“Most people think of Jesus as a good example: a good man, a good teacher. And that He is! While Jesus is more than an example to follow, He is the perfect example of what humanity and obedience to God look like. Jesus not only commands us to be servants of one an-other, but also shows us what humble service looks like… Had Jesus only left us an example to follow, He would have done nothing more than reiterate the law of God. His example says, “Do this.” But looking back over biblical history, we see time and again that we ignore and defy God’s commands. We have not done His will, but rather our own. All of us have sinned and fall short of God’s standard of perfection, missing the goal of glorifying our Creator (Rom. 3:23). There is no exception; none is righteous (Rom. 3:10-18). Part of the good news of the gospel is that Jesus’ exemplary life was also one of substitution. He took the place of sinners to fulfill their responsibilities before the face of God. In every area that we have failed to keep God’s commands, Jesus succeeded. In our responsibility to love our neighbors, pray in all things, serve others, forgive those who hurt us, and obey the commands of God, Jesus never failed.”
– Joe Thorn
Reflection:
It is amazing to see in Jesus the perfection of humanity. God’s creation of human beings is amazing. Jesus is a picture of what humanity can be. How we relate to the example of Jesus is very important, though.
Before we can begin trying to be like Jesus, we first have to acknowledge how we are not like Him. The perfection of Jesus only displays our imperfection all the more. But thanks be to God, when we get honest about our sin and turn to Jesus for help, He meets us with compassion. Not only does Jesus help us, but He actually does for us what we cannot do for ourselves. The perfect obedience of Jesus can become our righteousness when we place our faith in Jesus.
And then, once we have received the perfection of Jesus, we can follow the example of Jesus–not as an attempt to be made right with God, but in order to enjoy life God’s way. The example of Jesus’ perfection is encouraging, rather than condemning, once we have received His righteousness as a gift. Resting in the perfection of Christ, we are set free to become more humane as we align our lives to His.
