Bible Study: Jesus, Our Model

Jesus, Our Model

1. Whose footsteps should we follow?

1 Peter 2:21 – “For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow in his steps“

Commentary: The passage in 1 Peter 2:21 teaches us that the example to be followed is that of Christ. He, who endured suffering and sacrifice on our behalf, left a model of life and obedience to God. As Christians, we are called to follow His steps, meaning to live in a way similar to Him, in humility, love, and faithfulness to God, even in the face of difficulties. Our greatest example of life should be Christ, who lived for the glory of God and for the salvation of humanity.

2. How should a Christian walk?

1 John 2:6 – “He who says he abides in him ought himself also to walk in the same way in which he walked“

Colossians 2:6 – “As you therefore have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in him“

Commentary: The passages in 1 John 2:6 and Colossians 2:6 make it clear that Christians must walk according to the example of Jesus Christ. This means living as He lived, with love, humility, obedience to God, and faithfulness to His word. The Christian life is not just a profession of faith, but a way of living that reflects the likeness of Christ in our attitudes, decisions, and behaviors. Walking in Christ is living according to His teachings, always seeking His guidance and imitating His character in all areas of life.

3. What feeling should we have?

Philippians 2:5 – “Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus“

Philippians 2:6-8 – “Who, being in the form of God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but emptied himself, taking the form of a servant, and being made in the likeness of men; And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross“

John 6:38 – “For I came down from heaven, not to do mine own will, but the will of him that sent me“

Acts 10:38 – “How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power, who went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with him“

Romans 5:6-8 – “For when we were yet without strength, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly. For scarcely for a righteous man will one die; yet perhaps for a good man someone would even dare to die. But God demonstrates his own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us“

4. What example did Christ set as a child regarding obedience to parents?

Luke 2:51 – “And he went down with them, and came to Nazareth, and was subject unto them. And his mother kept all these things in her heart“

Commentary: The passage in Luke 2:51 highlights Jesus’ obedience to His parents, Mary and Joseph, when He was still a child. Even though He was the Son of God, Jesus demonstrated humility and respect for parental authority, living according to the principles of obedience and submission. This example teaches us that, regardless of our position or status, we should respect and honor our parents, reflecting the character of Christ, who was obedient even in His childhood. Obedience to God is also manifested in respecting and fulfilling family principles.

5. How are your childhood and youth described?

Luke 2:52 – “And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man“

6. What example did He set regarding baptism?

Matthew 3:13-15 – “Then Jesus came from Galilee to John at the Jordan to be baptized by him. But John resisted him, saying, ‘I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?’ But Jesus answered and said to him, ‘Permit it to be so now, for thus it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness’. Then he permitted him“

7. How did Jesus teach the life of prayer?

Luke 6:12 – “And it came to pass in those days, that he went out into the mountain to pray, and continued all night in prayer to God“

Luke 9:28 – “And it came to pass, about eight days after these sayings, that he took with him Peter, John, and James, and went up into a mountain to pray“

Commentary: The passages in Luke 6:12 and Luke 9:28 show that Jesus taught, through His example, the importance of constant prayer and seeking intimacy with God. He withdrew to pray during crucial moments, spending long hours in communion with the Father, demonstrating that prayer should not be just an occasional practice, but a priority in our lives. Furthermore, by praying on mountains and in secluded places, He teaches us the importance of finding time alone with God, away from distractions, to strengthen our relationship with Him and seek His guidance.

8. What kind of work did Jesus dedicate His life to?

Acts 10:38 – “How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power, who went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with him“

Commentary: The passage in Acts 10:38 reveals that Jesus dedicated His life to doing good, healing the sick and freeing those oppressed by the devil. He was anointed by God with the Holy Spirit and power to carry out this mission. Jesus’ work was not focused on personal enrichment or worldly recognition, but on serving others, alleviating suffering, and bringing spiritual liberation. His life was an example of service and compassion, and as followers of Christ, we are called to imitate this dedication to the well-being of others and the spreading of God’s Kingdom.

9. For whom and why did Christ leave the heavenly riches?

2 Corinthians 8:9 – “For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, so that you through his poverty might become rich“

10. When he was insulted and mistreated, what did he do?

1 Peter 2:23 – “Who, when they reviled him, reviled not in return; and when he suffered, threatened not; but entrusted himself to him that judgeth justly“

Commentary: The passage in 1 Peter 2:23 teaches us that when Jesus was insulted and mistreated, He did not respond with vengeance or harsh words. Instead, He entrusted Himself to the hands of God, the righteous judge. Jesus provides us with the example of how we should act in the face of adversity and injustice: with patience, not retaliating, but trusting in God, who is just and sovereign. This behavior reflects humility and trust in God, showing that even in the most difficult situations, we should act with calm and faith, leaving judgment in God’s hands.

11. How did He pray for those who crucified Him?

Luke 23:34 – “And Jesus said, Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do. And they divided up his garments, and cast lots“

Acts 3:17 – “And now, brethren, I know that ye did it through ignorance, as also your rulers“

Commentary: The passages in Luke 23:34 and Acts 3:17 show that, even while being crucified, Jesus prayed for His tormentors, asking for forgiveness and recognizing that they acted in ignorance. He demonstrated immeasurable love and a forgiving heart, not seeking revenge, but desiring salvation for those who were mistreating Him. This example teaches us the importance of forgiveness, even in the most difficult situations, and reminds us that people often act without fully understanding the harm they are causing. Jesus calls us to act with mercy, interceding for others, just as He did for us.

