There are incredible statements made about the life and character of various men and women in the Bible. Abraham is called “the Friend of God” (James 2:23). Moses was “very meek, above all the men which were upon the face of the earth” (Num. 12:3). Paul identified David as “a man after God’s own heart” (Acts 13:22). And God himself said of the patriarch Job that “there is none like him in all the earth.” (Job 1:8)
Of the many things written of the life and work of Jesus, one of the more remarkable statements is in the book of Mark: “He hath done all things well.” (Mark 7:37) The word well carries the sense of “excellent, commendable, honorable.” Let us note four particulars in the life of Jesus Christ wherein we find this character demonstrated.
First, Jesus lived well. The Hebrews writing noted, “For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin” (Heb. 4:15). Jesus was as much a man as He was deity. He would get hungry. (Lk. 4:2) He could marvel. (Mk. 6:6; Lk. 7:9) His body needed rest. (Mk. 4:38) He wept for man. (Jn. 11:35) He could become angry. (Mk. 3:5) He enjoyed the presence of children. (Lk. 18:16) Jesus could even be tempted to sin. (Lk. 4:2; Mt. 4:1) Nevertheless, Jesus, doing all things well, always lived “soberly, righteously, and godly. (Titus 2:12) Living soberly, Jesus practiced proper self-restraint of His passions. Living righteously, Jesus always conducted himself properly regarding the duties of His fellowman. Living godly, Jesus would say, “I do always those things that please him.” (John 8:29) Without contradiction, Jesus lived an excellent life.
Second, Jesus defended the truth well. When the Pharisees and the Herodians attempted to “catch Jesus in his words,” He so effectively defended the truth that His antagonists “marveled at him.” (Mk. 12:17) The Sadducees also came tempting Jesus, but He straightly rebuked them and said, “Ye do err, not knowing the scriptures, nor the power of God.” (Mt. 22:29) His defense of the truth was so strong that these intellectuals “were astonished at his doctrine.” (Mt. 22:33) With a single inquiry regarding the necessity of John’s baptism, Jesus so convincingly defended the truth that his opponents could not answer. (Lk. 20:7) Jesus defended the truth so forcefully that after a time, His enemies refused to “ask him anymore questions at all.” (Lk. 20:40) Jesus defended the truth with honor and dignity.
Third, Jesus prayed well. When Jesus prayed, He prayed reverently. His words struck a tone demonstrating great awe for God: “Hallowed be thy name…Thy kingdom…Thy will…Give us…forgive us…lead us…deliver us…For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever.” (Mt. 6:9-13) Jesus also prayed regularly. He would arise early in the morning to pray (Mark 1:35) In times of stress and overwhelming circumstances because of His daily routine, He prayed. (Luke 5:15-16) When His friends were facing temptations of the adversary, He prayed. (Lk. 21:31, 32) Jesus prayed with such regularity, reverence, and reassurance that his disciples requested, “Lord, teach us to pray.” (Lk. 11:1) Jesus’ life of prayer was excellent.
Fourth, Jesus suffered well. Unlike those He came to save, when Jesus suffered at the hands of unjust men, He did not revile or seek revenge. Being reviled, He “reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not; but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously.” (1 Pt. 2:23; cf. Isa. 53:7) Herein lies the key to Jesus’ life of “doing all things well.” He committed himself to God. Brothers and sisters, let us strive to commit ourselves and our lives to God, that all we do in this life will be excellent, commendable, and honorable. Let us strive to do all things well before God and man.
0 Comments