We have no greater example of humility, selfless servanthood, and compassion than Jesus Christ. Through His death and Resurrection, He offers humanity the gift of new life to all who receive it by faith. But beyond this saving grace, Jesus also shows us how to live according to the Father’s will.    

Name

The name Jesus comes from the Hebrew word meaning “Yahweh saves.” The English “Jesus” comes from the Latin transliteration of the Greek name “Iesous” (pronounced “ee-ay-SUS”), which is then pronounced with a soft “j.”

Outstanding Characteristics

Humility and selfless servanthood.

Summary

Jesus existed in eternity past as God the Son, the second Person of the godhead. In the eternal counsels of God, it was determined that the Son would leave heaven’s glory and come to earth in order to save humanity. A young virgin, Mary, was overshadowed by the Holy Spirit, and through a divine miracle, baby Jesus was conceived. He was named Jesus because He would save His people from their sins. He was raised by Mary and Joseph, a carpenter from Nazareth, and lived a sinless life. At about the age of 30, He began His ministry as an itinerant preacher, declaring the Kingdom of God. He recruited 12 men to be His disciples, later known as the apostles. These men carried Jesus’ message throughout the world. Jesus’ earthly ministry ended when one of His disciples, Judas, betrayed Him and turned Him over to the religious authorities. They condemned Jesus illegally and had the Romans crucify Him between two thieves. Three days later, Jesus resurrected from the dead and appeared to many people. Forty days later Jesus returned to heaven, where He now directs the building of His church on earth and prepares for His return to earth at the end of the age.

Key Scripture

You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had. Though he was God, he did not think of equality with God as something to cling to. Instead, he gave up his divine privileges; he took the humble position of a slave and was born as a human being. When he appeared in human form, he humbled himself in obedience to God and died a criminal’s death on a cross. (Philippians 2:5–8)

Lessons Learned

1. Humble Submission

Jesus obediently left heaven’s glory in order to save us. He chose to limit Himself and submit Himself to the will of God in everything. We, too, as Jesus’ representatives, must leave our comfort zones in order to take the message and deeds of salvation to those who need them. We too are to humbly submit our wills to doing the will of God in everything.

2. Selfless Servanthood

The attitude of servanthood does not give space to view oneself as better than others’ but rather seeks to put other’s needs and interests first. We are to possess this attitude in every relationship.

3. Patience in Suffering

Jesus passed through suffering of every kind. He was not a stranger to sorrow.  Peter writes, “For God called you to do good, even if it means suffering, just as Christ suffered for you. He is your example, and you must follow in his steps.” (1 Peter 2:21). God is with us in our suffering and works to accomplish His good plans and purposes. We must patiently wait on the Lord for His grace to endure the suffering.

4. Victory over Temptation

Jesus experienced temptation.

This High Priest of ours understands our weaknesses, for he faced all of the same testings we do, yet he did not sin. So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most. (Hebrews 4:15–16)

With the victorious life of Christ in us, we can draw on that life to live as “more than conquerors” and have victory over temptation (Romans 8:37 NIV).

5. Spirit-Filled Life

Everything Jesus did was by the power of the Holy Spirit. He faced Satan’s temptations in the wilderness victoriously, even though His strength was depleted. He healed the sick and endured His own death by the power of the Spirit. By living a Spirit-filled life, we can resist temptation, experience suffering and sickness, and endure our own death—all victoriously.

Jesus’ sinless life, sacrificial death, and Resurrection make it possible for us to experience new life as we place our faith in Him. His perfect example of humility, selfless servanthood, and compassion shows us the way we are called to live.