12. What is the inspired testimony given concerning Him?

Hebrews 1:9 – “You have loved righteousness and hated wickedness; therefore God, your God, has anointed you with the oil of gladness above your companions“

Life Without Sin

13. What testimony is given regarding Christ’s life on earth?

1 Peter 2:22 – “Who committed no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth“

Commentary: The passage in 1 Peter 2:22 bears witness to the perfect life of Christ, highlighting that He committed no sin and that no deceit was found in His mouth. This reveals the purity and integrity of Jesus in every aspect of His life. He lived flawlessly, without moral or spiritual faults, being the supreme example of righteousness and holiness. His testimony on Earth is one of a sinless life, perfectly fulfilling the will of God, becoming the perfect sacrifice for us. Jesus is the model of righteousness that we should strive to imitate in our Christian journey.

14. What is true of all other members of the human family?

Romans 3:23 – “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God“

15. With what question did Christ challenge his enemies?

John 8:26 – “I have much to say and to judge about you, but he who sent me is true; and the things I have heard from him I speak to the world“

16. To what extent was Christ tempted?

Hebrews 4:15 – “For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way as we are, yet without sin“

17. Of what nature did Christ partake in His humanity?

Hebrews 2:14 – “And since the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he himself also himself likewise took part of the same, that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil“

Commentary: The passage in Hebrews 2:14 teaches us that, in His humanity, Christ fully participated in flesh and blood, meaning He shared in the human nature in every aspect. This was essential so that, through His death, He could overcome the power of death and destroy the works of the devil. By becoming human, Jesus was able to identify with our weaknesses and achieve victory over sin and death, offering us salvation. His incarnation reveals God’s deep love, sending His Son to become like us and defeat evil in our place.

18. To what extent did Jesus share in our common humanity?

Hebrews 2:17 – “Therefore in all things he had to be made like his brothers, that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people“

Commentary: The passage in Hebrews 2:17 reveals that Jesus fully shared in our humanity, being like us in every way, except in sin. He assumed human nature completely, experiencing our struggles, temptations, and limitations, so that He could be a merciful and faithful high priest. Through this complete identification with our condition, He became capable of atoning for the sins of the people, offering the perfect and effective sacrifice. His humanity was essential for Him to understand our needs and act on behalf of our salvation with compassion and justice.

19. Where in Christ did God condemn sin, and gain for us the victory over temptation and sin?

Romans 8:3 – “For what the law could not do in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh“

20. By whose power did Christ live the perfect life?

John 5:3 – “In these lay a great multitude of sick people, blind, lame, and withered, waiting for the moving of the water“

John 14:10 – “Do you not believe that I am in the Father, and the Father in me? The words that I speak to you I do not speak on my own authority, but the Father who dwells in me does his works“

Philippians 2:13 – “For it is God who works in you both to will and to do for his good pleasure“

1 John 4:15 – “Whoever confesses that Jesus is the Son of God, God abides in him, and he in God“

Commentary: The perfect life of Christ was lived through the power of God the Father, who enabled Him to accomplish all His works. In John 14:10, Jesus explains that the words and works He performed did not come from His own authority, but from the Father who was in Him, indicating Jesus’ complete dependence on God’s power to fulfill His mission. Philippians 2:13 reinforces this idea, showing that it is God who works both to will and to act in Christ, and consequently, in us. In 1 John 4:15, we see that the union between Christ and the Father is the foundation for the perfection and effectiveness of His mission. The life of Jesus was a demonstration of complete dependence on God, as He, the Son of God, lived in perfect communion with the Father.

21. What selfless design did Jesus always have before Him?

John 6:38 – “For I came down from heaven, not to do mine own will, but the will of him that sent me“

Commentary: The passage in John 6:38 reveals that Jesus’ purpose was entirely focused on fulfilling the will of God the Father, not His own will. Though He was the Son of God, He fully submitted to the divine plan, demonstrating selflessness and total commitment to the purpose for which He came into the world: the salvation of humanity. Jesus lived in complete obedience to the Father, placing His own desires and interests second, for the sake of the redemptive mission. This example of submission and dedication to God’s will is a model for how we should live, always seeking to fulfill the divine purpose in our lives.

Our Helper and Friend

22. What was opened through Christ for the house of David?

Zechariah 13:1 – “In that day a fountain will be opened for the house of David and for the inhabitants of Jerusalem, for purification from sin and impurity“

23. Who took away our sins, and is ready to help us?

Isaiah 63:1 – “Who is this, coming from Edom, from Bozrah, with dyed garments, this glorious in his apparel, who marches with his great strength? I who speak in righteousness, mighty to save“

24. Why did Christ come into this world?

Luke 19:10 – “For the Son of Man came to seek and to save that which was lost“

25. By what did Christ become a complete and perfect Savior?

Hebrews 2:10 – “For it was fitting for him, for whom are all things, and by whom are all things, in bringing many sons to glory, to make the captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings“

26. Because of this, what can Christ do?

Hebrews 2:18 – “For in that he himself hath suffered being tempted, he is able to succor them that are tempted“

27. How effective is He as a Savior?

Hebrews 7:25 – “Therefore he is able also to save completely those who come to God through him, since he always lives to intercede for them“

28. From what is He able to keep us?

Jude 24 and 25 – “Now to him who is able to keep you from falling and to present you blameless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy, to the only wise God our Savior, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, now and forevermore. Amen“.

Commentary: Jude 24 and 25 assure us that Jesus is able to keep us from stumbling and present us faultless before God. He possesses all the power and authority to protect us from spiritual temptations and dangers, guiding us safely to His glory. This passage highlights the sovereignty of God, who is wise and powerful enough to preserve us and keep us firm in the faith, bringing us into His presence with joy. The assurance that Christ can keep us is a source of trust and hope, knowing that, despite difficulties, He is faithful to sustain us until the end.

29. What does He call those who accept Him?

John 15:15 – “No longer do I call you servants, for a servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all that I have heard from my Father I have made known to you“

30. What kind of friend is He?