Come, follow me, Jesus said, and I will send you out to fish for people. – Mark 1:17
Jesus as Our Role Model
As we look at the life of Jesus, we see how beautifully He lived. He showed us how to treat others, how to love, and how to serve. Jesus didn’t just say that we should follow Him; He demonstrated it through His actions. We can follow His example in sharing God’s love with everyone we meet, treating them with kindness, compassion, and grace. Our goal is to reflect His love in our daily lives, so others can see Jesus shining through us.
John 13:15
“I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you.” – John 13:15
1 Peter 2:21
“To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps.” – 1 Peter 2:21
Philippians 2:5
“In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus.” – Philippians 2:5
1 John 2:6
“Whoever claims to live in him must live as Jesus did.” – 1 John 2:6
Matthew 5:16
“In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” – Matthew 5:16
Serving Others Like Jesus
Jesus took every opportunity to serve those around Him, showing us the importance of service over self-interest. We are called to do the same, putting others’ needs before our own. When we follow Jesus’ example by serving those who are less fortunate, we create a loving community that reflects the very heart of Christ. Each act of kindness, no matter how small, embodies the spirit of Jesus and draws others closer to Him.
Mark 10:45
“For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” – Mark 10:45
Galatians 5:13
“For you, brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love.” – Galatians 5:13
Matthew 23:11
“The greatest among you will be your servant.” – Matthew 23:11
Romans 12:10
“Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.” – Romans 12:10
John 15:12
“My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you.” – John 15:12
Walking in Love
Love is the foundation of following Jesus. He taught us that everything we do should be rooted in love. This means loving those who are hard to love, forgiving those who have wronged us, and showing compassion to those in need. By walking in love, we become more like Jesus and exhibit His character to the world. It’s powerful to think how love can change the world, one person at a time.
John 13:34
“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.” – John 13:34
1 Corinthians 16:14
“Do everything in love.” – 1 Corinthians 16:14
Colossians 3:14
“And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.” – Colossians 3:14
1 John 4:19
“We love because he first loved us.” – 1 John 4:19
Romans 13:10
“Love does no harm to a neighbor. Therefore love is the fulfillment of the law.” – Romans 13:10
Faithfulness to God
Being faithful in our relationship with God is crucial for us as followers of Jesus. We can reflect His example by living lives of integrity and commitment, trusting God even when the path seems unclear. Jesus was steadfast in His mission, and we should do the same, holding firmly to our beliefs and showing our faith through actions. It is in our faithfulness that we truly become representatives of Christ.
Lamentations 3:22-23
“Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.” – Lamentations 3:22-23
Revelation 2:10
“Do not be afraid of what you are about to suffer. Be faithful, even to the point of death, and I will give you life as your victor’s crown.” – Revelation 2:10
2 Timothy 2:13
“If we are faithless, he remains faithful, for he cannot disown himself.” – 2 Timothy 2:13
Hebrews 10:23
“Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful.” – Hebrews 10:23
Proverbs 3:3-4
“Let love and faithfulness never leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart. Then you will win favor and a good name in the sight of God and man.” – Proverbs 3:3-4
Obedience to God’s Word
One way we can follow Jesus’ example is by being obedient. Jesus often emphasized the importance of following God’s Word and commands. When we make an effort to understand the scriptures and live them out, we show our love for God while also following the example Jesus set for us. Obedience requires sacrifice, but it brings us closer to the Lord and deepens our faith.
John 14:15
“If you love me, keep my commands.” – John 14:15
James 1:22
“Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.” – James 1:22
Matthew 7:21
“Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven.” – Matthew 7:21
Psalm 119:105
“Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.” – Psalm 119:105
Isaiah 48:17
“This is what the Lord says— your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel: ‘I am the Lord your God, who teaches you what is best for you, who directs you in the way you should go.’” – Isaiah 48:17
Spreading the Gospel
As followers of Jesus, He calls us to share the good news with others. We have the privilege of being ambassadors for Christ, encouraging others to know Him and His love. By spreading the Gospel, we fulfill the Great Commission and follow in Jesus’ footsteps. Every conversation we have can plant seeds of faith, and our obedience in sharing can lead many to salvation.
Matthew 28:19-20
“Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.” – Matthew 28:19-20
Romans 10:14
“How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them?” – Romans 10:14
Acts 1:8
“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” – Acts 1:8
1 Thessalonians 2:4
“On the contrary, we speak as those approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel. We are not trying to please people but God, who tests our hearts.” – 1 Thessalonians 2:4
Colossians 4:5-6
“Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.” – Colossians 4:5-6
Final Thoughts
As we reflect on these key aspects of following Jesus’ example, let’s commit to living our lives in a way that mirrors His love, service, and obedience. We can remind ourselves daily to act in love, serve others selflessly, and faithfully share the Gospel. Being a follower of Christ is not just a title; it’s a way of life. By striving to emulate Jesus in every aspect of our lives, we can create an atmosphere of grace and kindness around us.
Please take a moment to explore more subjects like living like Jesus and living a Christ-like life. There is always more to learn and grow in our journey of faith.
Let’s continue to seek God’s will and further embody the character of Christ in everything we do.