Vol. XLI November 2, 2009 No. 11

The Divine Pattern for the Lord’s Church (10)

The Pattern of Jesus Christ

by Tom McLemore

In our series thus far, we have considered the pattern for the New Testament church primarily from the standpoint of the community of faith as a whole. While it is essential to be well versed in what the New Testament teaches regarding the worship, mission, message, care, etc. of the church as a whole, it is equally important to be aware of the pattern that Jesus Christ provides for the individual’s daily living and participation in the life of the local church. (This needs to be stressed in case any of God’s people think that being members of the one true church is a substitute for, or exemption from, holy living! On the contrary, being a member of the church of Christ demands that one live as a member of Christ). The apostles conveyed Christ’s teaching as his pattern for his church as a whole. They also followed Christ’s example of living as individual Christians and thus furnish us an example of Christ’s pattern for our daily walk with Christ.

The fundamental concept of Jesus as our pattern is stated in 1 John 2:3-6: “Now by this we may be sure that we know him, if we obey his commandments. Whoever says, ‘I have come to know him,’ but does not obey his commandments, is a liar, and in such a person the truth does not exist; but whoever obeys his word, truly in this person the love of God has reached perfection. By this we may be sure that we are in him: whoever says, ‘I abide in him,’ ought to walk just as he walked.” Jesus’ manner of living was pure and righteous, and those who hope in him purify themselves and do what is right accordingly (1 John 3:3, 7; cf. 4:17). Let us note the major emphases that emerge from a study of the example of Christ (which may also be observed in the lives of his apostles). First, there is humble, self-sacrificing service. Jesus said, “[T]he Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life a ransom for many” (Matthew 20:28 || Mark 10:45; see also Philippians 2:5-11). The ultimate expression of this was his sacrificial death upon the cross, but he expressed it also in his washing of the disciples’ feet. He explained this action in John 13:15: “For I have set you an example, that you also should do as I have done to you.”

Second, and at the foundation of the first, there is Jesus’ love. He said, “I give you a new commandment, that you love one another. Just as I have loved you, you also should love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another” (John 13:34, 35; cf. 15:10, 12). This love led Jesus to seek and to save the lost (Luke 19:10) and to care for his sheep (John 10). In these ways, Jesus provides the pattern of faithful, loving service that will lead individuals to reach out to others with the gospel and encouragement.

Third, there is suffering for the cause of righteousness. “[I]f you endure when you do right and suffer for it, you have God’s approval. For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you should follow in his steps. ‘He committed no sin, and no deceit was found in his mouth.’ When he was abused, he did not return abuse; when he suffered, he did not threaten; but he entrusted himself to the one who judges justly” (1 Peter 2:20-23; cf. Matthew 16:24; || Mark 8:34; Luke 9:23; 14:27).

Fourth, Jesus provides the pattern for our resisting temptation. Jesus “in every respect has been tested as we are, yet without sin” (Hebrews 4:15; cf. 2:18). In Matthew 4:1-11 (and || Mark 1:13; Luke 4:1-13). Worthy of note is the manner in which Jesus met with each temptation–he responded with quotations of Scripture. This suggests Jesus’ absolute determination to do his Father’s will and his recognition that his Father’s will is revealed in Scripture. Note that he was prepared in advance by a thorough knowledge of God’s word, and he was able to respond with truth against the devices of the devil. If we are to overcome temptation, there is nothing more important than equipping ourselves with a knowledge of God’s word, having committed ourselves to doing God’s will.

Fifth, our Lord supplies us with the pattern of regular assembly with the people of God for worship. While we are not told many details about Jesus’ involvement in the national religion of the Jews, Luke’s report of Jesus’ visit to the synagogue (Luke 4:16) reveals much about his assembling with God’s people for worship: “[H]e went to the synagogue on the sabbath day, as was his custom. He stood up to read...” This statement indicates what Jesus had done all his life and what he continued to do even since he had begun his public ministry. Not only was it his regular practice to attend, but when he attended, he participated fully in the worship. One cannot imagine Jesus ever once viewing worship as a duty or drudgery or his being faced with the decision about whether or not he desired to attend!

Sixth, Jesus furnishes us with the pattern of praying as a way of life. The emphasis upon this feature of Jesus’ daily living is remarkable. He preached to his disciples “about their need to pray always and not to lose heart” (Luke 18:1), and he practiced what he preached! There are numerous passages that speak of Jesus’ praying. (See Mark 1:35; Luke 3:21; 5:16; 6:12; 9:18, 28, 29; 11:1; 22:32; Matthew 26:39, 42, 44 [|| Mark 14:35, 39; Lk. 22:41, 44]). Jesus prayed early in the morning. Sometimes he prayed all night. He often went to a mountain to pray. He prayed at crucial occasions, and he prayed for his disciples, as a group and as individuals. His praying inspired his disciples to learn to pray and to seek his instruction in the art of prayer (Luke 11:1). He gave a model of prayer (Matthew 6:9-13; || Luke 11:2-4). John 17 contains Jesus’ great prayer on behalf of his apostles and his disciples of all time to come, and in reading this prayer we realize his profound communion with his Father and his great, selfless love and servant’s heart. In the Garden of Gethsemane (Matthew 26:39, 42, 44 [|| Mark 14:35, 39; Lk. 22:41, 44]) Jesus’ prayers manifested his utter devotion to God and to his will (see Hebrews 5:7-10).

It should go without saying that everything Jesus did and said provides the pattern for his people as we strive to “...grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ...” (Ephesians 4:15). In addition, there are numerous passages which urge us to look to his apostles for good examples to imitate (especially regarding Paul–1 Corinthians 4:16; 11:1; Philippians 3:17; 1 Thessalonians 1:6; 2 Thessalonians 3:9). It is the task of churches, Christians, preachers, and elders to be examples that conform to the pattern established by Christ (1 Thessalonians 1:7; 2:14; 1 Timothy 4:12; Titus 2:7; 1 Peter 5:3).

When it comes to daily living, Jesus is the pattern for the members of his church. When we follow his example, we are recognizable as his disciples, and we are pleasing to him whose people we are. We know him. Let us walk as he walked!

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