Jesus - As a Child

If He could do it, so can we!

Through all the mercies and grace and power of God's might, we are expected to follow the example of Jesus as a child.

That's a super high calling. 

But according to the Desire of Ages quote attached to this message, it's not impossible. In fact, it's very possible. 

Not much is elaborated on the young life of Christ in Scripture, but from the little information we do get, we understand that Jesus lived a perfect life as a child. 

Perfect? 

Yes, Perfect. 

Perfect in the sense of moral perfection. He had the child-like tendencies all children have, but from a babe, He was nurtured in the admonition of the Lord. This means that Jesus was taught at a young age that there is a God Who requires complete obedience - perfect obedience. 

How did He learn this? 

He was taught by His earthly parents to respect God as the Parent of parents. That if He obeyed God, He could be the happiest child alive. That if He obeyed God, He could fulfill the purpose for His life. That if He obeyed God, He would know how best to love those He was called to serve. And that if He obeyed God now, He would be eternally rewarded. 

Challenge: Teach children to obey God rather than man. Teach children that God requires holiness. Teach children that they will be happy if they follow Jesus' example. Teach children that God loves them and He wants them in heaven with Him. 

If Jesus could do live a life of holiness, by God's grace, as a child, then who are we, as adults, to complain??? 

Our Heavenly Father has provided everything His children need to shine bright in this dark world. 

Shine bright for the Father! 

"Every test that you have experienced is the kind that normally comes to people. But God keeps his promise, and he will not allow you to be tested beyond your power to remain firm; at the time you are put to the test, he will give you the strength to endure it, and so provide you with a way out."

(1 Corinthians 10:13 GNT)

"You must be perfect—just as your Father in heaven is perfect." 

(Matthew 5:48 GNT) 

King to Pauper

Tis' true. 

Jesus didn't HAVE TO come down and save us. 

But He did. 

And now we have the opportunity to thank Him for His sacrifice.

Did He do it so that He could receive praise?

I don't think so.

He did it because He loves us.

He chose to live a life of a fragile human being because He wanted to put Himself in our shoes.

That is what compassion is.

Sympathy is: "I feel sorry for your pain"

Compassion is: "Let me walk you through the pain."

Jesus looked at sinful man and realized that we are drowning, suffocating, hopeless. He felt sorry for us while sitting on His throne.

But the moment He stepped down to our level, left His glory above, clothed himself with dust and mud (human flesh), that is when compassion was revealed at its peak.

Jesus wants to save you.

Today and everyday, give Him the opportunity to save you from yourself and this dead world.

From King to Pauper for you and me. He risked all. He gave up all. Let not His sacrifice be in vain for you.

“Christ Jesus, who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming 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 the death of the cross” (Philippians 2:5-8).