In Christianity, the gospel is often summarized as the death and resurrection of Jesus. While these events are indeed central to the gospel, they are not the whole story. The life of Jesus, his sinless and servant-hearted existence, is just as essential to understanding the gospel and the Christian faith. In this blogpost, we will explore why the life of Jesus is crucial to the establishment of the gospel and how it impacts our lives today.
When asked about the gospel, many people respond with the simple answer that Jesus died on the cross for our sins and rose again from the dead. While this is true, it is not a complete answer. The death of Jesus on the cross is indeed crucial to the gospel story, as it provides the payment for our sins and reconciles us to God. Without it, there would be no Christianity. However, the gospel is not complete without the resurrection of Jesus. His resurrection from the dead demonstrates his victory over sin and death, and it is through his resurrection that we have the hope of eternal life.
While the death and resurrection of Jesus are significant, they are like the visible parts of a house. They are what we see and often focus on when we think of Christianity. However, there is a foundation that is essential to the whole structure. Without this foundation, the entire gospel crumbles. This foundation is the sinless and servant-hearted life of Jesus.
Jesus lived a life without sin. He was fully God and fully man, yet he never gave in to temptation or committed any wrongdoing. This sinless life is crucial because if Jesus had sinned even once, he would have been separated from God and unable to pay for our sins. It is through his sinless life that his death on the cross becomes meaningful and effective in saving us from our sins.
The sinless life of Jesus also demonstrates his perfect obedience to God the Father. He lived in complete alignment with God's will, showing us what it means to follow God wholeheartedly. As followers of Jesus, we are called to imitate his example and strive for a life of obedience and holiness.
In addition to his sinlessness, Jesus also lived a life of humble service. He willingly became a servant to humanity, entering into our suffering and experiencing the hardships of life. Jesus cared for the outcasts, healed the sick, and fed the hungry. He showed us what it means to love and serve others selflessly.
As followers of Jesus, we are called to follow in his footsteps and live lives of service and love. Just as Jesus responded to suffering with grace and kindness, we are called to do the same. Our lives should reflect the servant-hearted nature of Jesus, as we seek to love and serve others in all areas of our lives.
Understanding the sinless and servant-hearted life of Jesus has a profound impact on our lives as believers. It fills us with awe and leads us to worship him. The fact that Jesus lived a sinless life in a sin-stained world is incredible and worthy of our praise. As we worship him, we experience a deep connection with our Creator and are transformed by his love and grace.
Furthermore, the sinless and servant-hearted life of Jesus challenges us to live lives that reflect his character. We are called to integrate our faith into every aspect of our lives, living consistently and authentically as followers of Jesus. Our public and private lives should align, and our actions should demonstrate the love and grace of Christ to those around us.
In conclusion, the life of Jesus is just as essential to the gospel story as his death and resurrection. His sinless and servant-hearted existence demonstrates his perfect obedience to God and his love for humanity. Understanding the life of Jesus fills us with awe and leads us to worship him. It also challenges us to live lives of obedience and service, reflecting his character in all that we do. May we strive to imitate the sinless and servant-hearted life of Jesus as we seek to live out the gospel in our own lives.
