The Model for Manhood: Jesus

Throughout this series, A Much-Needed Conversation About Masculinity, we’ve been exploring a fundamental question: What does it mean to be a man who uses his masculine traits properly today?

I began by challenging the idea that masculinity itself is the problem. Masculine traits can be used in healthy or unhealthy ways. So the goal isn’t to suppress masculinity, but to learn how to develop and direct it toward something worthwhile.

In A Proper Vision for Masculinity and Manhood, I explored the differences between masculinity, manliness, and manhood. Then, in From Masculinity to Manhood: Now What?, I described the journey from immature boyhood to mature manhood.

Most recently, What Does It Mean to Be a (Godly) Man? distinguished between being a good man and becoming a godly man. A good man seeks to use his masculinity properly, whereas a godly man seeks to use those qualities in alignment with God and for the good of others.

And in Godly Men Follow Jesus, I suggested that Christians have the ultimate model of godly manhood right before us: Jesus Christ.

But what exactly can we learn from Him?

The Masculine Traits of Jesus

Jesus wasn’t simply a spiritual teacher. His life provides a powerful picture of what mature, godly manhood can look like.

Strength

Jesus demonstrated tremendous strength—but it was never about intimidation or domination. He confronted injustice. The Son of Man challenged religious hypocrisy. He endured suffering. Yet He also used His strength to serve and protect others.

Godly strength is strength under control.

Courage

Jesus wasn’t afraid to stand for what was right, even when doing so came with consequences. He confronted powerful people, entered difficult situations and ultimately accepted the cross. Jesus didn’t avoid difficult things when it was uncomfortable. He leaned into righteousness.

Godly courage means doing what is right even when it is hard.

Humility

Jesus possessed authority unlike anyone else, yet He willingly served others. He washed His disciples’ feet and repeatedly placed the needs of others ahead of His own status.

Godly leadership isn’t about being above others. It’s about being willing to serve them.

Compassion

Jesus noticed people others ignored. He cared for the sick, welcomed outsiders, showed mercy to sinners and had compassion for those who were hurting. Jesus cared deeply about everyone who needed it.

Godly compassion is not weakness or means you are less masculine. 

Integrity

Jesus didn’t live one way in public and another way in private. His words and actions were consistent. He told the truth, kept His commitments, and remained faithful to His mission.

Godly character is maintaining integrity even when nobody is watching.

Emotional Honesty

Perhaps surprisingly, Jesus wasn’t afraid to show emotion. He wept when Lazarus died. Jesus experienced anguish in the garden of Gethsemane. He expressed frustration, sadness, and compassion. He demonstrated that emotional maturity isn’t pretending we don’t have feelings.

Godly men learn how to acknowledge and manage their emotions without being controlled by them.

Sacrificial Love

Ultimately, Jesus demonstrated the greatest form of strength through sacrifice. He willingly gave His life for others.

That may be the defining characteristic of godly manhood: using what we have been given—not primarily for ourselves, but for others.

Becoming More Like Jesus

None of us will perfectly embody all of these traits because Jesus was the Only Perfect Man.

These traits—strength, courage, humility, compassion, integrity, emotional maturity, and sacrificial love—aren’t just qualities to admire in Jesus. They are qualities we are called to develop within ourselves.

So the goal is to become godly men who increasingly reflect His character—to strive for Christlikeness, not become men who struggle to achieve an impossible standard of perfection.

Godly Friends Know Proper Masculinity

We need friends who encourage us when we’re discouraged, challenge us when we’re drifting, hold us accountable when we’re wrong, and celebrate with us when we’re growing.

That brings this conversation about masculinity right back to where this series began.

The goal isn’t simply to become more masculine. The goal is to become better men who learn to use their masculine qualities well.

My next post explains how godly men learn to properly balance their inherent masculine traits with those traditionally associated as feminine.

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