As one reads Scripture, there are many people within its pages with which we can identify. Perhaps we are Abraham in Genesis pleading with God for a loved one that is stuck in a bad place, or Moses, facing off against an unjust and unholy world. Perhaps we feel like Job, when everything seems to be going wrong, and you can’t find a reason why.
But, what about the New Testament? When we are reading the Gospels, with whom do you identify? Is it Peter, the one who acts first, and thinks later (not always a bad thing)? Or Thomas who doesn’t believe everything he hears (also not always a bad thing)? Perhaps you are having difficulty publicly proclaiming Christ before others, like Nicodemus. There are even bad guys in the Gospels, but if you are identifying with the Scribes and Pharisees… well… I think we should probably have a talk… soon!
So, as disciples of Christ, when we read the Gospels, with whom should we seek to identify with? There remains one overarching fact throughout the books of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John, that many often overlook. None of the disciples had experienced salvation yet! None of them were new creations! None of them were filled with the Holy Spirit! Jesus, alone, was as we are now. Being the first of many brethren (Romans 8:29), He was the beginning of the New Creation. Whereas, before the Day of Pentecost, the Holy Spirit was only with us and not in us, but now, as it was with Christ, the Holy Spirit is in us. (John 14:17). So then, the only one with whom we can genuinely identify with in the Gospels, is Jesus Himself. He has been made an example to us in all things (Ephesians 4:15).
Now, go read Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John, and take special note to Christ.
Focus on what He said, how He said it, what He did, and how He did it. Then go and
do likewise. Step out in faith first, and let God meet you there. Don’t worry, He’s the same Holy Spirit... He remembers what to do. “Imitate me, just as I also imitate Christ.” (1Corinthians 1:11 NKJV)
Till next time,
Jason
But, what about the New Testament? When we are reading the Gospels, with whom do you identify? Is it Peter, the one who acts first, and thinks later (not always a bad thing)? Or Thomas who doesn’t believe everything he hears (also not always a bad thing)? Perhaps you are having difficulty publicly proclaiming Christ before others, like Nicodemus. There are even bad guys in the Gospels, but if you are identifying with the Scribes and Pharisees… well… I think we should probably have a talk… soon!
So, as disciples of Christ, when we read the Gospels, with whom should we seek to identify with? There remains one overarching fact throughout the books of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John, that many often overlook. None of the disciples had experienced salvation yet! None of them were new creations! None of them were filled with the Holy Spirit! Jesus, alone, was as we are now. Being the first of many brethren (Romans 8:29), He was the beginning of the New Creation. Whereas, before the Day of Pentecost, the Holy Spirit was only with us and not in us, but now, as it was with Christ, the Holy Spirit is in us. (John 14:17). So then, the only one with whom we can genuinely identify with in the Gospels, is Jesus Himself. He has been made an example to us in all things (Ephesians 4:15).
Now, go read Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John, and take special note to Christ.
Focus on what He said, how He said it, what He did, and how He did it. Then go and
do likewise. Step out in faith first, and let God meet you there. Don’t worry, He’s the same Holy Spirit... He remembers what to do. “Imitate me, just as I also imitate Christ.” (1Corinthians 1:11 NKJV)
Till next time,
Jason
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