Why Study the Beauty of Jesus?

Because what we think is beautiful will captivate us, and what we gaze upon will transform us.

"I have more understanding than all my teachers, for your testimonies are my meditation."

— Psalm 119:99

To Know Christ As He Desires to Be Known

核心真理 (Core Truth)

按着基督渴望被认识的方式来认识祂

Anzhe Jīdū kěwàng bèi rènshí de fāngshì lái rènshí Tā

We often perceive God based on our circumstances, our Adamic instincts (fear), or our own personality ("If I were God..."). But God says:

"My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways My ways... as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways."

— Isaiah 55:8-9

Christ is the unclouded revelation of God (Col 1:15, Heb 1:3).

The Heart of Christ: Gentle and Lowly

Matthew 11:29

"I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls."

This is the only place in the Gospels where Jesus tells us directly what His heart is like. Not His power, not His mission, but His heart.

Gentle: Tender, considerate, approachable.
Humble: Lowly, willing to stoop, not proud.
Opposite of: Arrogant, harsh, demanding.

He Will Not Break You

"A bruised reed he will not break, and a smoldering wick he will not quench."

— Matthew 12:20

Conclusion

Jesus is so kind, so merciful, so gentle, so forgiving. He is not like you and me.

耶稣是如此慈爱, 如此怜悯, 如此温柔, 如此饶恕... 祂不像你和我。

Yēsū shì rúcǐ cí'ài, rúcǐ liánmǐn... Tā bù xiàng nǐ hé wǒ.

"The beauty of Jesus is seen in His joy to heal, forgive, and restore sinners! Here we see His heart and His glory!"

Christ Heals

Throughout the gospels (Matt 4, 8, 9, 12, 14...), large crowds came to Him, and He healed them all. Imagine the joy it brought Him.

The Missionary Doctor Parable

Imagine a doctor who travels to a jungle to heal a tribe. He has the medicine, he doesn't need money. When the sick finally come to him, what does he feel? Joy. His joy increases to the degree that the sick come to him for help. So it is with Christ.

- Based on Dane Ortlund, Gentle and Lowly

Christ Forgives

Joy in Forgiveness

If Jesus takes joy in restoring broken bodies, how much more joy does He take in restoring broken souls?

Zacchaeus (Luke 19)
The Prodigal Son (Luke 15)
The Rich Young Ruler (Mark 10)

Does grace mean we can sin?

"我们既然已经被神赦免，难道就应该去抢银行...？当然不应该。"

Forgiveness is not the finish line—it's the doorway to restoration.

Christ Restores

Therefore we have peace with God (Rom 5:1-2). You cannot step into your purpose for being alive apart from being in fellowship with God.

Conclusion: Draw Near!

Hebrews 4:16

"Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need."

The King of Glory

This is not just a gentle healer. This is the King of Glory walking into the synagogue. The overwhelming beauty of Jesus is not only His gentleness, but His majesty.

Jesus is God in the Flesh

John 1:1, 14

In the beginning was the Word... and the Word became flesh.

The Face of God The Voice of God The Compassion of God The Authority of God

Everything God is... Jesus is.

Everything God does... Jesus does.

Priest, King, and Judge

In the Old Covenant, one could be a priest OR a king, but never both. Jesus is both.

Priest

Representing us to God

King

Ruling over all

Judge

Returning to set the world right

His Majesty on Display

The Lion and The Lamb

✦He is gentle enough to touch the broken.
✦He is joyful enough to forgive sinners.
✦He is powerful enough to break the back of Satan.
✦He is majestic enough to rule heaven and earth.

The Throne of Grace

Not the throne of law. Not the throne of fear.

"Ruled by a gentle-hearted King who reigns in beauty."