The Analytical Framework

.... In our previous postings we've discussed the concept of True Representation in two parts: first, that Jesus spoke from the abundance of His heart, so that His words expressed His character truly; and second, that He was moved to action from the depths of His character, so that His deeds revealed His heart and mind as well:

.... "For every tree is known by its own fruit. For men do not gather figs from thorns, nor do they gather grapes from a bramble bush. A good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart brings forth evil. For out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks."

(Luke 6:44-45)

.... Understanding this concept allows us to glimpse of the mind of Christ beneath His words or deeds, as we trace them back to His heavenly character: the wellspring that produced them. To do this we might ask ourselves: "What is His heart like, and therefore He did what He did? Or what can we tell of His character through His words?" This approach is called a process of inversion, so let’s discuss it further by way of a helpful analogy:.

7 + 5 = ___

..... In the example above we have a simple math equation. We know there is a relationship between the first two numbers (7 & 5) and the third number, the total, which is still missing. As long as we understand this relationship to be so, we can easily surmise that the missing number is 12. It simply adds up. 7 + 5 = 12. But by using the mirror image of this same, basic logic we can also invert the process, working our way backward from the total toward the beginning:

.
7 + __ = 12

.

. ......................................or even,

.

__ + 5 = 12

.
.... Because we are sure that these three numbers are still related, we know that any two of them, considered together, will still help us understand the shape of the third. And through these examples we've gradually returned our focus to the original number, which is 7. Now let’s apply this analogy to our principle of true representation, to show how the words and deeds of Jesus become our starting point in the process of inversion, to eventually illuminate the underlying traits of His character:.

.
.........7...+ ..5...= ..12 ........

Character + terms of thought = living expression

.

.... Through this process, we understand that the words and deeds of Jesus (the 'living expression') are the product of His character in conjunction with His basic terms of thought, because there is always a clear relationship between these elements. This also means that, in order to work our way back from His His living expressions to His underlying character, we must also grasp an intermediate stage, His basic mindset, or the standard terms in which He thinks, so let's introduce them:

.

.... Jesus' terms of thought include two constant elements that will never change. These are His motivation and His perspective. In a purely intuitive sense, we've probably picked up on something about them already, but in another sense they may always seem to elude us, so we will begin to explore them further in our next postings. But in closing this posting, let's consider the ultimate purpose in discerning His subjectivity, which Jesus Himself went on to describe in the same passage:

.... "A disciple is not above his teacher, but everyone who is perfectly trained will be like his teacher."

(Luke 6:40)

.

.... In other words, Jesus was more to us than simply a teacher; by intention He is our very lesson. To be perfectly trained is to become like Him. So to grasp the underlying lessons of His character as the source of His words or deeds is to gain the great insights and keys to our own transformation, that we may eventually become like Him.

To proceed to the next lesson, click here

Daily Bible Reading: John 18