Topical Bible: Character of Christ: Meek

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The character of Christ is a profound and multifaceted subject, with meekness being one of its most significant attributes. Meekness, as demonstrated by Christ, is not to be confused with weakness or passivity. Instead, it is a strength under control, a gentle and humble disposition that reflects a deep trust in God.

Biblical Foundation

The concept of meekness is deeply rooted in Scripture, and Christ Himself is the ultimate exemplar of this virtue. In the Beatitudes, Jesus declares, "Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth" (Matthew 5:5). This statement underscores the value and reward of meekness in the kingdom of God. It is a quality that is both commended and promised a future inheritance.

Christ's Example of Meekness

Throughout the Gospels, Jesus exemplifies meekness in His interactions with others. In Matthew 11:29, He invites His followers to "Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls" . Here, Jesus identifies Himself as gentle and humble, offering rest to those who come to Him. His meekness is not only a personal attribute but also a source of comfort and peace for His followers.

In His earthly ministry, Jesus consistently demonstrated meekness in His dealings with both friends and adversaries. When confronted with hostility, He often responded with calmness and restraint. For instance, during His arrest, Jesus admonished Peter, saying, "Put your sword back in its place. For all who draw the sword will die by the sword" (Matthew 26:52). Despite having the power to call upon legions of angels, Jesus chose the path of submission to the Father's will, embodying meekness even in the face of suffering.

Meekness in Prophecy

The Old Testament prophesied the meekness of the Messiah. In Zechariah 9:9, it is written, "Rejoice greatly, O Daughter of Zion! Shout in triumph, O Daughter of Jerusalem! See, your King comes to you, righteous and victorious, humble and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey" . This prophecy was fulfilled in the triumphal entry of Jesus into Jerusalem, where He chose to enter the city not as a conquering king on a warhorse, but as a humble servant on a donkey.

Theological Implications

The meekness of Christ has profound theological implications. It reveals the nature of God's kingdom, which is characterized by humility and service rather than power and domination. Christ's meekness is a model for believers, calling them to emulate His gentle and humble spirit in their own lives. The Apostle Paul exhorts Christians to "Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near" (Philippians 4:5), encouraging them to reflect the character of Christ in their interactions with others.

Practical Application

For believers, the meekness of Christ serves as both an example and a challenge. It calls for a life of humility, patience, and trust in God's sovereignty. Meekness involves a willingness to submit to God's will, even in difficult circumstances, and to respond to others with grace and gentleness. It is a fruit of the Spirit, as outlined in Galatians 5:23, and a mark of true discipleship.

In summary, the meekness of Christ is a defining characteristic of His earthly ministry and a vital aspect of His divine nature. It is a quality that believers are called to cultivate, reflecting the heart of Christ in a world that often values power and assertiveness.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Isaiah 53:7
He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth: he is brought as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is dumb, so he opens not his mouth.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Zechariah 9:9
Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion; shout, O daughter of Jerusalem: behold, your King comes to you: he is just, and having salvation; lowly, and riding on an ass, and on a colt the foal of an ass.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Matthew 11:29
Take my yoke on you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and you shall find rest to your souls.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Meek and Lowly One
... III. Having thus spoken on the two marks of our Lord's character, I propose to ... The
conclusion of the whole matter is this, since Christ is "meek and lowly ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 5 1859/the meek and lowly one.htm

The Yoke of Christ.
... to us, in themselves of a painful and humbling character, but joyful ... are bearing
on their shoulders the yoke of Christ;"thirdly, "the meek," and these ...
/.../newman/parochial and plain sermons vol vii/sermon viii the yoke of.htm

The Mind which was in Christ Jesus. Rev. George Wood.
... It is not enough that you be meek and lowly ... only Christians so far as we resemble
Christ, not a ... acting example of all those elements of character and conduct ...
/.../king/the wesleyan methodist pulpit in malvern/the mind which was in.htm

LMAC Coxe. Divine Beauty of Christ's Character.
... III. JESUS CHRIST. 124. LMAC Coxe. Divine Beauty of Christ's Character. ... So
meek, forgiving, godlike, high, So glorious in humility? ...
/.../various/book of hymns for public and private devotion/124 l m a c.htm

The Invitation
... "Learn of Me," says Jesus; "for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ... And that character
which expresses the glory"character"of Christ will be received into ...
//christianbookshelf.org/white/the desire of ages/chapter 34 the invitation.htm

The Test of Discipleship
... Those who become new creatures in Christ Jesus will ... follow in His steps, reflect
His character, and purify ... The proud and self-assertive become meek and lowly ...
//christianbookshelf.org/white/steps to christ/chapter 7 the test of.htm

Gethsemane
... to these furious persecutors the true character of their ... Mark in that expression
Christ's consciousness that He ... Mark, too, His meek submission, as bowing His ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/maclaren/expositions of holy scripture e/gethsemane.htm

Christianity a Light.
... Character Of Christ. Character Of Christians. Lovely. ... Lowly. "Take my yoke upon you,
and learn "Better it is to be of a humble of me; for I am meek and lowly ...
//christianbookshelf.org/orr/the gospel day /chapter i christianity a light.htm

Christ --Perfect through Sufferings
... "For I am meek and lowly in heart." The character of Christ qualifies him to be
the world's Savior, and there is something in his character, when properly ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 8 1863/christperfect through sufferings.htm

"He Ordained Twelve"
... Jesus, he had some precious traits of character that might ... willing to wear the yoke
of Christ, he might ... came into closest association with the meek and lowly ...
/.../white/the desire of ages/chapter 30 he ordained twelve.htm