Sunday: The Model of Jesus
Read Luke 2:52. What four dimensions of Jesus’ growth are mentioned in this passage?
Jesus was the perfect Human Being, and His growth comprised all basic dimensions of human existence. According to Luke 2:52, “Jesus grew in wisdom [mentally] and stature [physically], and in favor with God [spiritually] and man [socially]” (NIV).“His mind was active and penetrating, with a thoughtfulness and wisdom beyond His years. Yet His character was beautiful in its symmetry.
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The powers of mind and body developed gradually, in keeping with the laws of childhood. As a child, Jesus manifested a peculiar loveliness of disposition. His willing hands were ever ready to serve others. He manifested a patience that nothing could disturb, and a truthfulness that would never sacrifice integrity. In principle firm as a rock, His life revealed the grace of unselfish courtesy.” — Ellen G. White, The Desire of Ages, Pages 68, 69.
Read Matthew 4:23. How can the threefold ministry of Jesus — to teach, to preach, and to heal — be carried on by us effectively today?
If we recognize that a human being is an integrated and indivisible person, then we cannot restrict our religion to spiritual matters only. The truth actually embraces our whole being, covers our entire life span, and comprises all dimensions of our life. Our physical and spiritual elements are so powerfully integrated that they really cannot be separated. And though, as fallen beings, we will never be equal to the depiction of Jesus as presented above, we are by God’s grace to emulate it, because, “to restore in man the image of his Maker, to bring him back to the perfection in which he was created, to promote the development of body, mind, and soul” (Ellen G. White, Education, Pages 15, 16) is the work of redemption. This is what God seeks to do in His people as part of the process to prepare them for His return.
| In contrasting ourselves to Jesus, we could easily be discouraged by the difference. How, then, does focusing on the Cross and what it means protect us from being disheartened by what we see in ourselves compared to what we see in Jesus? |
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The author of today's lesson reminds us that, "Jesus was a perfect human being, and His growth included all the basic dimensions of human existence. According to Luke 2:52, "Jesus grew in wisdom [mentally] and stature [physically], pleasing God [spiritual] and man [social]" (NIV). and wise beyond his years. Yet his character was good in its proportion.
This means that, Jesus went through all the steps of a child to achieve his missionary work here in the world.
Even those of us who were born as children have the example of Jesus in growing mentally and physically while showing a unique character pleasing to God, with our hands ready to serve others. Jesus showed a patience that nothing could disturb, and a truth that would never compromise justice.
There are times when I feel that I will never achieve the character of Christ described in today's lesson. Even when I focus on the cross, I feel that I miss the mark so many times that God's grace must be exhausted. I realize, however, that even as I look at the cross, I am trusting in my own efforts and successes. I will always feel like I am out of God's favor if I trust my own merits. To truly look to the cross is to believe that only the righteousness of Christ imputed to me earns God's favor. I need to do more than look to Calvary; I must truly believe that it is salvation, and not my best efforts.
Oh to have the full restoration of body, mind, and soul, which is the purpose of redemption.
Jesus gave all that we may overcome in all points. He wants us to become a perfect sacrifice just the like the unblemished lambs sacrificed in the sanctuary. Jude 1:24
Well, all the umblemished animal temple sacrifices of the past until Jesus Himself came and became all that those sacrifices signified was and is just that very thing, "Jesus and Jesus only and forever," our sacrifice, and "Once for all." And even Ellen G. White said that "We can never equal the pattern," the pattern being Jesus Himself for us. And even the Apostle Paul said in Hebrews 10:14 "For by one offering He has perfected forever those who are being sanctified." So it is Jesus and Jesus only and "Once for All," 2,000 plus or minus years ago at Calvary.
Question: How, then, does focusing on the Cross and what it means protect us from being disheartened by what we see in ourselves as compared to what we see in Jesus?
As believers crucified with Christ, we must now live, putting our sinful nature to death, imitating Jesus' commitment to the will of the Father and willingly obeying Christ. Our growth must be oriented towards that, getting ready for the Second Coming when the work will be finally completed.
Reuben N Ogetii:
If we are willing to be made willing, God will accomplish in us that which we cannot accomplish in our own strength. See (Jeremiah 13:23 KJV) & (John 15:5 KJV)
See: Psalm 51:10; Hebrews 12:2; Philippians 1:6, & 2:13; also Colossians 1:27
...."Christ in you, the hope of glory"....
