By His Example
Many years ago, I was trying to defend my faith to someone. I won’t name him but suffice it to say we did not see eye to eye on several Biblical topics. I made mention that Jesus came to be our example. He practically scoffed at me as he replied, “Jesus came to be our Savior!”
Of course, that is true, but true also is the fact that Jesus came to be our example.
Chapter 1 Peter 4 speaks of Christ our example.
“Therefore, since Christ suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves also with the same mind, for he who has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin, that he no longer should live the rest of his time in the flesh for the lusts of men, but for the will of God. For we have spent enough of our past lifetime in doing the will of the Gentiles—when we walked in lewdness, lusts, drunkenness, revelries, drinking parties, and abominable idolatries. In regard to these, they think it strange that you do not run with them in the same flood of dissipation, speaking evil of you. They will give an account to Him who is ready to judge the living and the dead.” 1 Peter 4:1-5 NKJV
Example #2 “You call Me Teacher and Lord, and you say well, for so I am. If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. For I have given you an example, that you should do as I have done to you.” John 13:13-15 NKJV
Example #3 “Therefore be imitators of God as dear children.” Ephesians 5:1 NKJV
Example #4
“For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow His steps.” 1 Peter 2:21NKJV
Example #5
“He who says he abides in Him ought himself also to walk just as He walked.” 1 John 2:6 NKJV
Example #6
“So He came to Nazareth, where He had been brought up. And as His custom was, He went into the synagogue on the Sabbath day, and stood up to read.” Luke 4:16 NKJV
Jesus is our example. Jesus is also our Teacher.
By His example Jesus taught us how love and how to serve. He taught us how to honor our parents. He taught us how to help the poor, to visit the sick and aged. Jesus taught us what was right. He taught us how and when to worship. He showed sympathy and empathy for others asking us to follow His example. He taught us respect. He taught and led by example. He showed His love and compassion for children and by doing so, showed how important it is to defend children. And Jesus taught us how to pray.
We know he prayed alone. Luke 5:16 tells us that Jesus often withdrew from the crowds and found a place where He could be alone to pray.
We know he prayed for others. John 17:9 says “I pray for them…for those whom You have given me…”
He taught us what to say to our Heavenly Father in Matthew 6:9-13.
And of course, Jesus is our Savior! The very name “Jesus” comes from the Hebrew Jehoshua, meaning “Jehovah saves”.
Jesus justifies us before His Father. Our justification means we are made right before God, even though we are sinners.
Jesus sanctifies us. Our sanctification is making us, or declaring us, holy before God our Father.
Jesus redeems us. Redemption is the very act of saving us from sin, error and evil.
Yes, Jesus is our Savior, but He was also our example. He is our example, and He is the only way by which we can approach the Father.
John 14:6 “Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.” NKJV
Be blessed today knowing that you are deeply loved by God.