Common Misconceptions About Christ's Example in Evangelism

The example of Christ is frequently cited in Christian discourse, particularly concerning evangelism, yet several misconceptions exist regarding its nature and application. One common misunderstanding is that Christ's fasting, such as during Lent, was primarily intended as an example for believers to imitate ^[6]. However, John Calvin argues that Christ's forty-day fast was not to set an example for others, but rather to demonstrate that his doctrine originated from heaven, marking the commencement of his gospel preaching ^[6].

Another misconception relates to the scope of Christ's example. While Christ's life provides a pattern for believers (1 Pet. 2:21; John 13:15) ^[2], his unique role as Mediator and the efficacy of his atoning work are distinct from his exemplary life. Calvin emphasizes that Christ's body was "delivered to death for our salvation" and that he extends it to believers as "food when he makes us partakers of it by faith" ^[3]. This highlights the salvific nature of his sacrifice, which is not merely an example to be followed but a redemptive act to be received ^[3]. Similarly, Charles Hodge points to hymns that emphasize the atoning power of Christ's blood, underscoring that his sacrifice is the means of salvation, not just a moral lesson ^[8].

Furthermore, some interpretations might overemphasize Christ's humility as an example to the exclusion of his divine authority. While Christ did speak of himself using "low and humble comparisons," such as comparing himself to a vine (John 15:1) ^[5], this humility does not diminish his divine nature or his unique mediatorial role. The apostle John records Christ "manifested forth his glory" through his first miracle at the wedding in Cana, a manifestation that could not be said of any mere creature ^[10]. This demonstrates that his actions, even those seemingly humble, were imbued with divine power and purpose ^[10].

The concept of Christ's predestination also clarifies his unique position. Thomas Aquinas explains that while God predestined both Christ and believers by the same eternal act, Christ's predestination is the "exemplar" for ours in terms of the "term and effect of predestination" ^[4]. This means that the ultimate goal and outcome of Christ's predestination serve as the pattern for what God intends for believers, rather than his life being a direct, imitable blueprint in every aspect ^[4].

In the context of evangelism, Christ's primary role was to "preach his own gospel" ^[9]. The term "evangelion" (good message) refers to the news that the Savior had come, and "evangelistai" (evangelists) were those who proclaimed this message ^[1]. Tertullian notes that Christians actively sought to "disseminate their doctrine throughout the whole world," itinerating through cities, villages, and country houses ^[7]. This underscores that Christ's example in evangelism is fundamentally about proclaiming the good news of his person and work, rather than solely demonstrating a particular lifestyle for others to emulate ^{[1, 7]}. His teaching and preaching were central to his mission, establishing the foundation for the spread of the gospel ^[9].

