Jesus Is... (Entry #4)

For those who may have not read previous posts, I am going through traits or characteristics of Jesus that I found while reading through the book of John recently.  I will recap each week so you can see the complete list, but would also encourage you to read past entries as well if any or all of these interest you.  I figured that if the Bible calls us to be life Christ, then we should understand what He was truly like when he was on Earth.Trait #1: Jesus is the Word (John 1:1-2)Trait #2: Jesus is All Accepting (John 1:12)Trait #3: Jesus Loves the Church (John 2:17)Trait #4: Jesus is a Teacher (John 3:1-21)Trait #5: Jesus is a Man of Action (John 4:7)Trait #6: Jesus is The Truth (John 5:24)Adding two more this week...Trait #7: JESUS IS CARINGJohn 6:5 - "When Jesus looked up and saw a great crowd coming toward him, he said to Philip, 'Where shall we buy bread for these people to eat?'"How easy is it for us to only care about ourselves in stressful times?  I had the honor of serving at a youth camp this week as a counselor.  It was hosted by the famous Christian music artist TobyMac (maybe you remember him from his old band 'DC Talk' in the 90's).  I am always amazed that he gives his week to these kids and spends time with them throughout the day.  When 70 kids come running towards him all day and they all want an autograph or a picture or for him just to say something to them, he doesn't focus on a couple and then go hide away, he stands there for as long as he needs to to talk to them all.Its very easy for us to want to shy away from the crowd and get some "alone time" or worry about ourselves.  Jesus was always outward focused.  Think about the scene.  Jesus had to be hungry himself, and he saw many people coming towards him.  The first thought He had was what are they going to eat?.  How much different would things be if EVERYONE acted this way.  If we all cared more about the people around us than we did ourselves, and found ways to serve others.  Look closely at the words.  He didn't ask where can THEY buy bread for themselves to eat...He said, "where shall WE buy bread for these people..."  Jesus wanted to serve them, and He knew a miracle was going to happen as a result.  Just trust God and act as Jesus did and more often than not, a miracle will follow!Trait #8: JESUS IS A PROBLEM SOLVERJohn 6:11 - "Jesus then took the loaves, gave thanks, and distributed to those who were seated as much as they wanted. He did the same with the fish."What was the problem?  There wasn't enough food. The easy answer would have been...oh well, that's too bad.  He could have just let them deal with it or go hungry.  But back to Trait #7...He cared too much.  This happened in Jesus' life a lot.  He would come across something that was a problem, and He would solve it, not leave it for someone else to solve.  His love for people turned Him into a problem solver.  Whether it was turning water to wine at a wedding, or healing friends, or raising people from the dead.  People knew were to go to if they had a problem.Do we really know where to turn to if we have a problem?  Sometimes I feel like we believe its not that big of a problem.  Or its nor important enough.  Maybe we just haven't gotten the answer we wanted in the past so we have stopped asking.  Whatever the reason is, you just need to know these two things....JESUS CARES FOR YOU and JESUS WANTS TO SOLVE YOUR PROBLEM.  But He wants you to ask. So today/this week I would encourage you to walk this out.  Find ways to care for and serve people like Jesus did.  Maybe its the exact same situation...go buy someone's meal when they don't expect it.  You could very well be solving a problem that someone else is having.  YOU can be the hands and feet of Jesus to show His love!  There are lots of problems that need to be solved, so you have plenty of opportunities, just keep your eyes open and be willing to act when called on!