What It Means To Be Like Jesus (#8)

Jesus indicated that those who follow Him will become like Him (Matt. 10:25). What does it mean to "be like Jesus" in today's complex world? Matthew paints eight portraits of what Christ-likeness looks like, including:

#8: To Be Like Jesus Means...

TO AFFIRM OTHER LEADERS (Matt. 10:1-42)

Jesus invested Himself in the development of other people, particularly the Twelve. He gave them responsibility and authority, resisting the temptation to get the job done "right" by doing it Himself. In doing so, He accepted the risk that they might fail. Of course, He gave them adequate preparation before sending them out, and on their return He affirmed them on their successful completion of the mission. Jesus calls us to help others grow. If we want to be like Him, we will share the joys and risks of working together with our brothers and sisters.

(from the Word in Life Study Bible from Thomas Nelson Publishers)

What It Means To Be Like Jesus (#7)

Jesus indicated that those who follow Him will become like Him (Matt. 10:25). What does it mean to "be like Jesus" in today's complex world? Matthew paints eight portraits of what Christ-likeness looks like, including:

#7: To Be Like Jesus Means...

TO SERVE OTHERS  (Matt. 8:1--9:38)

The Sermon on the Mount was immediately followed by "deeds in the valley." Christlike values lead to servant actions--and it was obedient action that Jesus cared about, not just sermonizing (Matt. 7:21-29). Jesus modeled how to do the will of God by actively serving more than 25 different people (Mt. chs. 8-9). These included such undesirables as lepers, an officer of the Roman occupation troops, the sick, the demon-possessed, cave dwellers, tax collectors, and a diseased, outcast woman. If we want to be like Jesus, we need to befriend those who are weak, under oppression, or without Christ. Like Him, we need to become "a friend of sinners" (Mt. 11:19). He offered much more than religious information--He served them.

(from the Word in Life Study Bible from Thomas Nelson Publishers)

What It Means To Be Like Jesus (#6)

Jesus indicated that those who follow Him will become like Him (Matt. 10:25). What does it mean to "be like Jesus" in today's complex world? Matthew paints eight portraits of what Christ-likeness looks like, including:

#6: To Be Like Jesus Means...

TO COMMIT TO CHANGED THINKING AND BEHAVIOR (Matt. 5:1--7:27)

In His Sermon on the Mount, Jesus explained the values of the kingdom. Money, prayer, relationships, possessions, information, and power were a few of the categories He redefined from God's perspective. He showed that following Him will involve radical change for most of us. It may mean undoing the way we've always done things and rethinking traditional sources of wisdom from our parents and culture. To become like Jesus involves a tough-minded review of our values and a thorough change in our behavior.

(from the Word in Life Study Bible from Thomas Nelson Publishers)

What It Means To Be Like Jesus (#5)

Jesus indicated that those who follow Him will become like Him (Matt. 10:25). What does it mean to "be like Jesus" in today's complex world? Matthew paints eight portraits of what Christ-likeness looks like, including:

#5: To Be Like Jesus Means...

TO PROCLAIM THE MESSAGE OF CHRIST  (Matt. 4:12-25)

Jesus' life was not an open book, readable by all. To be sure, He lived a perfect, model life. But even that could not stand alone as an undeniable witness. His actions needed interpretation. So He supplemented His good deeds with good news. In the same way, we need to verbally declare our faith if we want to be like Christ. Certainly we need to back up our words with a Christlike lifestyle. But what we tell others gives meaning to our quiet walk and good deeds.

(from the Word In Life Study Bible from Thomas Nelson Publishers)

What It Means To Be Like Jesus (#4)

Jesus indicated that those who follow Him will become like Him (Matt. 10:25). What does it mean to "be like Jesus" in today's complex world? Matthew paints eight portraits of what Christ-likeness looks like, including:

#4: To Be Like Jesus Means...

TO ADMIT OUR VULNERABILITY TO TEMPTATION

Matthew's inclusion of the temptation is remarkable. It shows that the sinless Lord of the universe was tempted, just as we are (Heb. 4:15-16). If we want to be like Jesus, we must accept that temptation is real--as is the possibility of overcoming temptation. But we need to be open about our struggles. In doing so we honor God, recognize the power of sin, and encourage others to do likewise.

(from the Word in Life Study Bible from Thomas Nelson Publishers)