The popular image of Christ as ‘gentle Jesus, meek and mild’ simply will not do. It is a false image. To be sure, He was full of love, compassion and tenderness. But He was also uninhibited in exposing error and denouncing sin, especially hypocrisy. Christ was a controversialist. The Evangelists (gospel writers) portray Him as constantly debating with the leaders of contemporary Judaism. The purpose of studying His controversies is to make sure that the principles on which He took His stand are those which we are seeking to maintain today.
John. R. W. Stott, Christ the Controversialist, p. 49.
As we study the example of Jesus in conflict situations, it is important to remember that in at least one respect, Jesus was very different from us. He was always right! He saw the will of God absolutely and knew God’s mind completely. We, on the other hand, "see but a poor reflection" and can only "know in part" (1 Co 13:12)
Accordingly, certain aspects of Christ’s conflict style are not to be imitated by His disciples. We cannot take the role of teacher and Lord (as He could). We cannot speak with absolute confidence and omniscience (as He did). We cannot see the hearts of others and know with certainty their motives (as He had the ability to do).
There are, however, some characteristics of Christ in conflict we would do well to imitate. In particular, there are lessons for us to learn in the attitude Jesus took toward those with whom He clashed. At the heart of Jesus’ conflict style was a firm commitment to win people rather than arguments.
James Hinkle and Tim Woodroof, Among Friends, p. 154.
From Look at the Man, Copyright 1989, Tim Woodroof and Glen Gray, Lincoln Church of Christ, 820 N. 56th Street, Lincoln, NE 68504 - Used by permission