For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.'”
Jesus’ compassion was evident throughout His ministry. Matthew 8:17 quotes Isaiah 53, describing Himself after a day in Capernaum: "'He Himself took our infirmities, and carried away our diseases.'” Some individuals equate compassion with feeling. Jesus didn’t merely feel sympathy; He made others’ burdens His own. In Luke 6:19, multitudes sought to touch Him, knowing that He had power to heal. In Luke 8:46, when a woman with a hemorrhage touched His cloak, He was aware that "'power had gone out of Me.'"
Jesus’ heavy schedule of interaction often left Him with little sleep or comfort. At times it resulted in questions about His reputation as noted in Luke 15:1-2, when the Pharisees and scribes grumbled, "'This man receives sinners and eats with them.'” His heart of compassion and resulting healings were a sign of the coming sacrifice for the sins of humanity. Despite rejection, Jesus’ love remained steadfast. He lamented, "'O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, ... How often I wanted to gather your children together, the way a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, and you were unwilling'” (Matthew 23:37).
Matthew 9:35-36 further illustrates His heart: “Jesus was going about all the cities and villages, ... healing every kind of disease and every kind of sickness. And seeing the multitudes, He felt compassion for them, because they were distressed and downcast like sheep without a shepherd.” Compassion compelled Him to leave heaven and sacrifice Himself on the cross, a love that never fails.
Jesus’ indignation reflected His commitment to justice. In Mark 10:13-14, when disciples rebuked those bringing children to Him, Jesus retorted. "'Permit the children to come to Me; do not hinder them; for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.'” He valued children and understood the importance of early impressions.
Another instance occurred in Mark 3:4-5. Pharisees watched to see if Jesus would heal a man - in violation of Sabbath ordinances - who had a withered hand. Jesus challenged, "'Is it lawful on the Sabbath to do good or to do harm, to save a life or to kill?'” Their silence grieved Him, and He restored the man's hand. The Greek word orgē, often translated as “anger,” is better understood here as “indignation", a righteous response to injustice, not personal frustration. Our anger may stem from personal offense, but Jesus’ indignation arose from a passion for ethical standards. He addressed wickedness constructively, whether by healing, embracing children, or ultimately going to the cross. The word also carries the concept of wrath or punishment; when related to God it is never personal, but directed at the sinful violation of a moral standard.
Jesus’ courage was evident in His unwavering commitment to His mission, despite opposition and personal cost. According to Aristotle, courage was a virtue that stood between two vices – cowardice and recklessness. Jesus’ wisdom avoids either extreme.
His interactions with sinners and outcasts, as seen in Luke 15, challenged societal norms and risked His reputation. Indignation against injustice led to accusations and conflict; yet He consistently chose to act according to God’s will. From beginning to end, Jesus followed His destiny as He encountered Satan in the wilderness, countered traditions, exposed sin, and He went up to Jerusalem, knowing death on the cross awaited. This courage was not reckless but purposeful, rooted in love for humanity and obedience to the Father. His willingness to face rejection, exhaustion, and ultimately death, reflects a bravery that inspires followers to stand firm in faith, prioritizing God’s kingdom over personal comfort or safety.
Jesus' greatest accomplishment was on the cross. God rewarded Him, and we share in that reward. His character was unique for the times, and remains the desire of every heart set on a higher standard. His humility teaches us to serve others selflessly; His compassion calls us to bear others’ burdens; His indignation urges us to confront injustice righteously; and His courage inspires us to remain steadfast in faith.
