A Carbon Copy of Jesus
August 25, 2010 by Pastor Jeremiah
We are starting a new sermon series next week called, “Carbon Copy.” The idea being that as believers in Jesus, we are called to be like Jesus. That’s exactly what it means to be a “Christian”, a term that was first used to describe the believers in Antioch around 40CE. At first, the term was used in derision, or mockery of the early believers. It literally means, “little Christs.” Eventually, however, Christians used it to describe themselves as a name that described perfectly their goal in life to emulate their Savior, Jesus Christ (1 Peter 4:16).
My question is, what does it mean to those of us who call ourselves Christians today, to live like Jesus did? What kind of commitment does that require of us? Most importantly, as I evaluate my life, how do I measure up?
The goal for every Christian believer to strive to be like Christ couldn’t be more clear in the scriptures. 1 John 2:6 says, “Those who say they live in God should live their lives as Jesus did.” I think most of us are well aware that this is the goal of the Christian life. We sing songs about it, read books about it, we even have fancy rubber wristbands that remind us to ask the question, “WWJD”? Unfortunately, all of this hasn’t helped me a whole lot in my efforts to live a Christ-like life. If anything, I’ve been overexposed to the idea and I need to see things from a fresh perspective.
I recently read about a pastor, Ed Dobson, who decided to get serious about the Christ-like life. He decided to commit for one year to living his life in exactly the way Jesus did. That may not seem extreme to many of you in light of the fact that every Christian is trying to do the same thing, but remember, Jesus was a Jew living in 1st century Palestine. That meant following Old Testament laws about eating, clothing and behaviors. Observing kosher dietary restrictions to not mix meat and dairy forced Dobson to give up his favorite chicken and cheese burritos. Ironically, it also forced him to allow for the occasional alcoholic drink when the opportunity arose. Dobson, (no relation to Dr. James Dobson) a 58 year old retired mega-church pastor, restricted himself from alcohol most of his life. He observed Jewish holidays such as Yom Kippur and Passover and he often prayed at a synagogue. He refrained from work and travel on Saturdays, the Jewish Sabbath and even obeyed the biblical command not to trim beards.
“The hard part,” Dobson said. “Is trying to live up to His (Jesus) teachings.” The most serious part of his commitment came through his serious study of Jesus teachings. Dobson read through all four Gospels every week. He took seriously Jesus’ commands to help the poor and visit the imprisoned. He prayed daily, repeatedly reciting “Jesus, son of David, have mercy on me.” The prayer of a blind man Jesus healed.
“Jesus is a very troubling individual,” Dobson said. “I’ve realized how far I fall short.”
I wander what my reaction would be if I focused so intensely upon my efforts to live my life as Jesus did. How far do I fall short? Where am I missing it? Do I have the guts to find out?
I hope you’ll join us on Sundays August 29th and September 5th as we take a closer look at what it means to be like Jesus. Join us for “Carbon Copy” and let’s take the journey together.
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