Four Fundamental Qualities of Jesus
Text: Matthew 22:16
Introduction
A. Testimony from the Shadows In the Word of God, we find a fascinating phenomenon: even the enemies of Jesus were forced to acknowledge His extraordinary virtues. In an attempt to trap Him, the Herodians and disciples of the Pharisees approached Him saying:
“Teacher, we know that you are true and teach the way of God in truth, and you do not care about anyone's opinion, for you are not swayed by appearances” (Matthew 22:16).
B. The Call to Imitate As followers of Christ, we are not merely fans of His biography; we are called to be imitators of His character. The Apostle Paul exhorts us: "Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ" (1 Corinthians 11:1).
C. Four Pillars of Character Today, we will dissect the four fundamental qualities revealed in this text:
1. Jesus is Truthful.
2. Jesus is the Teacher of the way of God.
3. Jesus did not seek the favor of men.
4. Jesus is Impartial.
D. Essentiality These qualities are not optional "extra-credit" for the Christian life; they are essential for every believer who desires to please God.
I. Jesus is Truthful
A. The Testimony of Integrity The Herodians declared, "We know that you are true." To be truthful (veraz) means to be genuine, honest, and without deceit. Scripture confirms this in 1 Peter 2:22, stating that in Him, "no deceit was found in his mouth."
B. The Divine Nature Truthfulness is not just something Jesus did; it is who He is. God’s nature is rooted in truth:
• John 3:33 — God is true.
• Titus 1:2 — God cannot lie.
• Hebrews 6:18 — It is impossible for God to lie. Lying is contrary to the very fabric of His holy nature.
C. Doctrinal Application If truth is from God, the lie has a dark origin: the devil (John 8:44). Revelation 21:8 warns that all liars will have their part in the lake of fire. Therefore, a believer must speak the truth because it reflects the Father and avoids divine judgment (Psalm 52:5).
D. Practical Application We must cultivate truthfulness in the home, in the church, and in our business dealings. To be truthful is to be a living mirror of Christ.
II. Jesus: Teacher of the Way of God
A. His Mission Jesus did not come to provide human philosophy; He came to teach the way of God in truth. He famously declared: "I am the way, and the truth, and the life" (John 14:6).
B. Divine Source Jesus emphasized that His teaching was not His own invention but came from the Father who sent Him (John 7:16–17; 6:38). He did not offer opinions; He offered revelation.
C. Doctrinal Principle The Church is called to follow this pattern. Like Paul, we must proclaim "the whole counsel of God" (Acts 20:27). We do not preach human innovations, but the inspired Word.
D. Practical Application
• Do not adapt the message to please the culture.
• Do not dilute the truth to make it "easier" to swallow.
• Do not preach human traditions as divine commands. A true disciple teaches God's way, not their own.
III. Jesus Did Not Seek the Favor of Men
A. Fidelity Over Popularity The text says Jesus did "not care about anyone's opinion." This doesn't mean He was rude, but that He was uncompromising. He did not soften the message to avoid the Cross; He confronted sin with love and absolute truth.
B. The Apostolic Pattern Paul understood this deeply. In Galatians 1:10, he writes: "For am I now seeking the approval of man, or of God?... If I were still trying to please man, I would not be a servant of Christ." Our goal must be to please God, who tests our hearts (1 Thessalonians 2:4).
C. Spiritual Reality We must accept that the Gospel often produces division (Luke 12:52–53). Not everyone will celebrate the truth.
D. Practical Application We must refuse to sacrifice doctrine for social acceptance. Seeking to please men leads to compromise; seeking to please God leads to faithfulness.
IV. Jesus Was Impartial
A. God Shows No Partiality The Herodians noted that Jesus did "not look at the appearance of men." Acts 10:34 confirms that God shows no partiality. Jesus treated the rich and the poor, the Jew and the Gentile, with the same standard of justice.
B. The Command to the Church Partiality is labeled as sin in James 2:1–9. We are warned not to show favoritism based on wealth or status. To do so is to contradict the very character of God.
C. Doctrinal Warning The unjust—those who practice favoritism and prejudice—will not inherit the kingdom of God (1 Corinthians 6:9).
D. Practical Application There should be no "cliques" or favoritism in our local churches. Whether in our social circles or our business decisions, our judgments must be based on truth, not on social status or personal benefit.
- How to Respond to Criticism
- What does the book of proverbs say about women?
- What happens to those who have gone in the way of Cain?
Conclusion
Jesus remains our perfect model. Even His enemies could see that He was True, a Faithful Teacher, God-pleasing, and Impartial.
If we claim to follow Him, these four qualities must define our lives. We cannot claim to be "Christians" (little Christs) while walking in lies, seeking human applause, or practicing discrimination. Let us repent where we have failed and ask the Holy Spirit to conform us into the image of the Son.
