Jesus Christ, mind of

The centre of Jesus Christ's thought, understanding and motivation, characterised by a total dedication to God. Christians are called upon to have the same mind as Christ.

The intellectual capacity of Jesus Christ's mind

In childhood

Luke 2:47 See also Luke 2:40, Luke 2:52

And all who heard Him were astounded at His understanding and His answers.

In adulthood

John 7:15 See also Matthew 7:28, Matthew 13:54 parallel Mark 6:2; Mark 1:22 parallel Luke 4:32; Mark 11:18

The Jews were amazed and asked, “How did this man attain such learning without having studied?”

Jesus Christ's mind was pure

Hebrews 7:26 The purity of Jesus Christ's mind is declared by his words and actions and by his oneness with God. See also Luke 1:35; John 10:30; Hebrews 4:15

Such a high priest truly befits us — One who is holy, innocent, undefiled, set apart from sinners, and exalted above the heavens.

Examples of Jesus Christ's use of his mind

In overcoming temptation

Matthew 4:4 parallel Luke 4:4; Deuteronomy 8:3; Matthew 27:42 parallels Mark 15:32, Luke 23:37

Against opposition

Matthew 22:18–22 parallels Mark 12:15–17, Luke 20:22–26

Jesus Christ's mind is more than intellect

His thinking is supported by prayer

Luke 6:12–13 See also Luke 5:16, Luke 22:41–43 parallels Matthew 26:39, Mark 14:35–36

In those days Jesus went out to the mountain to pray, and He spent the night in prayer to God. When daylight came, He called His disciples to Him and chose twelve of them, whom He also designated as apostles:

His thinking is tempered by understanding

Isaiah 11:2 See also Matthew 9:35–36; Luke 4:22; John 2:24–25

The Spirit of the LORD will rest on Him— the Spirit of wisdom and understanding, the Spirit of counsel and strength, the Spirit of knowledge and fear of the LORD.

His mind experiences anguish

John 12:27 See also Matthew 26:38 parallel Mark 14:34; Matthew 27:46 parallel Mark 15:34; Psalm 22:1; Luke 12:49–50, Luke 22:44; John 13:21

Now My soul is troubled, and what shall I say? ‘Father, save Me from this hour’? No, it is for this purpose that I have come to this hour.

Jesus Christ's mind is extraordinary

He has unusual insight

Mark 2:8 parallels Matthew 9:4, Luke 5:22 See also Matthew 12:25 parallel Luke 11:17; Luke 6:8, Luke 9:47; John 1:47–48, John 4:17–18, John 11:4

At once Jesus knew in His spirit that they were thinking this way within themselves. “Why are you thinking these things in your hearts?” He asked.

He understands the future

Mark 8:31 parallels Matthew 16:21, Luke 9:22 See also Matthew 26:21 parallel Mark 14:18; Luke 22:34, Luke 22:37; Isaiah 53:12; John 3:14, John 4:49–50, John 13:33, John 18:4

Then He began to teach them that the Son of Man must suffer many things and be rejected by the elders, chief priests, and scribes, and that He must be killed and after three days rise again.

Jesus Christ's mind did not know all things

Matthew 8:10 parallel Luke 7:9; Mark 9:21, Mark 13:32

Jesus Christ's strength of mind made him resolute

Luke 9:51 See also Matthew 27:14 parallel Mark 15:5; John 6:6, John 12:27

As the day of His ascension approached, Jesus resolutely set out for Jerusalem.

Jesus Christ's mind was not always understood

Mark 9:32 parallel Luke 9:45 See also Mark 3:21–22; Luke 2:50, Luke 18:34; John 3:10, John 8:27, John 12:16

But they did not understand this statement, and they were afraid to ask Him about it.

Christians should have the same mind as Christ

In his attitude

1 Peter 4:1 See also 1 Corinthians 2:16; Isaiah 40:13; Philippians 2:5, Philippians 3:8; Colossians 2:2–3

Therefore, since Christ suffered in His body, arm yourselves with the same resolve, because anyone who has suffered in his body is done with sin.