Walking on this earth over two thousand years ago, Jesus lived in such a way that His life lessons continue to impact the lives and hearts of millions of Christians worldwide. His habits, often mentioned in the Bible “as was His custom,” provide us with a living example of how we can lead lives that are fulfilling, compassionate, and close to God. Let’s explore some of Jesus’ remarkable habits and their relevance to Christians today.
Regular Prayer. Jesus often retreated into a place of solitude for prayer and reflection (Mark 1:35). Despite His divine nature, Jesus sought constant communion with the Father, constantly setting an example for us to communicate with our Heavenly Father. This habit reminds Christians of the importance of prayer in grounding our faith and fostering a personal relationship with God. It also reinforces the need for quiet moments of reflection amidst our busy lives.
Service. Jesus lived a life marked by acts of kindness and service to others, often extending help to the marginalized and neglected sections of society (Mark 10:45). His actions ranged from healing the sick and feeding the hungry to washing His disciples’ feet – a task typically reserved for servants. These actions emphasize the importance of humility, compassion, and selfless service in Christian living. Today, this principle encourages Christians to generously offer their time, talents, and resources to help others, reflecting Jesus’ love and kindness in our actions.
Fellowship. Jesus dedicated ample time to fellowship with His disciples and the wider community, emphasizing the importance of close relationships and unity (Acts 2:42). Fellowship offers a platform for shared experiences, mutual encouragement, and spiritual growth, fostering a sense of community and interconnectedness. Christian fellowship is seen as a pillar of the Christian faith, embodying the love and unity that Jesus endorsed.
Obedience to God. Jesus displayed unwavering obedience to God throughout His life on earth, even in times of great hardship and testing (Luke 22:42). His total submission to God’s will was a testament to deep faith and commitment. It ultimately led to His sacrificial death on the Cross for the redemption of humankind. This obedience spotlights the principle of prioritizing God’s will over personal desires or fears in Christianity. Today, this lesson invites Christians to live a life of obedience and trust in God, giving them strength and guidance in our spiritual journey, even in the face of difficulty.
Love and Forgiveness. Jesus repeatedly emphasized the concepts of love and forgiveness throughout His teachings, as evidenced in His commandment to “Love your neighbor as yourself” (Mark 12:31) and His parable of the unmerciful servant (Matthew 18:21-35). Jesus demonstrated unconditional love – a selfless, sacrificial love – and urged His followers to extend this same love toward everyone, including their enemies. Jesus also stressed the importance of forgiveness, setting a heartfelt example by pardoning those who crucified Him. These principles of love and forgiveness are fundamental to the Christian faith. They guide believers in their interactions by cultivating a spirit of empathy, tolerance, and reconciliation in the face of conflict or wrongdoing.
Teaching. Jesus was a profound teacher, using parables and daily life events to impart spiritual truths to His followers (Matthew 5:1-2). His teachings focused on love, compassion, forgiveness, and the Kingdom of God, providing clarity on how to live a life pleasing to God. His approach to teaching was not confined to sermons in a worship setting but extended to everyday situations, making spiritual truths accessible and relatable. Today, this instructs Christians to actively seek wisdom and guidance from God’s Word and apply these teachings in our daily lives, further advancing an environment of understanding, empathy, and love in our communities.
Worship. Jesus consistently engaged in individual and corporate worship, emphasizing the importance of an intimate relationship with God and fellowship with other believers (Luke 4:16). He often retreated to solitary places for private prayer, demonstrating the necessity of personal communion with God. Jesus, “as was His custom,” regularly attended synagogue services. Today, this reminds Christians that personal prayer and attendance in worship services are vital aspects of spiritual growth, unity with others, and strengthening our relationship with God.
The habits of Jesus provide a blueprint for Christian living. They remind us of the importance of prayer, reflection, service, wisdom, community, obedience, love, forgiveness, and worship. As we strive to imitate these habits, we can hope to lead lives that follow the path of love and grace, extending His Kingdom on Earth as it is in Heaven.