“And He took them in His arms and began blessing them, laying His hands on them.” – Mark 10:16 (NASB)
Jesus spent a lot of his time on earth teaching. However, he wasn’t just a teacher. He counseled, too. He sat with the people, listening and ministering to their physical and spiritual needs. He broke the bread, multiplied the fish, and blessed the children.
But Jesus uplifts typical counsel to wonderful heights, a fact we see illustrated in his interaction with the rich young man. When the man asks Jesus what he must do to inherit eternal life, Jesus looks at him and loves him (Mark 10:17-22). Jesus gives guidance knowing it won’t be heeded. He loves the rich young man, knowing he won’t be loved in return.
Jesus acts as counselor, yes, but he is the Wonderful Counselor. His words are trustworthy, true, and filled with love and compassion. When he asks us to sacrifice something, we can trust he knows what he’s doing.
We can rest, too, in the knowledge that he knows us, inside and out. He doesn’t simply offer words; he sits with us in our struggles and heartaches. He is a good, good counselor, and when he speaks, he speaks with loving kindness and truth.
