the Bible – God’s guide for life #9 Gospels not only place to find ‘the mind which was in Christ’

The Gospels are not the only place to find ‘the mind which was in Christ’’. The books of poetry and prophecy in the Old Testament often give us an insight into his attitude and thinking. David’s words in the Psalms are often seen as a foreshadowing of the actual thoughts and feelings of Christ in his own experiences a thousand years later. The opening words of Psalm 22,

“My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”

are quoted by Christ himself as he was crucified, and the following verses describe his inner response to that awful event. For example:

I am poured out like water,

            And all my bones are out of joint;

            My heart is like wax,

            It has melted within me.                                                                         (Psalm 22:14)

Other passages are not so obviously related to Jesus but it has been suggested that Psalm 119, which mentioned before, can be read as his thoughts in the years the Gospels say nothing about, between the ages of 12 and 30.

How can a young man cleanse his way?

By taking heed to your word.

With my whole heart I have sought you;

Oh, let me not wander from you commandments!

Your word I have hidden in my heart,

That I might not sin against you.

Blessed are you, O LORD!

Teach me your statutes. (Psalm 119:9-12)

Even if these are not the actual thoughts and prayers of Jesus himself they are certainly Christ-like. Almost every verse of this Psalm refers directly to the Scriptures, the “word”, “commandments” and “statutes” of God. It was on them that Jesus meditated and moulded his character. They were his guide to life.