An Indictment

Then Jesus went from Galilee to the Jordan River to be baptized by John. But John tried to talk him out of it. “I am the one who needs to be baptized by you,” he said, “so why are you coming to me?” But Jesus said, “It should be done, for we must carry out all that God requires.” So John agreed to baptize him. [Matthew 3.13-15]

From the very beginning of His ministry, at His baptism, Jesus was demonstrating for those who would follow Him through the centuries to follow how they should live.

Jesus knew He was the Son of God, but rather insisted on referring to Himself and functioning on earth as the Son of Man - for that was His role on earth.

Why is this important? Because Jesus is our example. If we believe all that Jesus did in His earthly ministry was from the role of being God, then we are logically excused from any responsibility to "do the same works" because we are NOT God. However, if all that Jesus did in His earthly ministry was done from His role of being man, starting here with His baptism, then we have no excuse for not looking and acting just like Him. We have no excuse for not doing the same works Jesus did.

The case might be argued that no one today does the same works Jesus did. And, that I suppose is true. However, if we are ever to return to Kingdom-seeking as Jesus described and demonstrated, then we are left but one example how to live: Jesus.

The implication of this then is serious. In fact, it is more serious than most church leaders and Christians are willing to admit. The life and words of Jesus, as documented in the Four Gospels, indict us today. There is only one solution: repentance followed by the "good works" as Jesus Himself described in His own words:

“I tell you the truth, anyone who believes in me will do the same works I have done, and even greater works, because I am going to be with the Father. [John 14.12]

Father, forgive me for not looking and acting like Jesus in the circumstances of my life. Forgive me for not bearing the fruit of Christ in the world around me.