Jesus Walked in Magnanimity
Jesus was magnanimous! This English word has French origins compounded from the word for “great” and “soul, mind, spirit.” Jesus’ spirit is and remains truly great!
This lesson will seek to examine how the magnanimity of Jesus’ walk was demonstrated during His lifetime. Jesus walked in such a powerful spirit of patience and long-suffering. Although demonstrated in multiple ways, one evidence is displayed in the manner in which He taught His disciples. He worked so undauntedly to have them understand spiritual truths and concepts. They were so slow. So closed minded. So fleshly focused. Yet, the walk of Jesus was such that He sought to, “…open their minds to understanding the Scriptures…” (Lk. 24:45).
Jesus is unique in that we find Him continuing to walk this path of magnanimity even following His ascension. While Jesus may have departed from the earth, He never viewed those on earth as departing from the need for His “great spirit.” Our study will look first at the person of Stephan. This God-fearing man, full of the Holy Spirit was not only selected for a physical task of feeding widows, he was a vocal teacher of the Gospel. It was while suffering the consequences of his boldness – stoning, that he sees the “glory of God” and “Jesus standing at the right hand of God” (Acts 7:55). You will remember that Moses “asked” to see the glory of God and was given that blessing. Here, however, the “great spirit” of the Father voluntarily shows itself to a suffering saint, while the Son no longer sits at His right hand but “stands” in honor to Stephan’s amazing faith.
The book of Acts also introduces us to a devout Jew named Saul. Saul was in “hearty agreement” (Acts 8:1) to the stoning of Stephan and his spiritual devotion led him to seek to destroy the church by dragging off men and women to be put to death. “Saul was uttering threats with every breath” (Acts 9:1) which resulted in upheaval and scattering of Christians. While on one of his destructive missions, Jesus appears to Saul and changes his life! Saul (Paul) will reference this moment years later and say, “…I found mercy, in order that in me as the foremost, Jesus Christ might demonstrate His perfect patience as an example for those who would believe in Him for eternal life.” (1Tim. 1:16-17). What a magnanimous spirit Jesus demonstrates in appearing to one set on destroying His kingdom! What magnanimity it shown by a Savior who resists the temptation to destroy the murderer of His loved ones!
Jesus walked a path which demonstrated the greatness of His forbearing spirit. He lived a lifetime of this greatness. Even crucifixion, death, resurrection, and ascension did not change this remarkable characteristic. Jesus while at home with the Father still demonstrates His great soul of caring and personal attention.
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