We learn by example. Somewhere around six weeks, babies learn how to smile. It’s an epic moment the first time that toothless little grin crosses our child’s face, brings us so much joy! And it’s because they have seen us smile. Laughing, talking, walking, playing, loving, working, and appropriate ways to relieve ourselves are lessons that we learn by the faithful examples of those who bring us up. God knew this, so when Jesus came to earth, Jesus did nothing on His own authority, but obeyed His Father God in everything, so He could teach us: by example.
Jesus obeyed his earthly parents as a child.
Jesus was baptized.
Jesus prayed.
Jesus was led by the Holy Spirit.
Jesus resisted the temptation of the devil.
Jesus worshipped regularly in His faith community.
Jesus treated everyone as equals whether woman, man, or child, clergy or laity, poor or rich, sick or well, disabled or able-bodied, sane or mentally ill, wise or foolish, Jew or Gentile.
Jesus was friendly and built relationships with other people.
Jesus received seekers.
Jesus always saw people’s souls, saw their spiritual potential.
Jesus called people to repent and follow Him.
Jesus led people to God.
Jesus rebuked sin, false teaching, and missed opportunities.
Jesus showed people how to repent of bad choices and gave them the power to be transformed to new life.
Jesus forgave sins.
Jesus taught others about God privately and publicly.
Jesus told stories and parables, and explained them.
Jesus healed people, fed people, and opposed the devil, casting demons
out of the lives of others.
Jesus raised people from the dead.
Jesus rested.
Jesus celebrated, smiled, and laughed.
Jesus predicted His own death and what it would mean.
Jesus loved others, and laid down His life for them.
Jesus promised the Holy Spirit would come on all believers.
Jesus promised eternal life for all who believe in Him.
Jesus spoke only what the Father told Him to speak.
Jesus did only what the Father told Him to do.
Looking down this list, we know that Jesus – the divine Son of God – did not have to do all the things He chose to do. But He obediently set the example of what it means to live for God every day in prayer and devotion, how to build relationships with others, how to share our faith in words and in deed, and how to just live well with seasons of learning, of worship, of work, of rest, and of celebration. Dwight L. Moody said, “The world has yet to see what God can do with a man fully consecrated to Him.” Much as I hate to disagree with Moody, we have all seen what God can do with someone fully consecrated to Him; that someone was Jesus. It boils down to one word: obedience. What would Jesus do? Obey.
Prayer: O Holy Father, let us look down this list of Christ’s examples, and pick just three to start doing every day. As Jesus obeyed you, let us obey. We pray in His name, amen.