The Marks of Jesus: a study for fellowship groups
We are looking at some of the characteristics displayed in the life of Jesus which should 'rub off' onto our lives if we really are his followers. This and subsequent studies are integrated into a program of subjects at Ebe that includes All Age Worship services and Celebrations as well as fellowship groups. The part numbers refer to positions in the overall series rather than studies only.

Paul, in writing to the Galatian church, said "I bear on my body the marks of Jesus. (Gal 6:17)" and this is the starting point of our whole winter program. Paul writes of a thorn in the flesh given to him to keep him from becoming conceited (2 Cor 12:7-9) and to teach him dependence on the grace of God, but this was not one of the marks of Jesus. Probably the beatings and other physical suffering which he had endured (2 Cor 11:20-30), identifing him in some measure with what Jesus endured before the crucifixion (Mt 27:26), may have been partly what Paul has in mind. In this series however, we shall be looking at a number of the character traits which marked the life of Jesus and which should mark our lives as well.

At Ebe we encourage members to read the Bible for themselves as a daily habit, asking God to speak to them from it. Our bookstall, as well as Christian Bookshops, give opportunity to examine and purchase well presented material for regular use. One of these, Every Day with Jesus ("EDJW") is arranged in 2-month booklet form that has previously (1985) covered material similar to that in our current series, and now again does so in the Sept-Oct 2001 booklet "The Owners Stamp" (£1.75).

The Mark of Forgiveness (part 2) Not harbouring resentment (Rom 12:9-21 ) published 9/9/2001

Jesus gives an example in forgiveness. He not only died on the cross for the sins of the world so that it would be possible for us to be forgiven by a righteous and holy God (Acts 2:38; 5:30-31; 13:38), but also showed an amazing spirit of forgiveness, even in his moment of greatest torment on the cross as he looked down on those arranging or assenting to his crucifixion. He said, "Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing (Lk 23:34)".
Q1 How many of us have not harboured a grudge at some point because we have felt wronged? Perhaps members of the group could dare share an instance of this having happened.

Q2 As we think of occasions when this may have happened, has resentment helped anyone? Have we been any better for it? Has the one against whom it has been held benefited?

Read the passage. (There are lots of other issues apart from today's subject, raised in this passage. Where time permits, some of these may also be discussed)

There's a straightforward command here to bless those who wrong us (12:14). It's a call to do as Jesus did, no more, no less. This is often a very hard thing to do, even at the level of thought processes and in our own private prayer time. Much more difficult if it has to be verbalised with the offending person (Num 6:24-26) or even involves some action on our part (Lk 24:50).

We are encouraged to recognise and meet the needs of those who have wronged us (12:20), and implicit in doing so is a witness to our faith and the understanding of forgiveness that we have.

Q3 What, in one word,according to the passage, is the motivation for this forgiving spirit (12:9)?

There are several references in our passage (12:9,17,19,21) to the possibility of 'getting our own back' and it'll be odd if we have not at least been tempted at some time to do just that. We'll be considering revenge in part 3 at All Age Worship.

An important word in the passage (12:9) is the word sincere. If we don't really forgive the person who we hold to have wronged us, but only make outward adjustments which give that impression, then it is likely that anger is building up inside us and needs to be dealt with. Anger per se is not always wrong. Jesus was angry with the actions of the money changers at the Temple (Mk 11:15,16) but it was not anger directed at the person, nor a response to the way he was being treated himself, but anger at the undermining of the provision for worship. Our anger is often with people rather than with actions or events, and often is also allowed to fester rather than being dealt with (Eph 4:26). Members of the group will know when this is a problem for them to sort out in their lives. Perhaps it should be shared and prayed about with someone else from the group before leaving today!

Q4 What have we learned from this passage which we can take with us into the next week?