Because I AM Meek
Learn from me because I am meek. – Matthew 11:29
After declaring judgment on cities that rejected him, Jesus turned to the crowds and called the people to follow him because he is meek (some Bible translations use the word "gentle" here). So, why would we want to follow someone who is meek?
Being meek, at least in the biblical sense, does not mean shy, scared, weak, or insecure. If you look at Jesus' life, you will see that he was none of these. He engaged people with complete confidence. He stood his ground and confronted the religious leaders who were leading people away from him, even though he knew this would lead to his death.
And he certainly wasn’t weak. Everything that exists was created by him (Colossians 1:16), he has all authority in heaven and on earth (Matthew 28:18), life itself is in his hands (John 5:21), and while approaching the cross he could have called down 72,000 angels to fight for him. Just think of the miracles he performed. He controlled nature (calmed the storm) and brought at least three people back from the dead.
So, how is Jesus meek, and what does that mean for us? Here are three things to consider:
1. Jesus emptied himself of “privilege” to come and rescue his children. He came not to be served but to serve. He did not come to help us give to him; he came to give himself for us.
2. Jesus has compassion for sinners. He knows our weaknesses and failures. He knows that this world tosses us around like a small boat in a storm. He sees us in our struggle.
3. His actions toward his children are always actions of love and never of revenge or anger. His actions toward us are always meant to care for us. Like a two-year-old throwing a tantrum, we may not always see Jesus’ care for us the way we should, but he always does what is best for his children.
Jesus' meekness is not weakness but rather the expression of divine love and strength. We can confidently entrust our lives to the one who emptied himself for our salvation. If Jesus were not meek, we would have no hope. The sacrificial lamb came for us in our weakness.
One last thought: In Psalm 37:11 the psalmist says, "The meek shall inherit the land." And in Matthew 5:5 Jesus said, "The meek will inherit the earth." Maybe we should primarily look at these verses as referring to Jesus and his worthiness rather than as verses about us. After all, in the book of Revelation 5:12 we see millions exclaiming, “Worthy is the Lamb, who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and praise!”
Jesus, your love for the lost is unimaginable and the cost is beyond my understanding. Thank you for coming. I’m sorry that I take you for granted. Please cause me to embrace you.
Song: Is He Worthy?