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)

What It Means To Be Like Jesus (#3)

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:

#3: To Be Like Jesus Means...

TO COMMIT OURSELVES TO OTHER BELIEVERS (Matt. 3:1-17)

John the Baptist was not your average individual. He was an unexpected child. He lived in the wilderness--the "other side of the tracks" for that day. He wore strange clothing and ate strange food. He was pugnacious, even offensive at times. Yet he helped launch Jesus' career. In return, Jesus had nothing but praise for him (Matt. 11:7-15). If we want to be like Jesus, we must not pick and choose our brothers and sisters in God's family. We need to embrace other believers and demonstrate our unity in Christ, no matter how awkward or inconvenient.

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

What It Means To Be Like Jesus (#2)

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:


#2: To Be Like Jesus Means...


TO ENGAGE THE WORLD'S PAIN (Matt. 1:18-2:23)


Jesus' entry into human life was fraught with awkward tensions and human dilemmas: a miraculous but nevertheless embarrassing conception, an earthly father who was considering a quiet divorce, an outraged king resorting to infanticide, an early childhood in a strange culture, and a return to a homeland that remained hostile and dangerous. We, too, are all born into some troubles and circumstances. If we want to be like Jesus, we need to face up to the world and remain very much in it, despite all its troubles.



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

What It Means To Be Like Jesus (#1)

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:

#1: To Be Like Jesus Means...

TO ACCEPT OUR ROOTS (Matt. 1:1-17)

Jesus' family tree hides nothing. His heritage was multiethnic and included several unattractive or embarrassing individuals. Indeed, the circumstances surrounding His own birth might have raised questions in the minds of some. But Jesus never denied His ancestry or allowed others to shame Him. If we want to be like Him, we need to understand and accept our roots in terms of culture, race, gender, and reputation. Moreover, like Jesus we want to avoid demeaning anyone else's heritage.


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

Christ is the Cornerstone

Come to Christ, who is the living cornerstone of God's temple. He was rejected by people, but he is precious to God who chose him. And now God is building you, as living stones, into his spiritual temple. What's more, you are God's holy priests, who offer the spiritual sacrifices that please him because of Jesus Christ. As the scripture expresses it, "I am placing a stone in Jerusalem, a precious cornerstone, and anyone who believes in him will never be disappointed." (1 Peter 2:4-6)(NLT)


Peter asserts that Jesus Christ is the living cornerstone upon which the whole church is built. The word stone usually evokes imagery of something that is anything but living--"stone cold faith," for instance. But our faith is built upon a Savior, who is very much alive. Christ's church is alive as well, for Peter calls us "living stones" who are being built into a spiritual temple for the Lord. Let us rejoice that we worship the living cornerstone, Jesus Christ.


LORD JESUS CHRIST, you are the living cornerstone upon which the church is built. Although the world rejects you, we praise and worship you, for you are God's precious Chosen One. Help us to build our life firmly upon you. Amen.



(from the Praise and Worship Study Bible by Tyndale House)

All Hail The Power

Edward Perronet's ancestors were French Huguenots, and his father was an Anglican pastor. Edward followed in his father's footsteps but soon left the established church to work with the more energetic Wesleys. Of the many hymns he wrote, this is the only one to survive, but it embodies much of his spiritual exuberance and fire. It has even been called the "National Anthem of Christianity" because of its glorious appeal and stirring effect on the hearts of believers. As you reflect on the words of this hymn, contemplate the kingship of Christ and the response this calls forth from your own heart.

All hail the power of Jesus' name! Let angels prostrate fall;

Bring forth the royal diadem, and crown him Lord of all;

Bring forth the royal diadem, and crown him Lord of all!

Ye chosen seed of Israel's race, ye ransomed from the fall,

Hail him who saves you by his grace, and crown him Lord of all;

Hail him who saves you by his grace, and crown him Lord of all!

Let every kindred, every tribe, on this terrestrial ball,

To him all majesty ascribe, and crown him Lord of all;

To him all majesty ascribe, and crown him Lord of all!

O that with yonder sacred throng we at his feet may fall!

We'll join the everlasting song, and crown him Lord of all;

We'll join the everlasting song, and crown him Lord of all!

(from the Praise and Worship Study Bible by Tyndale House Publishers)