Yes, Reuben, I agree that, not only must we live that way, but as born-again believers we'll naturally desire to live that way. Nevertheless, no matter how effectively God may work in our hearts and lives, the righteousness of Christ imputed to us is still our only hope.
Teaching uses words and modeling, preaching uses words, specifically God's Word, and healing uses actions, faith, and service. These are the methods Jesus used and He asks us to follow Him. (Luke 6:17-19) He sent His disciples out to teach, preach, heal, and cast out demons. (Matthew 10:1, Luke 9:1-2) He calls & empowers us to do the same.
Well said. So when will the healing and casting out demons begin to take place among Christ’s believers that he has sent out?
In looking at the Cross of Christ, we see the immaculate love bestowed on us. He tells us we are worthy to be called sons and daughters of God or children of God if you prefer. Galatians 3:26. 1John 3:1-2. "Behold" John says I do believe he was talking about beholding the Cross of Christ. I also believe by beholding we become changed. Not as self exalting, rather being encouraged in Christ as worthy.
Jesus did not have to die to sin and to self like we have to do each and every day in living for God and working for God. Yet, in Psalm 103:12 it is clear that God sees us as if we had never sinned at all when we claim also 1 John 1:9 and 2:1,2; and also when we claim Hebrews 10:19,20. God then sees His Son in us as we work for Him flawed and sinful as we are this side of His Son's return.
Pete, maybe I am misunderstanding your first comment, “Jesus did not have to die to sin and to self like we have to every day”. Hebrews 4:15 says otherwise. Any version of the Bible you read this in says he was tempted just like I am. I would say that Satan worked extra hard in his temptations he brought to Jesus, every single day.
Hi, Karen. I'm with Pete on this one. I don't think that Hebrews 4:15 implies that Jesus was naturally selfish like I am. That Satan worked extra hard in bringing temptations to Jesus, I have no doubt.
Hi R.G. - I agree - 'Jesus has been tempted as we are', does not imply that - your words: "Jesus was naturally selfish like I am." I do not think that "Satan worked extra hard in bringing temptations to Jesus". The tempter used the same strategy to lure Jesus into relying on Himself instead on His faith in the Father who promises to be able to meet all our needs, as he does with us. Jesus was tempted like we are, but He kept His eyes steadfastly on Him when seeking help.
Everyone deciding whether to give in to one's sin-nature's temptation or resist its 'perceived gratification', does this on a case by case basis. All are tempted, but I am sure that all who sincerely believe desire to do their best to follow God's Will in their life. When we fall short, we are invited to come to our Lord and Savior who will forgive us our shortcoming, continuing to cover us with Himself. HIs Love never leaves us uncovered!
Your comment, “Jesus did not have to die to sin and self”. Are the temptations in the wilderness not an evidence that Jesus had to die to self? What about him in the garden, where he said nevertheless not my will but thy will (God’s will) be done. Is that an example of denying self?
Are you saying Jesus had a different type of temptation or easier temptations? Please help me to understand.
If I may, perhaps we first need to clarify what is meant by the phrase, "die to sin and self." I notice that it is not "die to sin or self." So, not all self-denial is necessarily included here. It has to be about sin. Indeed, the use of the word "and" suggests an equivalence between "sin" and "self." So it's really "die to sin and selfishness."
Why was it so hard for Jesus to resist turning stones into bread? Was it any inclination to selfishness? No, He was literally starving to death! Why was it so hard for Him to accept that mysterious "cup" of seemingly eternal separation from the Father? Indeed, prior to becoming a man, Jesus underwent the difficult process of persuading the Father to allow Him to become man's surety and substitute. But when the time comes to actually "drink the cup," Jesus' humanity shrinks from the sacrifice. Even then, once He sees what His refusal of the sacrifice will mean for us,
Oh yes, self-denial was involved! But, dying to sin and selfishness? No, Jesus was never alive to that. No nobler man ever lived!
I'd say that these questions become easy to answer, once we understand that all of our hope is in Jesus, and none is in ourselves.
