Jesus lived on this earth as the perfect example for us to follow. As He was being crucified, His forgiving heart was extremely evident. “And Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.”… (Luke 23:34) Forgiveness is one of the attitudes that are part of a true Christian’s character. It is also a command that we must follow if we want the same in return. “For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you, but if you do not forgive others their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.” (Matthew 6:14-15)
When Jesus was brought before Pilate, the people in the crowd were the one’s who had the most influence on the decision. “So Pilate, wishing to satisfy the crowd, released for them Barabbas, and having scourged Jesus, he delivered him to be crucified.” (Mark 15:15) As we often see happen, the opinions of the ones who scream the loudest decide the outcome, even when wrong. Another more important point to be made from this verse is the agony put on our Savior. The scourging of Jesus is barely mentioned, but it was a process that was such a cruel punishment that it often led to death itself. Not only did our Savior die for us, he died the most cruel death imaginable. We ought to show our appreciation for this sacrifice by loving and serving Him. “If you love me, you will keep my commandments.” (John 14:15 ESV)
Jesus told His disciples how people would know if they were truly disciples of His. “By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.”” (John 13:35) Those words are as accurate today as they were then. A true follower of Christ will have love for one another. That love will motivate us to learn about Jesus so we can follow the example that He set while on this earth.
In the time before Jesus was betrayed by Judas and arrested, He went by himself to pray three times. (Matthew 26:36,42,44) Prayer life is another area of our lives that we should model after the Son of God. Jesus did not pray just when He had needs. We read of many other times that He prayed. Luke 5:16, 6:12, 9:28 are just a few of them. His disciples must have seen how important prayer was to Him because in Luke 11:1, they asked Him to teach them how to pray. The verses that follow share with us the answer He gave to them. He also taught to pray with faith and without ceasing. “And he told them a parable to the effect that they ought always to pray and not lose heart.” (Luke 18:1)
Matthew chapter 25 starts off with a parable making a comparison to the kingdom of heaven. That parable ends in verse 13 with a reminder that there will be no signs nor hints as to when Jesus is coming again. He warns us to watch and be ready. If you were asked if you were ready today, what would your answer be?
Jesus could see thru the fake life that the scribes and Pharisees were living. “Even so you also outwardly appear righteous to men, but inside you are full of hypocrisy and lawlessness.” Matthew 23:28 He taught that having power, fame and honor of men has no value in living the Christian life. “But he who is greatest among you shall be your servant. And whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.” Matthew 23:11-12
The importance of prayer is emphasized by the fact that even the Son of God had a strong prayer life. One of those times of prayer we read about was before His crucifixion. “And going a little farther, he fell on the ground and prayed that, if it were possible, the hour might pass from him. And he said, “Abba, Father, all things are possible for you. Remove this cup from me. Yet not what I will, but what you will.” (Mark 14:36) He knew what He was about to be required to endure and was searching for any alternative. He even made a repeat of His request. “And again he went away and prayed, saying the same words.” (Mark 14:39) We can learn from this example that it is not wrong to pray for the same thing multiple times. We also learn that like Jesus did, we should be desiring that the answer to our prayer be God’s will even if it does not match our request.
At times we may have good intentions and sincere motives, but our actions do not follow. Jesus warned Peter that this could happen. “Watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.” (Matthew 26:41) Before Jesus made this statement, Peter was adamant that he would not deny the Christ. “Peter said to him, ‘Lord, I am ready to go with you both to prison and to death.”’ (Luke 22:33) When the pressure came, Peter caved in and did what he promised not to do. “And the Lord turned and looked at Peter. And Peter remembered the saying of the Lord, how he had said to him, “Before the rooster crows today, you will deny me three times.” And he went out and wept bitterly.” (Luke 22:61) Strength to withstand pressure of temptation can come from daily prayer to our Heavenly Father like the prayer Paul made on behalf of the Ephesians. “For this cause I bow my knees unto the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named, that he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, that ye may be strengthened with power through his Spirit in the inward man;” (Ephesians 3:14-16) God has promised His children will never have temptation more than they can handle. “No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it.” (1 Corinthians 10:13)
We all have opportunity to give the Lord food and clothes and visit Him in time of need. Jesus explains how when He is describing the final judgement: “Then the righteous will answer him, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you drink? And when did we see you a stranger and welcome you, or naked and clothe you? And when did we see you sick or in prison and visit you?’ And the King will answer them, ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.’” (Mat 25:37-40) We should remember this explanation daily and look for opportunities to serve Him.