CHOSEN TO LOOK AND LIVE LIKE JESUS
As we dig deeper into our passage this week, we will look at what it means to be conformed to the image of Christ. To understand this more, let’s look at three big ideas around the image of Christ.
Idea #1: God’s identity within humanity – Jesus came to earth to show us the personality, character, and values of God.
Hebrews 1:3 says, “The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being.” When we look at Jesus, we see God. One of the reasons Jesus came to earth is to show us God’s identity and how it interacts with humanity. If you want to know how God treats sin, look at how Jesus treated sin. If you want to know how God feels about sickness, look at Jesus’ response to the sick. If you want to know how to treat marginalized people, look at how Jesus treated them.
Idea #2: God’s ideal for all humanity– Jesus models for us the perfect representation of how we should live.
Jesus is fully God and fully human. As we look to him to show us the identity of God, we also see how we should ideally be living. Jesus living as a man allows us to see God’s character in action. Jesus is God’s ideal for how humans should live.
Idea #3: God’s invitation – Jesus didn’t come to earth just to demonstrate an ideal life. We are invited to live a transformed life with him.
2 Corinthians 3:18 says, “And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory.” One of the practices in scripture that helps us to become like Christ is to behold his glory. When we look at the face of Jesus and behold his glory, we are transformed into his image. As you read the gospels this week, engage your imagination. Imagine Jesus walking through the streets, playing with children, talking to Pharisees, and healing the sick. Stand in the tension of the ways he isn’t like you. Behold your savior who is courageous in the face of adversity, spends time with outcasts and loves his enemies. He is patient, trustworthy, faithful, and kind. Behold him. There is something about watching him and contemplating his glory that produces transformation.
As you go through this week, read through these passages and let God’s word reveal new truths to you and let those truths set you free.
John 1:1-18
John 4:1-26
John 8:12-20
Hebrews 1:1-4
2 Corinthians 3:12-18In your prayer time, take time to pray through these things…
– Engage your imagination as you read about Jesus this week. What facial expressions do you think he had in the story you are reading? How do you think he was feeling? How did the people with him feel? What does he do similarly to you, and what does he do differently?
-Spend time with God and delight in who he is. Behold his glory.
-Talk with God about your struggles and share your fears and worries with him. Imagine physically placing your burdens at his feet. Then take a few slow, deep breaths and let the Holy Spirit speak to your heart as you sit in his presence.