We are called to follow Jesus’ example on earth. He is our example, or pattern, of godliness and holiness. In order to model ourselves after Jesus, we must first comprehend what He was called to do.
Jesus had prophetic Scriptures to fulfill, and He was very aware of those Scriptures. Let’s turn to the Bible and explore this topic.
- The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me, because the Lord anointed me to bring good news to the humble; He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim release to captives and freedom to prisoners . . . (Isa 61:1 NASB)
- The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to set the oppressed free. (Lk 4:18 NIV)
- The blind see and the lame walk; the lepers are cleansed and the deaf hear; the dead are raised up and the poor have the gospel preached to them. (Mt 11:5 NKJV)
Jesus came to bring the good news of salvation to mankind. He was sent to heal the brokenhearted, release the captives, heal the lame and blind and deaf, and to declare freedom to the prisoners of evil.
- But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light. (1 Pet 2:9 NIV)
We are told in 1 Peter, chapter 2, that we who have accepted Christ as our Savior and Lord are a chosen people, called out of darkness into His marvelous light. As His royal priesthood, we are called to live holy, righteous lives that shine before all men to the glory of God.
In imitating Christ, not only should we desire to act as He did, but to do so with the same purity of character and the motivations of LOVE for His Father in heaven and for the people to whom He ministered. Without the correct heart attitude and inspiration, our actions would become a mere parody of our Lord’s. In order to fulfill our calling, we need to maintain a profound relationship with our Redeemer—a living relationship clearly conspicuous by our obedience, submission and love for the Lord. Such an ongoing relationship coupled with an honorable character will result in a life of true service to the Lord and to His Kingdom. God bless you!
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