I have to respectfully disagree with this. Sin and self are united. Self is the root to sin. Was it not self pride that started in Lucifer’s heart that brought sin to our universe? Katrena mentioned the two main places that Christ clearly had to deny self. If I look deeply at the things I struggle with, self is always at the bottom of it.
Before we are born again, Jesus is our Savior. After we are born again, Jesus is additionally our Example and Lord. Before we are born in His Spirit, we can't follow in His footsteps. There's no power (Romans 7-8). However, once we are perfected in His love and His perfect love casts out fear, than we can also gradually grow in the kind of wisdom we see Jesus growing in, in His childhood. Growing in spiritual stature, in favor with God, and socially a blessing to those around us. I'm praying that we are filled to overflowing with His Spirit.
Please heavenly Father, show us our model Jesus Christ in each situation, and teach us how to hear His voice and follow Him closely. Let His mind be in us (Phil. 2:5-8) so that we may submit to Your will for our lives. Please give us thoughtfulness and wisdom beyond our years, when we are emptied of self enough for You to use those gifts in us to bring glory to Your Name. May we not be discouraged by broken humanity. May we not be discouraged by our own rate of growth. Use our hands to Your service. Fill us with Your truth and integrity. Please, Lord Jesus, give us Your peculiar loveliness of disposition and patience that no one and nothing can disturb. We long for Your grace of unselfish courtesy, for You are near and returning to Earth for us soon (Phil 4:5 NIV). We want to live the way Jesus lived from His natural birth until His death, from our new birth until our death (or until Jesus returns). Thank You so much for answering this prayer with Your "YES"! (1 John 5:14-15).
I believe as a church there are times when we have been guilty of focusing on one aspect of a human being. I have taken part in evangelistic campaigns where thousands were baptized.
1. As a church we sometimes focus too much on water baptism and start to mumble when the subject of being baptized by the Spirit is raised. I have met people who are not even sure if they are baptized by the Spirit. We have leaders who are not sure whether they are baptized by the Holy Spirit. 2 Peter 1:10 says make your calling and election sure. Why are we not sure? It's because our evangelistic campaigns are one dimensional
2. The author mentions something that I loved. The author talks about focusing on all four aspects of a human being. We are guilty at times of focusing on only the spiritual aspect when we invite people to Jesus. My favorite inspired writer says,
She goes on to say,
Many times as Adventists we are afraid of mentioning the subject of physical healing. We are even reluctant to pray for physical healing just like what Jesus would do...
Food for thought...
I am not sure how to understand what the author means by describing Jesus as “the perfect Human Being” when describing Him in the aspects of ‘wisdom’, ‘stature’, and ‘favor with God and man’, and saying that His character was "beautiful in its symmetry”. I can only see this model of Jesus in context of His calling.
If the talents and attributes describing Him had been those of an ordinary man, He could have used all these same aspects and probably have grown into a successful entrepreneur or civic leader, maybe even their king. But what is that which makes the difference between Him and the ‘ordinary’ man? From early childhood on, His life was consecrated and devoted to do His Father’s will; and this, in my opinion, made all the difference!
From early childhood on, He grew up with the all-powerful disposition to love - to love His heavenly Father, to be non-judgmental, to show no favoritism toward His fellow citizens; He was equally kind and caring to all He met. When the time came, His Father acknowledged Him, declaring Him to be His Son. He had proved Himself to be worthy to be giving the commission to share the Father's Gospel – His Word of Truth, Light, and Life with all mankind.
Jesus had shown from early childhood on that He knew the Father personally and intimately, going to the synagogues expounding the Word of God. When He become an adult, He had proved that He was willing and able to subdue the demands of the flesh, preferring to live by faith according to the power invested in the Spirit.
We ought not to look at ourselves as unworthy, but rather humbly acknowledging that we are our heavenly Father's children by faith. We remember that we have our being IN Christ Jesus and, like Him, walk through life by faith.
You make some great points, Brigitte, but I think there is something more that made the difference between Jesus and the ordinary man. He was the divine Son of God, who had existed alongside the Father from all eternity. As such, the only "demands of the flesh" that He had were physical, such as weariness or hunger. As I see it, He experienced those (as well as the attacks of Satan) severely enough to serve as our example in overcoming by the power of God. But I would never seek to bring Him down to our level by suggesting that He was distinguished only by the choices that He made.
