Jesus
When God created the world, he made Mankind to be in his image and entrusted them to be the stewards of the Creation. By design, we are to partner with God and co-rule the world with him, so that we may enjoy a life of bliss in his paradise. Sadly, it didn't turn out that way. We choose to live independently from God and be our own boss. Then God gives us laws and rules to teach us boundaries and to protect us from evil. And off we go, building civilizations and developing science and technology, while seeking glory and riches for ourselves. Yet our relationships are broken and we live in guilt and shame for not living up to the law, and to our moral consciousness.
Introducing Jesus Christ, the Son of God and the Son of Man. He is sent by God from heaven to earth. He shows us the secret of living a fulfilling and guilt-free life. He models for us the life God intended for us to have.
Why Jesus?
Read: Deuteronomy 30:15-20, John 10:10
God wants to bless us with a blissful and prosperous life here on earth – all that we have to do is to follow his directions. Sounds easy, right? But we don’t manage it – we rebel instead of obey, we change his rules and make our own. So the cycle of destruction and pain continues on from one generation to the next. Finally, God sent his son Jesus to show us how it is possible to obey his commands and have life to the full (John 10:10).
Reflection
Consider where you stand in the path to life and prosperity. Where have you successes and where have you challenges? How has your faith helped or hindered you? And how would you like God to help you going forward?
Jesus the Perfect Model
1. In his identity as the Son of God
Jesus has two identities: as the son of Mary and Joseph the carpenter, and as the son of God. But even as a young boy, Jesus enjoyed being God’s son and preferred to spend time at his heavenly father’s house (Luke 2:41-50). Most of us attach our identity to our earthly characteristics (birth, family, education, physical or intellectual strengths, etc.) Through Jesus, however, we can become God’s adopted children (John 1: 12) and find our identities as God's sons and daughters. What does it mean for you to take your identity as God’s child? How is this different from finding your identity in your earthly characteristics? And why is it better? or is it better?
Read Matthes 3: 17, John 5:19-21
2. In his connection with God
Jesus’ life on earth remains deeply connected to God in heaven. He gets up early to spend time with God, listens to God, obeys his words, and allows God to work through him. Jesus commits his life to do only God's will. God is on a mission and he wants you to be part of it (Psalm 25:14), as Jesus is part of it. You can choose a life independent from God and live largely for your dreams and in your ways. Or you can choose to get on his team – and be connected with God’s heart, longings, and big plans for the universe.
Read Mark 1:35, John 14:10-11
3. In his valuing God's opinion over people's
Why do we tend to value people’s opinions? Why is it that we are afraid of, or worried about how others judge us, or that we overly esteem their praises? Why is it that Jesus would not attach his identity to people’s opinions of him? Reflect on your experience of how people-pleasing hinders you from the freedom to be authentic.
Read John 2:24, 5:41
4. In his humility
Conflicts in our relationships with one another are probably the biggest source of hurt, pain, stress, anger, strives, social unrest, and ultimately war. Jesus the Prince of Peace shows us how to avoid all that and find love and harmony instead. Jesus choose humility – though he was a Son of God, he lived as if he was the servant. How is this possible? How does his relationship with God help him to humble himself toward his fellow humans?
How’s your humility? Do you find it hard to consider other people’s interests above yours? How can your identity as God's son or daughter and your commitment to be part of his bigger plan make it easier to be humble? Take a cue from Jesus!
Read Philippians 2: 5-8
5. In his struggles to do God's will
A life of submission is not a walk in the park! Doing God’s will can be a struggle because we don’t always want to do it and because it can be hard and scary. If Jesus, being the Son of God, struggles to do God’s will, how much more would we! Like Jesus, we can be honest with God about how we feel, our struggles, and our weaknesses. (e.g. Psalms 39, Matthew 26) and wrestle with him until we can fully surrender to God.
Read Hebrews 5: 7 - 10
Reflection
Jesus had a big, heavenly mission he wanted to accomplish, against much opposition! He models for us how he successfully lived his life on earth without sin. Do you feel inspired and hopeful that you, too, can have the free and fulfilling life God promises you, by following Jesus’ example? If not, identify your doubts and put them before God in prayers.
There is so much more about Jesus than what we highlight here. To go deeper and wider, follow this 21-day Bible Study.
Next Study
Study #4 Discipleship
The calling of disciples
The cost of discipleship
The cost of fighting God
