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Would Jesus Do What Others Have Done & Continue To Do?
We often point to Jesus as our example in all areas of life (1 Peter 2:21). He should be the pattern we use to guide our behavior (Colossians 3:17). When a questionable situation arises, we need to consider how the Master Teacher would handle it if He were “in my shoes.” Let us reverse the role. Would Jesus do the things we do and continue to do?
Not attend every service?? Would it be logical to assume Jesus would NOT be present to worship God and study the scriptures for the same reasons many fail to attend today? Can you see Jesus coming to a worship service only because He has a first grade class to teach, or He is supposed to lead singing on Sunday night? After all Jesus gave to purchase the church (John 19:33,34; Acts 20:28), it is hard to imagine Him failing to attend every service!
Hold a grudge?? There were times when Jesus was verbally and physically abused. It never caused Him to quit (John 4:34). He never retaliated with hatred or ridicule (1 Peter 2:22-24). Jesus had every reason to get back at those who showed such disrespect to the Son of God. He had the power to kill anyone who refused Him or hurt His apostles (Matthew 26:53). At the cross, Jesus said, “Forgiven them, for they know not what they do” (Luke 23:34). He was not like most people today who cannot let go of the hurt done to them by another. The only way we know how to get rid of the hurt is to forgive as Jesus forgives us (Matthew 6:14,15).
Do just enough to get by?? Several people want to do the “minimum.” Some Christians are content thinking they will “glide” into heaven by doing the least they can do. Jesus came to fulfill the law (Matthew 5:17), no do the least He could to get by. Jesus compelled His listeners to “go the second mile” (Matthew 5:41). If Jesus was constrained to fulfill the law, how can we conclude Christians can be content with partial obedience? If we love Him, we will keep His commandments (John 14:15). Instead of doing what most people do, let us do all that is commanded of us and within our power to do (Philippians 4:13).
Act hypocritically?? Some Christians fail to “practice what they preach.” Would Jesus be a hypocrite? He rebuked the Pharisees for teaching one thing and doing another (Matthew 23). He could condemn such actions because He acted upon the things He taught and believed. Acts 1:1 describes Jesus as one who “began both to do and to teach.” Since Jesus was not hypocritical and condemned the practices of others, why do we think we can act one way on Sunday and live another way the rest of the week?
Let us look at our lives!!! Would Jesus do what we have done and continue to do?
