Bible Reading: 1 Peter 1:13-20
[God] paid for you with the precious lifeblood of Christ, the sinless, spotless Lamb of God. 1 Peter 1:19
Tears rolled down Kristin’s cheeks as she closed her hymnal and stood to exit the church. As her family filed out of the pew at the end of her great-grandma’s funeral service, she wondered how all the people who looked up to Grandma Nelson would get along without her.
Kristin’s great-grandma came to America with her parents when she was even younger than Kristin. She couldn’t speak a word of English, but she adapted to a new culture, married, and raised five children. She sent sons to war and buried a husband and a daughter. She arrived in poverty and always lived modestly. Through ninety-five years of life she relied on God’s strength to bring her through every trial. She was the best example of love and obedience Kristin had ever seen.
When it comes to knowing and doing right, there is no substitute for a living, breathing, right-under-your-nose example.
But Jesus Christ does one better. No, you can’t see him in person. But through the Bible you can read about him in action and witness his awesome acts as the ultimate example of doing right. Jesus not only taught the moral law of God, but unlike any other human being in your life, he also lived it to perfection.
The Bible leaves no doubt about the purity of Christ’s life.
Peter said, “He never sinned, and he never deceived anyone” (1 Peter 2:22). He is “the sinless, spotless Lamb of God” (1:19).
Paul declared that Christ “never sinned” (2 Corinthians 5:21). He “faced all of the same temptations we do, yet he did not sin” (Hebrews 4:15).
John’s first letter talks often about Christ’s sinlessness: “There is no darkness in him at all” (1:5); “Jesus Christ, the one who pleases God completely” (2:1); “Christ is pure” (3:3); and “There is no sin in him” (3:5).
Pilate said, “I find nothing wrong with this man!” (Luke 23:4). Pilate’s observation has been the verdict of history. Jesus lived a truly perfect life.
Even the best human examples of obedience and purity fail at times. Say thanks to God for the good examples you have in your family members, church leaders, and friends. But keep your main focus on the perfect example by filling your mind with the words and deeds of Jesus Christ, the Son of God.
TALK: How do you feel to have such an awesomely perfect leader?
PRAY: Jesus, we’re glad you blazed a trail for us, showing us the right way to live and love.
ACT: Did you know that you are an example for all of the people around you, just as Kristin’s great-grandma was? Be faithful to God in your words and actions today so that others will be inspired by your life.
