One of the best ways to learn how to do something is to follow the example of one who knows how to do it. Young children learn from their parents how to talk and how to do many things by watching them in their actions. Good teachers in school use examples to show their students the correct way to accomplish the school subjects such as math or language or science. Long time workers often mentor the beginning workers on how to best accomplish tasks on a job. In the same way, as a Christian you should follow the example of Christ, the apostles, and other Christians in your church; in time you will become an example to those less experienced than you in living a Christian life.
Jesus is our supreme example. Matthew 16:24 “Then Jesus said to His disciples, ‘If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me.’” To be a Christian means that you are a follower or disciple of Jesus Christ. The word disciple means one who follows and learns from the teacher. As a disciple, you must deny yourself and take up your cross and follow Him. In deciding to follow Jesus, there will be consequences for your decision; whatever the consequences may be, that may be your cross. You must be willing to accept the consequences of following Jesus. We also take His yoke and learn from Him. Matthew 11:28-30 “Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.” To take His yoke means to be coupled with Him and let Him lead you so that you learn from Him.
We must first count the cost of being a disciple of Jesus. Luke 14:27-33 “And whoever does not bear his cross and come after Me cannot be My disciple. For which of you, intending to build a tower, does not sit down first and count the cost, whether he has enough to finish it — lest, after he has laid the foundation, and is not able to finish, all who see it begin to mock him, saying, ‘This man began to build and was not able to finish.’ Or what king, going to make war against another king, does not sit down first and consider whether he is able with ten thousand to meet him who comes against him with twenty thousand? Or else, while the other is still a great way off, he sends a delegation and asks conditions of peace. So likewise, whoever of you does not forsake all that he has cannot be My disciple.” Have you counted the cost of being a disciple of Jesus? The cost of being a disciple of Jesus requires dedicating your life to Him. The cost is high, but the benefits are out of this world.
There are many examples that Jesus left us; here are a few. John 8:28-29 “Then Jesus said to them, ‘When you lift up the Son of Man, then you will know that I am He, and that I do nothing of Myself; but as My Father taught Me, I speak these things. And He who sent Me is with Me. The Father has not left Me alone, for I always do those things that please Him.’” Jesus learned from His Father; He always did those things that pleased the Father. The great example that Jesus gave you is that you should always do those things that please the Father.
Jesus was a servant. Matthew 20:25-28 “But Jesus called them to Himself and said, ‘You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and those who are great exercise authority over them. Yet it shall not be so among you; but whoever desires to become great among you, let him be your servant. And whoever desires to be first among you, let him be your slave — just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.’” Jesus is your example of humble service to others.
Jesus is your example in loving one another. Jesus loved us enough to give His life for us. John 13:34-35 “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.”
Jesus was an example of suffering without reviling those who abused Him. 1 Peter 2:21-23 “For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow His steps: ‘Who committed no sin, nor was deceit found in His mouth’; who, when He was reviled, did not revile in return; when He suffered, He did not threaten, but committed Himself to Him who judges righteously.” He also was an example of rejecting sin and any deceit in His life.
To be a disciple of Jesus, we must abide in His word. John 8:31-32 “Then Jesus said to those Jews who believed Him, “If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.”
We are given the account of some of the final words of Jesus before He returned to heaven. Matthew 28:18-20 “And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, ‘All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.’ Amen.” This is called the great commission. As disciples, we should also go and make other disciples for Jesus. We should also baptize them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. We should also teach them to observe all things that Jesus commanded. He has promised to be with us always, even to the end of the age.
My encouragement to you is to study the life of Jesus and learn from Him. Follow His example and truly be His disciple. Take up your cross and follow Him.