Jesus, Our Perfect Example - I

Jesus of Nazareth left us an example to follow according to Peter. He wrote, "For hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, that ye should follow his steps (I Peter 2:21). Peter used two illustrations to emphasize our need to imitate Jesus; the example He left, and the steps we should follow. Certainly Jesus, as the only sinless person, is worthy of imitation in every aspect of life, but Peter specifically writes about following the example in suffering. By following His steps through the trials and temptations which come with persecution, we will not allow Satan to win the battle for our souls. But how do we do this?

Peter wrote how He reacted, "Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth: Who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not; but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously" (I Peter 2:22,23). Jesus did not use "guile", that is deceptive speech. He also did not return abusive language (revile) when it was used against Him. The question is how can we develop the attitude that reacts this way?

A thorough knowledge of the Scriptures is important as Jesus demonstrated in Matthew 4 and Luke 4. But knowledge of the Scriptures is not enough. Many people know what the Bible teaches, some even have memorized large portions of it, but they do not show any effects of it in their daily lives. What must accompany the study of the Bible is the development of the mind of Christ as described in Philippians 2:5-8. Paul wrote,

Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: 8And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name.

The mind of Christ is one of selflessness and service. Consider the following thoughts from Paul’s inspired words. First, Jesus was God (see John 1:1-3) with all the rights and authority of God. He was equal with the God the Father and the God the Holy Spirit. Yet He surrendered that equality. The A. S. V. translation said He "counted not the being on an equality with God a thing to be grasped" instead of the King James "thought it not robbery." What Paul is saying is Jesus was willing to "let go" of His equality with the Father and Holy Spirit, surrender it, and become a man. This is where the child of God must begin, with this mind set. The first sin came about in part because Eve desired to become God. The example of Jesus begins with the surrender of His position as God. The child of God must surrender, put away, "me." Far too many times problems within the church are a result of an attitude the opposite of Jesus.

Second, when Jesus surrendered His position of ultimate authority He became a servant. Not only to God, but also to humanity. He came to earth with the every right to demand service from humanity, but instead He came as a servant to humanity. Mark records Jesus saying, "For even the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many" (Mark 10:45). If the Creator of the universe came serve mankind, the created, then the child of God should be able to serve mankind. The key is humility. Jesus opened the sermon on the mount with the necessity of humility when He said, "Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven" (Matthew 5:3).

Continued next week, Lord willing. Denny.