The Bottom Line, Ministries Christian News, Articles, & Poetry 
Jesus has certainly taught us a lot. Not just by His words, but by the example He led. Today I want to focus a bit on what he has taught us as men. Things that can help us in jobs, friendships, romantic relationships, and even in tough situations like on the job. So let’s take a few minutes to explore just a handful of the many ways Jesus has taught men to be MEN.
Never Hurt A Woman…And I Especially Mean Physically
Remember when those cats known as the scribes and Pharisees were trying to set up Jesus at the expense of a woman who was caught in adultery? I’m sure you do. He knelt down and wrote something in the dirt, then challenged the accusers that whoever was without sin should throw the first stone at the terrified woman. What happened next? The eldest to the youngest scurried away with their tail between their legs. Jesus then reassured the woman He was not going to condemn her and told her to “sin no more (John 8:3-11).” Wow, what a knight in shining armor Jesus was to this damsel in distress. We to should have the same attitude towards woman. Be that knight in shining armor for those dear women in your life!
Be Gracious To Others
Next, let’s look back at the woman with the alabaster jar of very expensive ointment. The woman was preparing Christ for what was to come. Some naysayers in the room were bothered by this, because the ointment could have been sold to help the poor. However, Jesus was gracious with the woman and silenced the complainers. He knew what was in the woman’s heart and that it was an act of love (Mark 14:3-8). Men, when a woman does something nice for you, be gracious. Even if she gives you a terrible gift, like an ugly pair of socks or an oversized tie, show some gratitude. Do you realize this was so special to Jesus, that He even wants it to be spoken of as a memorial with the Gospel (Mark 14:9)?
Present Yourself In An Interesting Way
One thing that can’t be denied is that Jesus was an interesting person. He told interesting stories, oftentimes parables, He spoke boldly, He stood up for what was right, and He never overlooked those who were often overlooked. Wow, what a guy? Could you imagine what are social life would be like if we completely followed in His footsteps?
Pay What You Owe
Something Jesus reminded us of was the importance of paying what we owe. If you recall, He was questioned as to whether taxes should be paid to Caesar. Of course, He made it clear that we are to pay what we owe to those we owe it to. He also reminded us the importance of giving unto God what is God’s (Matt 22:17-21). So, pay those bills, pay those debts, and pay those taxes. Be fair with your wages and God will likewise be fair with you.
Be Ready To Lay Down Your Life For Those You Love
John 15:13 Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.
Don’t you love that verse? Not only did Jesus say it, but He lived it. He willingly gave up his life on the cross for you, me, and anybody else who will believe (Luke 23:46, John 3:16). Sure, it may sound like a difficult task, but laying down your life doesn’t always mean dying physically. Sometimes it can mean making sacrifices for those we care about.
Love Your Enemies
One of the toughest lesson Jesus taught us was to love our enemies. Once again, He not only said it, but He also lived it. He shared with us the importance of turning the other cheek (Matt 5:39), and He even prayed on the cross for those men and women who came against Him, realizing they didn’t have a clue what they were doing (Luke 23:34). We too need to have the same approach to those who dislike us, even if it costs us our life.
Final Thought
Friends, being a man isn’t always easy, but Jesus showed us really how to be a MAN. There is so much we can learn from His life and apply it to our own. He didn’t just come to earth to die on the cross and save us, but He also came here to show us a better way. Thank you for reading and God bless.
What important life lessons have you learned from Jesus?
Great article. I’m always amazed in a culture in which women were viewed as third-class citizens how Jesus interacted with them. There was nothing condescending, improper, or condemnatory with Him. Like Dorothy Sayers noted, “It is no wonder that the women were first at the Cradle and last at the Cross. They had never known a man like this Man.”
Yes, Jesus set the standard. Certainly a good example to men today. Another story I considered adding to this article was about the woman at the well and Christ’s approach to her. However, I didn’t want to make the article anymore lengthy. Thanks so much for reading and your insight. God bless.
What a great article!
Glad you enjoyed it! God bless.
Enjoyed! Great insights.
Glad you liked the article. God bless.
Never hurt a woman. I can go with that. That is one of the golden rules. Never ever hit a woman.
Be gracious to others? I take that as do unto others as you would do unto yourself. Basically, be nice! This one should be shouted out on loud speakers twenty four hours a day!
Present yourself in an interesting way? Well, that is a tad different. For the most part everyone is interesting. Just depends on who you are talking to if you are interesting or not.
Pay what you owe. Out of all the things Joel listed, that is a big one. No one wants debt, it just tends to happen. However, as long as it gets paid off, all is good. (Feb)
Die for the ones you love. Easy to say, but hard to do! No one wants to die, but for the most part all of us would die for someone else and we all know it.
Love thy enemy. Ever heard that saying: Keep your friends close but your enemies closer. Same thing applies here. Sorta!
Even though those are good rules to follow, being a man does not entail just that. Being man means more that all that. Being a man means doing crap you don’t want to sometimes cause the wife asked you to. Being a man means playing a game with the kids even though you are hung over. Being a man means you drive 20 mins out of your way to take care of your dad. Being a man means you teach your kids the word of God and respect (if they do it is entirely different).
Being a man is more than just the things here. A man does what he needs to survive. A man has compassion and a man has a penis! Hahahaha Sorry.
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Mr. Nxs,
Thank you for your comment. The article wasn’t meant to be an exhaustive list of what Jesus taught us in terms of being MEN. If I were to write about that, it would take books. What I did want to do was highlight some of the important things I felt the Lord was leading me to share. You are also right about the many things you mentioned in the article. Being a man is a great responsibility, and filled with sacrifice. I think you pointed this out exceptionally well in your comment. Thank you so much for sharing. It’s always a pleasure to hear from you. God bless.