Lesson 4: Meekness
Power Under Control
In our modern world, the word "meek" often evokes images of weakness or passivity. However, as we explore the life of Jesus and the teachings of the Bible, we discover that true meekness is not the absence of strength but rather strength under control. It is a deliberate choice to submit our power to a higher authority: God the Father.
Consider the incredible restraint Jesus displayed throughout his life. He, being the only Son of God, possessed immeasurable power and yet chose to live a simple life as a carpenter for 30 years. He didn't use his divine abilities for personal gain or to overpower others. Instead, he waited patiently for God's timing, demonstrating remarkable humility.
Even when faced with hostility, Jesus exemplified meekness. When a crowd threatened to throw him off a cliff, he didn't unleash his power against them. Instead, he peacefully walked through the crowd, demonstrating his trust in God's protection. When Peter, one of his disciples, cut off the ear of a man trying to arrest Jesus, Jesus healed the injured man and explained that he could easily summon legions of angels if he chose. However, he chose the path of peace, knowing that his ultimate purpose lay in fulfilling God's plan.
Jesus's crucifixion stands as the ultimate example of meekness. He willingly submitted to suffering and death on the cross, not out of weakness but out of obedience to God and love for humanity. This act, the ultimate sacrifice, secured our salvation and demonstrated the incredible power of surrender.
Choosing meekness is not about becoming a doormat; it is about recognizing that true strength lies in aligning our will with God's. It is about surrendering our desire for control and trusting that God will provide for us, guide us, and empower us to live lives that bring him glory.
The world tells us to strive for power, to promote ourselves, and to demand our own way. But Jesus invites us to embrace a different path: the path of humility, gentleness, and meekness. This path may not be easy, but it is the path that leads to true fulfillment, both now and in the future. It is the path of inheriting the Earth, not through force or domination, but through becoming heirs of God's kingdom through our humble obedience to Him.
As you go through this week consider the example of Jesus. When you are faced with a situation where you are tempted to grasp for control, pause and listen for God’s voice. He is calling you to a better way, a way of peace, humility, and true strength. Choose meekness and the narrow path and discover the abundant life that awaits those who surrender to God's perfect plan.
Questions for Discussion
How does Jesus’s life and ministry exemplify the concept of power under control?
What is the significance of Jesus waiting until his Father's appointed time to begin his ministry?
What does it mean to be "poor in spirit" and how does this concept relate to meekness?
What does it mean to "inherit the earth" and how does meekness contribute to this inheritance?
What does Jesus's willingness to be crucified reveal about the nature of his kingdom?
In what ways does our culture promote values that directly oppose the concept of meekness?
What role does our identity as Children of God play in choosing meekness as a way of life?
What are the implications of choosing meekness and humility for both our present and future lives?
What are some practical ways we can "lay down" our desire for control in daily life?
How might embracing meekness influence the way others perceive Christians and Christianity?