[299 words]
There has never been a greater example on this earth of what we ought to strive for than Jesus the Christ. He has done all things well (Mark 7:37), and Christians desire to be conformed to His image (Romans 8:29). So as we seek to minister to the world around us, what characteristics of Christ’s ministry should we seek to imitate? Jesus taught:
Repentance. Jesus came to call sinners to repentance (Matthew 4:17; 9:13). Repentance means a change of mind followed by a change of action. We must conform our thoughts to God’s, and conform our actions as well. As Christians, we are duty-bound to imitate Jesus’ preaching on repentance (Luke 24:46-47; Acts 17:30).
Discipling. A disciple is a learner or imitator of another. Jesus called disciples by telling them to follow Him, and He promised to make them fishers of men (Matt. 4:19). He also told them the way to true discipleship is to abide in His word (John 8:31). As Christians, we are commanded to make disciples (Matt. 28:18-20). The teachings of Christ must be handed down (2 Tim. 2:2).
Healing. In addition to preaching repentance and making disciples, Jesus also healed (Matt. 4:23). This was confirmation of Old Testament prophecies of the Messiah (Matt. 8:16-17; Isaiah 53:4), and also an expression of His compassion (Matt. 14:14). While we cannot heal diseases, we should certainly express compassion (Gal. 6:1-2,10; James 5:19-20). We can also offer the life-saving gospel, which is able to save (Rom. 1:16).
If we call Jesus our great example, we should certainly go about preaching repentance, making disciples, and offering the healing gospel. Do you imitate Jesus in these ways?
Matt Clifton
BulletinDigest.com