Follow the Leader

October 15, 2018

“I have set you an example . . . Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them.” John 13:15,17 NIV

The most powerful teaching is always done by example. The way our children pick up our mannerisms, expressions, perspectives, even as toddlers, provides amusement and sometimes chagrin as we see ourselves reflected in the little ones who watch us daily. We taught things we didn’t even know we were teaching, and sometimes are motivated to make a change.

Jesus deliberately left us a perfect example of how to live; how to relate to one another. He was here on this planet for 33 years. He lived in face-to-face proximity with His disciples for three years. They saw how He served, loved, gave, forgave, understood, yielded. They saw how He ordered His life, prioritized people, found strength from His primary relationship with His Father. They observed His compassion, His patience, His perseverance. They saw His responses on happy joyful days, celebrating at a wedding, for instance. They witnessed His care for His mother. They saw His courage and relentless love and forgiveness even on the cross. They saw His consistent example of love and devotion in the face of betrayal. After His resurrection, they personally witnessed the way He still believed in them after their abject failure to be who they wished in retrospect they had been.

The Jesus they witnessed said this: “I gave you the example of how to live. Now that you know, choose to live this way yourself. You will be BLESSED if you do.”

We tend to believe we will be cheated if we live a life of submission and surrender. Jesus says just the opposite. The One who loves us so much that He gave His very life for us says that the way to the fulfillment and blessing we crave is through living out His example.

• What about the example of Jesus do you personally most appreciate? What about His example do you find most challenging?
• What fear holds you back from following His example in that way? Why do you find it hard to believe that this will lead to blessing?
• Thank Jesus for His example of love to you and for His patience with you. Ask very directly and honestly for His help in overcoming your fear. Choose to do what is right and wise before you feel like it.