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“GREAT CROWDS APPROACHED HIM” 147
17 As we discussed in Chapter 3, Jesus was mild and humble.
(Matthew 11:29) Mildness is a beautiful quality, powerful
proof of the humility in a person’s heart. It is part
of the fruitage of God’s holy spirit and is associated with
godly wisdom. (Galatians 5:22, 23; James 3:13) Even under
the worst provocation, Jesus maintained control of
himself. His mildness was anything but weakness. One
scholar said of this quality: “Behind the gentleness there
is the strength of steel.” Indeed, it often takes strength for
us to restrain our temper and treat others with mildness.
But with Jehovah blessing our efforts, we can imitate
Jesus in showing mildness, and that will make us more
approachable.
18 Jesus was reasonable. When Jesus was in Tyre, a woman
came to him because her daughter was “badly demonized.”
In three different ways, Jesus indicated that he was
not inclined to do what she wanted. First, he responded
with silence; second, he gave her a reason why he should
not do as she asked; third, he gave an illustration that
made the point even clearer. Yet, was his manner cold,
unyielding? Did he imply that she was on dangerous
ground in daring to counter the words of so great a man?
No, this woman clearly felt safe. She not only asked for
help but persisted even in the face of his apparent unwillingness
to help her. Jesus saw the remarkable faith that
moved her to persist, and he healed her daughter. (Matthew
15:22-28) Surely Jesus’ reasonableness, his willingness
to listen and to yield when appropriate, made people
eager to approach him!
17. Jesus set what example of mildness, and why is this quality an
evidence of strength?
18. What example reveals Jesus’ reasonableness, and why do you
think this quality would make a person approachable?