Living According to Jesus' Teachings and Example Biblically
Living According to Jesus' Teachings and Example Biblically
Jesus' teachings and example are fundamental to Christian living. The Bible emphasizes the importance of following Jesus' example and teachings in various passages. In Matthew 16:24, Jesus instructs his disciples to "deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me" [2]. This call to discipleship involves self-denial, obedience, and a willingness to suffer for Christ's sake.
The New Testament writers emphasize the significance of Jesus' example for Christian living. In 1 Peter 2:21, believers are exhorted to "follow his steps" because Christ "suffered for us, leaving you an example" [5]. The author of Hebrews encourages believers to "run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith" (Hebrews 12:1-2). This involves stripping off "every weight, and sin which clings so closely" and persevering in the face of hardship [7].
The biblical concept of following Jesus involves several key elements. First, it requires a deep commitment to Jesus and his teachings. In John 6:57, Jesus says, "As the living Father sent me, and I live because of the Father; so he who feeds on me, he will also live because of me" [3]. This emphasizes the importance of abiding in Christ and living a life of devotion and obedience to God.
Second, following Jesus involves self-denial and a willingness to suffer for his sake. In Matthew 16:21, Jesus foretells his own suffering and death, setting an example for his disciples to follow [4]. The apostle Peter writes that believers are called to suffer as Christ suffered, and that they should "follow in his steps" (1 Peter 2:21) [5].
Third, living according to Jesus' teachings and example involves cultivating Christian graces such as love, humility, and obedience. The apostle John writes that "he who says he abides in him ought to walk just as he walked" (1 John 2:6) [6]. This involves living a life of devotion to God and benevolence to others.
The early Christian community understood the importance of following Jesus' example. The apostle Paul encourages believers to "live in a way that is pleasing to God, just as you have received from us" (1 Thessalonians 4:1) [1]. This involves striving for moral purity, humility, and obedience to God's commands.
Throughout history, Christians have sought to follow Jesus' teachings and example in various ways. Some have emphasized the importance of personal holiness, while others have focused on social justice and compassion. The Wesleyan tradition, for example, emphasizes the importance of "Christian perfection" and living a life of love and obedience to God [6].
Sources
- I Thessalonians “I Thessalonians 4:1 (BSB) — Finally, brothers, we ask and encourage you in the Lord Jesus to live in a way that is pleasing to God, just as you have received from us. This is how you already live, so you should do so all the more.”
- Matthew “Then Jesus said to his disciples, “If anyone desires to come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me. -- Matthew 16:24”
- John “As the living Father sent me, and I live because of the Father; so he who feeds on me, he will also live because of me. -- John 6:57”
- Matthew “From that time, Jesus began to show his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem and suffer many things from the elders, chief priests, and scribes, and be killed, and the third day be raised up. -- Matthew 16:21”
- 1 Peter “For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for us, leaving you an example, that you should follow his steps, -- 1 Peter 2:21”
- 1 John (Methodist/Wesleyan) “Adam Clarke on 1 John 2:6: Abideth in him - He who not only professes to have known Christ, but also that he has communion with him, and abides in his favor, should prove the truth of his profession by walking as Christ walked; living a life of devotion and obedience to God, and of benevolence and beneficence to his neighbor. Thus Christ walked; and he has left us an example that we should follow his steps. To be in Christ, Jo1 2:5, is to be converted to the Christian faith, and to have received the remission of sins. To abide in Christ, Jo1 2:6, is to continue in that state of salvation, grow”
- Hebrews (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Hebrews 12:1: 12:1-17 The author challenges his hearers to endure in following Jesus, the supreme example of faithfulness, by imitating him in his suffering (12:1-4), by enduring under God’s discipline (12:5-13), and by living in peace with others (12:14-17). 12:1 huge crowd of witnesses: The host of faithful followers of God (ch 11) bear witness to the truth that God blesses the life of faith. • let us strip off every weight: In Greco-Roman literature, a race is a metaphor for the need for endurance in life. Just as extra weight hinders a runner, sin . . . trips us up. It ent”