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Week:09, Season:1,
2012
Posted on Saturday by PCT
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Jesus, the role model for us in every way
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Scripture：《
Mark 1:9-15
》
9 At that time Jesus came from Nazareth in Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan. 10 Just as Jesus was coming up out of the water, he saw heaven being torn open and the Spirit descending on him like a dove. 11 And a voice came from heaven: “You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased.” 12 At once the Spirit sent him out into the wilderness, 13 and he was in the wilderness forty days, being tempted by Satan. He was with the wild animals, and angels attended him.14 After John was put in prison, Jesus went into Galilee, proclaiming the good news of God. 15 “The time has come,” he said. “The kingdom of God has come near. Repent and believe the good news!”
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During primary education in Taiwan, the biggest focus for pupils, apart from studying hard, is the election of the“ role model pupil.” One of the purposes of the election is to educate them about democracy, and the other reason is to develop pupils’’ sense of honour as well as shape good manners. However, only very few students follow the example of the elected “role model pupil”. Therefore this election system is nothing more than recognising the minority students who have the best academic performance. Thinking about this, I started to realise that it is very important to have a real role model for the life journey! During my time at college, I searched and explored the lessons of life. Through the Christian Student Fellowship at the University, I finally knew the Christian faith. After three years before I graduated, I was baptised in the name of Christ at Christmas time and confirmed by my church. Since then, Jesus has become the real and most precious “role model” for my life. He was once incarnate as a man and he understood all of the weakness and struggles of humans. He even was tempted in every way, just as we are —yet he did not sin (Hebrews 4:15). For those who follow Him have there is real trust, great faith and hope.
As we enter the Lent, let us read the passages about the baptism and testing of Jesus as he announces the good news; and experience how Jesus made himself a role model in every way for us.
Repent, baptised and be born again
Before Jesus preached to the public, John had already taught people the message of repentance. He baptised people in the River Jordan and let their sins be forgiven. Thus we know that “baptism” is set for those who are willing to repent of their sins. Through this, people are born again and reconciled to God. Jesus did not sin and so did not need to accept this baptism which symbolised repentance. Yet he came to John and asked for his baptism.
In Mark 1:9, it is written that, “At that time Jesus came from Nazareth in Galilee and was baptised by John in the Jordan” If we compare with what written in Matthew, we will understand Jesus’ careful consideration. In Matthew 3:14-15, John tried to deter Jesus’ thought by saying, “I need to be baptised by you, and do you come to me？” but Jesus replied, “Let it be so now; it is proper for us to do this to fulfil all righteousness.” Then John consented.” Jesus being baptised is the fulfilment of God’s commandment. He is also our best role model to show us how we should humble ourselves and surrender to God’s commandment. Through confession and baptism, we can repent heart and begin again.
Receive the Holy Spirit and please God
There were three visions at Jesus’ baptism: he saw heaven being torn open and the Spirit descending on him like a dove. A voice came from heaven: “You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased.” This symbolises that while Jesus was receiving John’s baptism, God was also baptising Jesus with the Holy Spirit. And God declared His love and acceptance of Jesus. He sent Jesus to do his work and duty as His Son. This is the confirmation of Jesus’ identity of Son of God.
For a baptised Christian, does it mean that we should also receive the Holy Spirit to manage our life when receiving the baptism so that we can please God and be sent out as a servant for him？ As Jesus taught us by making himself the best role model, we shall live as Christians whose life is fulfilled by the Holy Spirit and to please God.
Conquer tests and live a triumphant life
The books of Matthew, Mark and Luke all record that after Jesus was baptised, he then was sent by the Spirit into the wilderness to receive temptations by Satan. It is obviously with God’s agreement that Jesus was tempted. It was the necessary test and preparation for Jesus to preach publicly and proclaim his mission to bring salvation.
The Book of Mark differs from other Gospel books and does not have a detailed account of the temptation of Jesus in the wilderness but briefly says, “He was with the wild animals, and angels attended him” Such a simple sentence brings to light for us that temptations are inevitable in our life. God allows the temptation not to defeat us but challenge our mind and spirit to become brave life fighters, just as Jesus conquered the temptations. Furthermore, let us pay attention on the hope brought by this passage: even though we are in a dangerous environment surrounded by wild animals, the angels are with us. This means that even when we face the greatest challenges we still have the support and help of the holy power of God. Thus we will conquer temptation and live the triumphant life demonstrated by our role model, Jesus.
Announce the gospel of God and lead people to turn to Him
After Jesus was baptised, anointed by the Holy Spirit and conquered Satan’s temptations, he began another tougher task. Mark 1: 14-15 briefly writes: After John was put in prison, Jesus went into Galilee, proclaiming the good news of God. 15 “The time has come,” he said. “The kingdom of God has come near. Repent and believe the good news!” Although the passage is short, this good news of God has led people to a mission to turn away from sin, repent and turn to God. For this mission is not only practiced by Jesus, but also by his disciples. Just before Jesus was raised to heaven, he said to each of the disciples, “ Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation.”(Mark 16:15)
The experience about the baptism and testing of Jesus and the way he announces the good news shows us that Jesus is the role model for us in every way. He set up a clear standard for each Christian to follow. In Hebrews 2:17-18,it is written, “For this reason he had to be made like them, fully human in every way, in order that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in service to God, and that he might make atonement for the sins of the people. Because he himself suffered when he was tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted.” This is why Jesus is so precious to us. One of the best things about being a Christian is that Jesus is walking in front of us to keep us safe and without fear.
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For discussion：
1.Share the moment of your baptism. How did it influence your faith life today？
2.What temptations you have met？ How did you conquer them？
3.Share your personal experience of preaching the gospel and leading people to God.
Please pray for：
1.Give thanks to God for your baptism, receiving the Holy Spirit and pleasing God. Pray for family and friends who are not baptised yet.
2.Pray for those who are suffering from temptations. May God strengthen them, give them faith and send angels to be with them, May they conquer the temptations with the support and help from the holy one.
3.Pray for members of your fellowship to progress in the mission of preaching the gospel and leading people to God.
Prayer：
Dear Jesus, thank you for being the role model in every way for us. You always walk in front of us and let us follow your path so that our hearts have true security. You have revealed the truth of life to us and ask us to follow your way, to live your faith and be baptised, to receive the Holy Spirit, to conquer the temptations, and to preach the gospel. We are not only following this model ourselves but inviting friends to walk with you. You are our Lord and our role model in every way. In the name of Christ. Amen.
Something you can do：
1.Find the records about Jesus’ whole life. Write down those aspects which show how Jesus can be your role model and those you are willing to follow.
2.During Lent (40 days from Ash Wednesday to the Easter Day), read passages from Reading the Bible with New Eyes and reflect on the relationship between Jesus’ baptism, temptation, preaching, crucifixion and resurrection with your personal life. Confirm whether you are willing to let Jesus become your role model in every way.
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