Jesus came to set an example
During these reflections on Christ’s first coming, we have given thought to Jesus as the Word that became flesh, to reveal God, redeem sinners and teach truth. We round out these reflections by thinking about God’s Son becoming flesh in order to be an example to all who believe on His name.
Of course, Jesus’ revealing and redeeming mission lies at the center of the Incarnation, but within the circle of His accomplishments is that of example setting.
Toward the end of the Gospel of John we read about Jesus washing His disciples’ feet. When He finished He told them, “I have given you an example, that you also should do as I have done to you” (13:15). Later in the New Testament we read, “Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in His steps” (1 Pet. 2:21).
Jesus shows us what a life pleasing to God looks like. From His example, we can learn how we might live so as to please God. Our enablement for Christlikeness is the truth in Colossians 1:27: “Christ in you.” We think of this as Christ, by the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, living through us the kind of life He exemplified in His earthly sojourn.
Enduring love
As our pattern, Christ set an example of enduring love. He loved His own to the end (John 13:1). He set an example in forgiving — He forgave a repentant thief who mocked Him on the cross. He gave an example of serving, saying, “I am among you as the One who serves” (Luke 22:27). He furnished a pattern of obeying, saying, “I have come down from heaven, not to do My own will, but the will of Him who sent Me” (John 6:38).
At the end He gave us an example of how to die when He said, “Father, into Your hands I commit My spirit” (Luke 23:46).
Let us ask ourselves, “As followers of Christ, what might we experience about which we would say, ‘It is enough?’” Jesus suggested a good response by His words in Matthew 10:25: “It is enough for the disciple to be like his teacher and servant like his master.”
Is it really enough for us to be more like our Master, who set the premier example of a God-pleasing life?
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