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Jesus, Our Example

Sermon by  Thomas Thornhill Jr

Passage: Philippians 2:5

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Editor’s note: This past week I was preaching a gospel meeting.  Because of a late return following this effort, there are no prerecorded messages associated with this lesson.  I hope to post to the live audio recording.  Thank you for your patience.  TATJR
P.S. This is also the 4th Sunday (our singing) which means there will be no Sunday evening sermon.

Jesus, Our Example

This past week I presented a series of lessons in Wichita, KS about being proper examples.  It was based on a theme I presented here in 2019.  Today I would like to share one of the lessons I presented.  I would like to talk about being proper examples by focusing on how Jesus is to be our example.

We must NEVER underestimate the power of being a proper example.  A fact we must continually remind ourselves of is that we are being watched.  You ARE being an example to others and very likely someone(s) is being an example to you.  WHAT does that example say about your relationship with Jesus?

Years ago, a popular fad among professed believers was to show the logo, WWJD. It was everywhere – on t-shirts, bumper stickers, billboards, etc.  It stood for “What Would Jesus Do?”  While it is certainly possible to abuse that phrase, as many do today to justify immoral practices, relationships and doctrines, the sentiment is very Biblical and even needed.  In all we do, we need to look to the example of Jesus.  Thus, when in a difficult circumstance, we should ask, “What would Jesus do?”  BUT, let us ensure that the way we answer is true to what God’s word actually says.  I want us to keep this in mind as we consider our ultimate example, Jesus Christ.

