Jesus is caught up in controversy when his disciples pick grain on the Sabbath, violating Jewish traditions. While Jesus does not seek out controversy, he also does not avoid confrontation over important issues. The document examines examples from Jesus' life where he directly challenges people but does not condemn them, and discusses whether we trust Jesus enough to work as he did, getting personally involved and not avoiding difficult situations. It encourages emulating Jesus' example of being gentle but also willing to confront when needed.

1. More About Jesus Practical lessons dealing with people

2. Matthew 12 Jesus is caught up in controversy vs 1-8 Disciples don’t meet expectations about Sabbath day behavior vs 9-14 Jesus doesn’t avoid the controversy -“They” already have an agenda -Did Jesus know their response? -Mark 3:5 Jesus is passionate about this issue

3. Jesus does not pursue controversy -BUT- Jesus does not avoid confrontation vs 15-21 (quoting Isaiah 42:1-3) Matthew 12

4. Can we take a practical lesson from this example? -Philippians 4:5 Be gentle, Jesus is near -2 Timothy 2:24 Kind to everyone

5. Mark 5:8-19 Jesus could say NO John 4:16-18 Jesus is willing to get personal John 6:66 Jesus is not working from popularity Jesus Example:

6. John 8:11 Jesus does not condemn, BUT, there is direct challenge John 11:33-34 Jesus is not emotionally above it all Jesus Example cont’d:

7. Enough to let him work with us these ways? Enough to be like him? Enough to work like he did? Do we trust Jesus?