Thank-you R.G. for pointing out the nature of Christ. I have read it from your comments before, which is good. Several years ago in Sabbath School the topic was brought up, one member quoted Volume 1 of Selected Messages. I had taken his message by faith, and not verified it, as I grew up with the belief that Christ was of Divine and of human nature. Now that I have read a little about it in 1SM, I realize of the importance of getting it right. From what I have read the nature of Christ is integrated with the plan of salvation and our redemption. Very vital for us. And yes, very vital that we don't pull Christ down to our level, rather the Divinity clothed in humanity of Christ allows us to be able to accept the imputing gift of the righteousness of Christ.
Galatians 3:6.
Philippians 3:9.
James 2:23.
Part of the rest of the story.
Good day my friend.
Thank you for commenting, R.G. – Yes, I noted that the Son of God was incarnate in Jesus the man of flesh, but I do not think that Jesus knew or understood this fully when He was a child. As a child He still ’increased in wisdom and in stature and in favor with God and man’ – Luke 2:52.
When the Father acknowledged Him as His Son, then was it given to Him to acknowledge to His followers that “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me” – John 14:6. In the end, after His resurrection, it was revealed that He is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of His nature’ – Heb.1:3, “For in Him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell’ – Col.1:19, though He was born of woman, under the law, He was the incarnate Son of God – Gal.4:4.
Heb.4:15 states that ‘Jesus was tempted in every way that we are’. This also includes the emotions we experience - fears, insecurities, anger, temptations in all its many forms, but He did not give in to them. Though He was like us in the flesh, His love for His heavenly Father led Him to live according to His Will; His divine nature always proving to be stronger than the lures and temptations of the flesh.
I considered that if He would not have been fully human, being tempted as we are, sharing all of the weakness of the flesh but overcoming them all, He would not have risen from the dead as our Savior – John 1:14.
What do you think?
Thanks for the reply, Brigitte. I think that we often use "human weakness" as a euphemism for the inherent depravity of our fallen nature, if not as an excuse for sin. Consequently, while I agree that Jesus fully shared in our human weakness, I cannot get comfortable with saying so unless we clarify that we mean this only in the most literal sense! Jesus' human nature was not at all corrupted by any sinful tendencies. He was tempted as the converted Christian is tempted, by pressures, harassment, and subtle tricks seeking to catch us off-guard and capitalize on our weakness. He was not "tempted" like the natural man, who inherently has neither the power nor the disposition to resist evil, and who has only selfish motives for avoiding wrong words and actions.
I do not have a divine nature so does that mean I will not be able to overcome the lures and temptations of the flesh? Does it mean Jesus had something extra that I do not have?
Hi, Katrena. Second Peter 1:4 says that you may partake of the divine nature through claiming God's promises. Does that answer your question?
Katrena, I agree with you on this. Jesus was the 2nd Adam. What does that mean? Adam was human. Adam and Eve failed, as humans, the test of trusting God. Jesus came, born with the dna of his human mother running through his veins. He came to show us/me how to live, relying on God for his strength to not give in to self. If he was not human, if he had something we don’t have access to, how then can we expect to develop a Christ like character? All anyone has to do is read John 17 to understand all of this.
Brigitte - but didn’t Jesus recognize his mission at just 12 years old, when his parents found Him in the temple and He said, “Wist thou not that I must be about my Father’s business”? I find that amazing that he continued on under His parents’ care, knowing who He was but that His time had not yet come -- until that day He heard the “voice crying in the wilderness”.
I think what Brigitte may be suggesting is that Jesus was not necessarily the "best" at anything that didn't have to do with His mission. For example, was He the best carpenter in Palestine? He may or may not have been, because we don't know what His natural aptitudes were. I am certain He worked very hard and used what He had to the best of His abilities. But He may have not had the skills that some others had. Similarly, was Jesus a genius? Maybe, but probably not. Was he the fastest runner in Nazareth? He could have been, but those things don't matter. He wasn't sent to earth to be some kind of superhero in the physical realms but to save us.
Coming to Christ means a lot, and comparing myself to Him may be quite a challenge, I'd say impossible to match. Perhaps, by the relationship with Jesus, in the school of the Master, I can learn to appreciate His character so much and allow Him to change what needs to be changed in me.