Sources

Easton's Bible Dictionary “Easton's Bible Dictionary: Gospels — The central fact of Christian preaching was the intelligence that the Saviour had come into the world (Matt. 4:23; Rom. 10:15); and the first Christian preachers who called their account of the person and mission of Christ by the term evangelion_ (= good message) were called _evangelistai (= evangelists) (Eph. 4:11; Acts 21:8). There are four historical accounts of the person and work of Christ: "the first by Matthew, announcing the Redeemer as the promised King of the kingdom of God; the second by Mark, declaring him a prophet, mighty in deed and word'; th”
Easton's Bible Dictionary “Easton's Bible Dictionary: Example — Of Christ (1 Pet. 2:21; John 13:15); of pastors to their flocks (Phil. 3:17; 2 Thess. 3:9; 1 Tim. 4:12; 1 Pet. 5:3); of the Jews as a warning (Heb. 4:11); of the prophets as suffering affliction (James 5:10).”
CCEL (Reformed) “John Calvin, Institutes of the Christian Religion, section 99: the efficacy and fruit of his nativity, death, and resurrection, eternal. All this Christ has elegantly expressed in these words, “The bread that I will give is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world” ( John 6:51 ); doubtless intimating, that his body will be as bread in regard to the spiritual life of the soul, because it was to be delivered to death for our salvation, and that he extends it to us for food when he makes us partakers of it by faith. Wherefore he once gave himself that he might become bread, when he g”
theology (Catholic (Scholastic)) “Aquinas, Summa Theologica, Third Part (Tertia Pars), Of the Predestination of Christ, Art. 3: Article: Whether Christ's predestination is the exemplar of ours? I answer that, Predestination may be considered in two ways. First, on the part of the act of predestination: and thus Christ's predestination cannot be said to be the exemplar of ours: for in the same way and by the same eternal act God predestinated us and Christ. Secondly, predestination may be considered on the part of that to which anyone is predestinated, and this is the term and effect of predestination. In this sense Christ's pr”
John (Nonconformist/Puritan) “Matthew Henry on John 15:1: Here Christ discourses concerning the fruit, the fruits of the Spirit, which his disciples were to bring forth, under the similitude of a vine. Observe here, I. The doctrine of this similitude; what notion we ought to have of it. 1. That Jesus Christ is the vine, the true vine. It is an instance of the humility of Christ that he is pleased to speak of himself under low and humble comparisons. He that is the Sun of righteousness, and the bright and morning Star, compares himself to a vine. The church, which is Christ mystical, is a vine (Psa 80:8), so is Christ, who ”
CCEL (Reformed) “John Calvin, Institutes of the Christian Religion, section 94: we also ever and anon meet with extravagant praises, lauding it as one of the cardinal virtues. 20. Then the superstitious observance of Lent had everywhere prevailed: for both the vulgar imagined that they thereby perform some excellent service to God, and pastors commended it as a holy imitation of Christ; though it is plain that Christ did not fast to set an example to others, but, by thus commencing the preaching of the gospel, meant to prove that his doctrine was not of men, but had come from heaven. And it is strange how men ”
Schaff ANF/NPNF (Patristic) “ANF Vol 4: Tertullian IV, Minucius Felix, Commodian, Origen — CHAP. IX.: But since he is manifestly guilty of falsehood in the statements which follow, let us examine his assertion when he says, "If all men wished to become Christians, the latter would not desire such a result." Now that the above statement is false is clear from this, that Christians do not neglect, as far as in them lies, to take measures to disseminate their doctrine throughout the whole world. Some of them, accordingly, have made it their business to itinerate not only through cities, but even villages and country houses,[”
CCEL (Reformed (Old Princeton)) “Charles Hodge, Systematic Theology, Vol. 2, section 103: and Congregationalists, and see what truths on this subject constituted and now constitute the, food and atmosphere of their religious life: — “Jesus, my God, Thy blood alone hath power sufficient to atone.” “To the dear fountain of Thy blood, incarnate God, I fly” “My soul looks back to see the burdens Thou didst bear, When hanging on the cursed tree, and hopes her sins were there.” “Ein Lämmlein geht und trägt die Schuld, Der Welt unnd ihren Kinder.” “Geh hin, nimm dich der Sünder an, Die auch kein Engel retten kann Von meines Zornes R”
Luke (Nonconformist/Puritan) “Matthew Henry on Luke 20:1: In this passage of story nothing is added here to what we had in the other evangelists; but only in the first verse, where we are told, I. That he was now teaching the people in the temple, and preaching the gospel. Note, Christ was a preacher of his own gospel. He not only purchased the salvation for us, but published it to us, which is a great confirmation of the truth of the gospel, and gives abundant encouragement to us to receive it, for it is a sign that the heart of Christ was much upon it, to have it received. This likewise puts an honour upon the preachers ”
John (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on John 2:11: manifested forth his glory--Nothing in the least like this is said of the miracles of prophet or apostle, nor could without manifest blasphemy be said of any mere creature. Observe, (1) At a marriage Christ made His first public appearance in any company, and at a marriage He wrought His first miracle--the noblest sanction that could be given to that God-given institution. (2) As the miracle did not make bad good, but good better, so Christianity only redeems, sanctifies, and ennobles the beneficent but abused institution of marriage; and Christ's whole ”

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