For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps:

(1 Peter 2:21)

Continued from last week:

Jesus is also our perfect example in humble service. I believe the greatest example of this is seen in John 13:1-17 where Jesus took a towel and washed His disciples’ feet. At times the apostles were arguing about who would be the greatest in the kingdom. When Jesus got down on His knees and washed their feet, He taught them the valuable lesson that they did not need a title, they needed a towel. Jesus said, “For I have given you an example, that you should do as I have done to you” (John 13:15). If we follow the example of Jesus, we are going to be busy serving others (Phil. 2:1-5). The focus will not be on self. We will say with Jesus, “I am among you as the One who serves” (Luke 22:27). This is one of the marks of true greatness in Christ kingdom, “whoever desires to become great among you, let him be your servant. And whoever desires to be first among you, let him be your slave” (Matt. 20:26-27). If we learn to serve others, people will see Christ living in us.

Finally, Christ is our perfect example in constant prayer. His day often began in prayer, “in the morning, having risen a long while before daylight, He went out and departed to a solitary place; and there He prayed” (Mark 1:35). When He had to make important decisions, like choosing His twelve apostles, He spent all night in prayer (Luke 6:12). Before He faced the excruciating pain and suffering of the cross, He prayed fervently to His Father (Matt. 26:36-46).

If we will follow the example of Jesus, we will begin every day in prayer, approach every decision with prayer and face every challenge with prayer (1 Thess. 5:17). In prayer we cast our cares upon the one who cares for us (1 Pet. 5:7). Instead of worrying about everything, we should be like Jesus and pray about everything (Phil. 4:6). Prayer helped Jesus through this life and it can also help us. There is power in prayer (James 5:16).

If you are already a Christian, challenge yourself to emulate Jesus more fully each day. If you are not a Christian, now is a great time to start imitating the Master.