Setting an Example

JOHN 13:4-5 Jesus knew that the Father had delivered all things into His hands, and that He had come from God and was returning to God.  So He got up from the supper, laid aside His outer garments, and wrapped a towel around His waist.  After that, He poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples’ feet and dry them with the towel that was around Him.

This unexpected turn of events, this unconventional act of Jesus stunned and puzzled the disciples.  From the day Jesus started His earthly mission, He has been exalting the virtue of humility. “Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth”, He told them in Matthew 5:5.  When the disciples argued among themselves who would be greater among them, Jesus informed them explicitly that “whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be the slave of all. 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 10:43-45). It was as an ultimate demonstration of humility, He washed their feet, the disciples understood.

Jesus expects Christians to be an example to the world. You are the light of the world. Light makes everything visible. Let your light shine on others in a way that people will see your good deeds and praise God in heaven, Jesus said. A city that’s on top of a hill can’t be hidden. No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house, He explained (Matthew 5:15). Throughout Gospels, setting an example is stressed by the Lord as an important element in discipleship:

1. Mathew 11:29 “Take My yoke on you and learn of Me, for I am meek and lowly in heart, and you shall find rest to your souls”

Jesus told His followers to learn from His example of gentleness and humility. “I am meek and lowly in heart”. Wherever pride and anger dwell, there is nothing but mental labor and agony; but, where the meekness and humility of Christ dwell, all is smooth, even, peaceable, and quiet; for the work of righteousness is peace, and the effect of righteousness, quietness, and assurance forever. “The effect of righteousness will be peace, and the result of righteousness will be quietness and confidence forever,” says Isaiah 32:17.

2. Philippians 3:17 “I want you to follow my example and learn from others who closely follow the example we set for you”

Paul urged Philippians to follow His example of enthusiasm, perseverance, and maturity. He never claimed he was perfect. (See 3.12. “Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me.”)  But as he focused His life on being like Christ, so should they. The gospels were not written at that time or were not in circulation, so Paul could not ask them to read them and find out what Christ was like. So he urged them to imitate Him. He could tell others to follow his pattern was a testimony to his character. Can you say the same? What kind of follower will a new Christian become if he follows you?

3. 1Thess.  1:6-7 And you became imitators of us and of the Lord, for you received the word in much affliction, with the joy of the Holy Spirit, so that you became an example to all the believers in Macedonia and in Achaia.

The new Christians at Thessalonica received training and discipline from Paul and even in suffering, they expressed what they had learned. They had received the message of salvation with great joy, but soon it led to persecution by Jews and Gentiles. Satan will challenge anyone who makes a difference to God. The world is sinful and naturally, believers suffer. God allows some to become martyrs for the faith and allows others to survive persecution. The Thessalonians not only turned into model Christians but witnessed effectively to believers all over Greece and beyond.

4. 1Timothy 1:16 God had mercy on me so that Christ could use me as a prime example of His great patience with even the worst sinners. Then others will realize that they too can believe in Him and receive eternal life.

Paul used his unworthiness to receive Christ as an example of grace so that no one would hold back from coming to Christ.  The case of Paul was an example for the encouragement of sinners in all subsequent times. It was that to which they might look when they desired forgiveness and salvation. It furnished all the illustrations and arguments which they would need to show that they might be forgiven. It settled the question forever that the greatest sinners might be pardoned; for as he was “the chief of sinners,” it proved that a case could not occur which was beyond the possibility of mercy. This verse shows that even the worst sinner can be pardoned. No one’s beyond salvation. God is willing to save any sinner, no matter how vile, provided he is penitent and believing.

5. 1Peter 5:3 Don't be bossy over the people who are in your care, but set an example for them.

Peter was addressing the church leaders here. Peter taught Christian leaders to lead by Christian example, not by commands. The bishops and presbyters are to feed the flock, to guide and to defend it, not to fleece and waste it; and they are to look for their reward in another world, and in the approbation of God in their consciences. And in humility, self-abasement, self-renunciation, and heavenly-mindedness, they are to be examples to the flock. How many among them properly care for the flock? Even among those reputed evangelical teachers, are there not some who, on their first coming to a parish or a congregation, make it their first business to raise funds for this purpose or that? See Jeremiah 3:15. God assures the believers  “And I will give you shepherds after my own heart, who will guide you with knowledge and understanding”. They should

1.    Realize they are caring for God’s flock, not their own

2.    Lead out of eagerness to serve, not out of obligation

3.    Be concerned about what they can give, not what they can get

4.    Lead by example, not by force

All of us lead somebody in some way. Whatever our role, our leadership should be in line with these characteristics. Paul told the Corinthian believers to imitate Him (1Corinth 4:16; 1Corinth 11:1). He told the Galatians in Galatians  6:17 “I bear branded on my body the marks of Jesus”.  As the body of Christ, believers must show Christ to the world by being an example. Nonbelievers should be able to see Christ in believers and be so drawn to what they see that they seek Christ and salvation. What kind of example are you?

1Peter 2:21  God called you to do good, even if it means suffering, just as Christ suffered for you. He is your example and you must follow in his steps.

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