[274 words]
When thinking about the earthy life of Jesus Christ, it is nothing short of extraordinary. From His humble birth in a manger, to His ministry to the multitudes, we are fascinated by His composure, compassion and character. He reached out to the rich and the poor, the popular and unpopular, without partiality. Having the full measure of the Holy Spirit, He performed amazing healing miracles including bringing the dead back to life. Yes, when we consider the life of Jesus, it is remarkable.
Thus, the perceived dilemma of 1 John 2:3-6. “Now by this we know that we know Him, if we keep His commandments. He who says, “I know Him,” and does not keep His commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him. But whoever keeps His word, truly the love of God is perfected in him. By this we know that we are in Him. He who says he abides in Him ought himself also to walk just as He walked.” Walk (live) just as Jesus walked? How is that possible? Why would God ask us to do the impossible? The truth is, He never would.
Not only does this passage encourage us to be like Jesus, but there are others as well. Matthew 11:29, John 13:15, and 1 Peter 2:21 all tell us to exemplify the life of Christ. We do this by being humble, compassionate, giving, sacrificial, and possessing the servant’s attitude. We may not be able to heal the sick, raise the dead or walk on water, but we can take on the character of the Christ and thus be like Jesus!
Jay Launius
Maud church of Christ
Maud, TX