1. Imitate Christ
   1. There are many passages that simply challenge us to follow the example of Jesus.
   2. Matthew 4:19 – Jesus invited His disciples to follow Him – “Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men”. It was an invitation to learn from Him.
   3. Matthew 10:38 – warns that whoever does not take up his cross and “follow Me” is not worthy of eternal life.
   4. 1 Corinthians 11:1, “Imitate me, as I also imitate Christ.”
   5. 1 Thessalonians 1:6, Paul commended these brethren because “you became followers of us and of the Lord…”
   6. Hebrews 12:1-2 – we are to be looking to Jesus. In our race for life, Jesus is at the finished line (having already run the race).
   7. 1 John 2:6 – he who says he abides in Him, ought to walk just as He walked. Self-explanatory.
   8. Matthew 28:19-20 – go “make disciples” (NKJV), note what we are called upon to do – obey the gospel and “teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you. What is disciples – a learner who follows.
2. How Jesus is Our Example
   1. Obviously, in every aspect of His life, we can learn from Him. But there some occasions where He is specifically referred to as an example. That will be the focus of the rest of our lesson.
   2. Hebrews 3:1-2 – He was faithful to God who appointed Him, Jesus is described as “the Apostle and High Priest of our confession, Christ Jesus.” He was faithful to God who appointed Him, just as Moses was.
      Faithfulness is the idea of being dependable and trustworthy.  One who can be counted upon to do as requested and expected.  There is a need for faithfulness in our lives.   1 Corinthians 4:2 speaks of a steward being found faithful.  When we stand before God, we want to hear, “Well done good and faithful servant,…enter into the joy of your lord.” (Matthew 25:21 & 23) This was said to the 5 & 2 talent servants who were faithful to their master.
      Consider this: To whom did God say, “I am well pleased” twice? Jesus (Mathew 3:17, 17:5).
      Again, this dark world desperately needs to see what true faithfulness involves.  When Jesus is shining in us, they will see faithfulness.
   3. Philippians 2:5-8 – humility is a foundational quality that we all need. We need it as we approach God, as we deal with others and even as we consider our own personal standing.
      There is no greater example of humility than Jesus.  In heaven, He did not consider it robbery to be equal with God (because He was), but He left heaven and became flesh, not to live as royalty, but as a common man, without sin, He died for us on the cross.
      Is it any wonder we need to follow His example?  How many did Jesus influence in the dark world where His light was shining because of His humble disposition?  How about us? 1 Peter 5:5-6 calls for us to humble ourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt us.
   4. Ephesians 5:1-2 – walk in love, as Christ also has loved us and given Himself for us. Paul challenges us to be imitators of God (follow His example) and to walk in love.  We walk AS Christ also has loved us.  There is no greater example of true love than that of Jesus.  John 15:12-13, was a call to His disciples to love one another, even as He loved them (and us).   This was the same occasion where He noted our love for one another is an example to the world – John 13:34-35.
      Later, in 1 John 3:16, John will note that we know love, because He laid down His life for us.
      Christian love is critical to every relationship we are in – whether it be our family, brethren, friends, neighbors, or even our enemies – we need the love of Christ dwelling in us.  1 Corinthians 13:4-8 describes that love.
   5. John 13:15 – an example in serving. This was also the night of His betrayal as His disciples were likely arguing about greatness among themselves, Jesus washed their feet.  Then He asked them if they knew what He had done.  His answer to them was our text.  Just as He served, we are called upon to serve one another.  Matthew 20:25-28, on an occasion leading up to the Jerusalem entrance, Jesus is dealing with arguing disciples and calls for us to be servants noting, “just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.”
      IF we will learn to serve others as Jesus did, we will have much greater opportunity to share the word of God with them.  Remember this saying, “People don’t care how much you know, until they know how much you care.”  You show that you care by serving.
   6. 1 Peter 2:21-23 – in suffering (Hebrews 12:2-3 – He endures hostility). One of the greatest examples for us was the willingness of Jesus to suffer as He did.  The cross was torture.  And for Jesus, that was just the culmination.  He endured suffering in many different ways because of His love for us.
      In Matthew 10:24-25 he warned that a disciple is not above his teacher.
      Again, our example is demonstrated to others by what we are willing to endure for Him.  People are watching to see how we deal with adversity.  When we are suffering, think of Jesus.  That is one of the great points of 1 Peter (suffering and submission).  Consider 1 Peter 3:13-17.
   7. Colossians 3:13 – In a passage where Paul is challenging us to be holy and act like brethren, among the things he calls for us to do is forgive one another, “even as Christ forgave you, so you must do.”
      Again, we find our ultimate example dealing with an attitude and action is not easy to do, but oh so needed.  Look at the bitterness around us in society and the hateful way people are treating each other.  We are witnessing an unwillingness to forgive, regardless of how long ago they did something.  While there is more to the attitude than that, it shows how broken and DARK this society is.
      IF we want to be forgiven by God, we must be willing to forgive (Matthew 6:14-15).  Jesus taught it!  AND He lived it! Luke 23:34, while on the cross, Jesus uttered those words, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do.”
3. Jesus took note of the example of others
   1. Throughout the ministry of Jesus, we read of numerous individuals that He interacted with. Many showed great faith and other godly qualities.  Jesus was quick to recognize them.
   2. Mark 12:41-45 – the widow with two mites. We often quote this to observe that God doesn’t view giving the same way that man does.  But consider also that Jesus noticed this widow and commended her conduct.  Jesus appealed to her example of the heart of proper giving.  She helps us to better understand that God loves a cheerful giver (2 Corinthians 9:7).
   3. Mark 14:3-9 – when Mary anoints Jesus feet with a very costly oil. The disciples are critical of the action, observing the oil could have been sold and helped the poor.  But Jesus commends her for her example and act of honor to Him.  Further He notes that “she has done what she could.”
      There is something to learn from that expression alone – we need to do what we are able to do.
      Consider especially vs. 9, Assuredly, I say to you, wherever this gospel is preached in the whole world, what this woman has done will also be told as a memorial to her.”   Her EXAMPLE is recorded for all of history to learn from it.
   4. Luke 7:36-39 – Jesus is visiting with Simon, a Pharisee for a meal. A woman from the city came in and stood at His feet weeping.  She began to wash His feet with her tears and to wipe them with her hair.  Simon was indignant, and observed that if Jesus were a prophet, he would know that this woman was a sinner.  But Jesus used the occasion to teach about forgiveness, gratitude and hospitality.  In 7:44ff He said, “Do you see this woman?”  He then proceeded to contrast her humble act and his failures.  Jesus, ON THE SPOT, observes her example.  AND then He forgives her sins and commends her faith.
   5. Jesus recognized the examples of these individuals and pointed it out. Does He recognized the example we are setting before others?  How will that factor in to that last day when we stand before Him and give an accounting for our lives?

As we can see, Jesus is an example to us of how we ought to live in so many areas of our lives.  That is why He is the ultimate example for us to follow in everything.  That is why we should ask ourselves when facing difficult situations, WWJD?  If there is to be any redemption in this world, it will be manifested as we shine the light of Jesus to those around us.  How are you doing with this?