Wednesday, January 3, 2024
Jesus replied, “Truly I tell you, the Son is not able to do anything on his own, but only what he sees the Father doing. For whatever the Fathe does, the Son likewise does these things. For the Father loves the Son and shows him everything he is doing, and he will show him greater works than these so that you will be amazed. John 5:19-20
We have just wrapped up the Christmas season where we celebrate the coming of the long-awaited Messiah, Jesus. As Jesus grew and lived here on earth, His life was a living example for us as to how we are to live out our lives as children of God.
Jesus was the Son of God and as the Son, His job was to do the will of His Father, God. Jesus knew God as His Father and His God. They are one and the same – both fully God. God the Father and God the son. They are different from each other, exist simultaneously, and yet they are perfectly joined together. The Father plans, the Son executes, the Spirit empowers. The Son does the will of the Father.
What makes Jesus worthy of following and why should we imitate Him? Jesus' death on the cross was the ultimate glorification of His Father God. His sacrifice allows us to be reconciled to God and to know Him in a personal and intimate relationship. Jesus is worthy of following as He is God the Son. Jesus modeled three important characteristics for us in His relationship with God: Submission, Obedience, and Ministry.
Submission – Jesus modeled submission for us in His perfect and willful submission to His Father. He follows the Father’s example, as we are to do. Surrendering to the Father and empowered by the holy Spirit.
Obedience – In His obedience, Jesus reveals the Father and He keeps His Father’s commands. God is glorified by the fruit we produce from our obedience with allegiance to Him.
Ministry – Jesus’ ministry was a result of His submission and obedience to His Father. Submission and obedience allow us to go outside of ourselves to minister to and love others. As we do this, we join Him in His mission, and He uses us to glorify Him.
Our key truth for this series is, "A Christ-centered life is living so that the personality and deeds of Jesus Christ naturally flow out of us wherever we live, work and play." As we live out Jesus with our lives every day, we glorify our Heavenly Father. Our lives should point back to Him. We also can more easily fulfill our purpose as believers to make disciples. Our lives are a living testimony to those around us that we know and meet along the way. Our lives, lived in a way in which the personality and deeds of Jesus flow out of us to those around us is the often the beginning point of sharing the Gospel with those in our lives every day.
