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JESUS CHRIST: OUR PERFECT EXAMPLE
Bible Text: John 13:3-16
Jesus, knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands, and that he was come from God, and went to God; He riseth from supper, and laid aside his garments; and took a towel, and girded himself. After that he poureth water into a bason, and began to wash the disciples’ feet, and to wipe [them] with the towel wherewith he was girded. Then cometh he to Simon Peter: and Peter saith unto him, Lord, dost thou wash my feet? Jesus answered and said unto him, What I do thou knowest not now; but thou shalt know hereafter. Peter saith unto him, Thou shalt never wash my feet. Jesus answered him, If I wash thee not, thou hast no part with me. Simon Peter saith unto him, Lord, not my feet only, but also [my] hands and [my] head. Jesus saith to him, He that is washed needeth not save to wash [his] feet, but is clean every whit: and ye are clean, but not all. For he knew who should betray him; therefore said he, Ye are not all clean. So after he had washed their feet, and had taken his garments, and was set down again, he said unto them, Know ye what I have done to you? Ye call me Master and Lord: and ye say well; for [so] I am. If I then, [your] Lord and Master, have washed your feet; ye also ought to wash one another’s feet. For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you. Verily, verily, I say unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord; neither he that is sent greater than he that sent him. (KJV)
INTRODUCTION
Today being another commemoration of the triumphant entry of our Lord Jesus Christ into Jerusalem, it calls for a reflection of what Jesus lived and died for. He is our example in everything.
The bible tells us that Jesus is the author and finisher of our faith – Heb. 12:2;
Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of [our] faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.
He is our road map, a perfect example our faith. He epitomizes all that we should live for as Christians. His life showed us how we should live ours – 1Pet. 2:21
For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps:
Today marks the beginning of what is known in Christendom as Passion Week, we need to reflect on some of those things Christ Himself had shown us by example.
SOME OF THE LESSONS FROM JESUS’ LIFE
· *God’s kind of love – Matt. 5:44, 46, Rom. 13:8-10
· *Being humble as Jesus Christ – Phi.2:6 – 11, James 4:10, 1Pet. 5:6
· *Be compassionate – Col. 3:12, 1John 3:17
· *Be persistent in God, even in the face of suffering – Heb. 2:9 – 10, 1Pet. 4:13, Rom. 8:18
· *Maintain godly and holy life style – Rom. 14:19, Heb. 12:14
FOLLOWING JESUS FOOTSTEPS
To become like Jesus, we must be ready to follow Him and do His will through the following three (3) simple steps:
· * Follow Him in His word.
· * . By the leading and the prompting of Holy Spirit – Rom 8:9;
But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.
· .* By the teachings and declarations of His servants – 2Chr. 20:20b, John 2:5 ;
And they rose early in the morning, and went forth into the wilderness of Tekoa: and as they went forth, Jehoshaphat stood and said, Hear me, O Judah, and ye inhabitants of Jerusalem; Believe in the LORD your God, so shall ye be established; believe his prophets, so shall ye prosper.
