The Character of Jesus - Part 1

Part 1. The Obedience of Jesus

David Pawson looks in depth at the character of Jesus, which serves as the model of behaviour for Christians. We encounter the Lord’s compassion and total honesty here. David offers a more complete and balanced view than is often preached. For instance, he looks at the times when Jesus displayed anger at sinful actions or against injustice. In Jesus, this was a measured, targeted anger, not uncontrolled or unjustified. Just as he obeyed the Father, so he was obeyed by others during his ministry on earth. Christians today must also obey his commands rather than treat them as optional, and in so doing give him their complete trust, which is evidence of their love for him.

David shows that, uniquely, we can trust Jesus in a way that no one else can be trusted: “You can trust him with your life. You can trust him with your death. You can trust him with the future in time and eternity. You can trust him with your sins. You can trust him with your problems. You can trust him with everything.” Jesus proved himself to be just and merciful and David shows that this balance of justice and mercy can only be grasped by considering the cross. He also explores the significance of the Lord’s Supper as “a meal with Jesus” that reminds us of his life, death, resurrection, and glorified body. This sacrament unites us with him and with our fellow believers, the church body.

Finally, David explores the use of parables as a teaching method to convey truths to those who are open to the Gospel, and to conceal them from those whose hearts are closed to it. Jesus does not force anyone to come to him or accept his teaching, but those who seek him can find him. They are able to do so because “the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all people” is human as well as divine, which makes him the “one mediator” between us and the Father.