The Heart of Jesus

This week as we continue in our study through Advent, we consider the heart of Jesus. How does Jesus describe his heart? What does the heart of Jesus serve as an anchor for? In other words, what is it the foundation or grounds of? Finally, where does the heart of Jesus lead us?

Jesus describes his heart as "gentle and lowly." His heart is the grounds for his invitation to come to him. "Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls" (Matthew 11:28-29). As we come to Jesus and learn from him, we pray that his heart is reflection in our church community. We believe, if our hearts move into greater alignment with his heart, that it could look like the following:

1) We would be honest, not hiding

2) We would be humble, not haughty

3) We would be helpful, not hurtful

4) We would be hopeful, not harsh or heavily critical

"You might know that Christ died and rose again on your behalf to rinse you clean of all your sin; but do you know his deepest heart for you? Do you live with an awareness not only of his atoning work for your sinfulness but also of his longing heart amid your sinfulness?" - Dane Ortlund, Gentle and Lowly