Living Like Jesus: Better Together
Imagine standing at the base of a steep, winding hill. On your own, the climb may seem overwhelming. Now, picture making that ascent with close friends and loved ones by your side. Research shows that when we’re supported by others, even the steepest challenges appear less daunting. A 2008 study, “The Social Support and the Perception of Geographical Slant,” reveals that a friendly face can change how we see the world. This insight reminds us of a profound truth: life is better together.
The Heart of Community
Jesus modelled this principle by surrounding Himself with friends and followers. His inner circle—Peter, James, John, Mary, Martha, Lazarus, and many others—was not just a group of disciples but a community united in purpose. Jesus welcomed people from all walks of life not because He needed them to complete His mission but because He knew His mission was meant to be shared. Through His actions, Jesus taught us that genuine community is at the very heart of God’s kingdom.
Jesus’ Mission: Serving and Connecting
To grasp the full depth of Jesus’ approach, consider these key verses:
1. Service Over Status
“For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and to give his life as a ransom for many.” (Mark 10:45, NLT)
2. Seeking the Lost:
“For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.” (Luke 19:10, KJV)
3. Breaking Barriers:
“The Son of Man goes around eating and drinking, and you say, ‘That man eats and drinks too much! He is even a friend of tax collectors and other sinners.'” (Luke 7:34, CEV)
These verses illustrate a mission grounded in service, compassion, and radical inclusivity. Jesus wasn’t concerned with societal labels; He sought out those who were lost, overlooked, or rejected, meeting them exactly where they were and sharing life’s simplest pleasures—a meal, a conversation, a moment of genuine connection.
Embracing a Missional Lifestyle Today
Living like Jesus in the modern world is not about becoming an overseas missionary; it’s about integrating mission into everyday life. Michael Frost describes it well: we’re called to be “propelled outward into the lives of our neighbours, but also upward into deeper intimacy with Jesus.” Whether it’s inviting a neighbour to dinner, volunteering at a local charity, or simply lending a listening ear, small acts of kindness can create ripples of change.
A real-life example is a young couple in Melbourne who began renting a tennis court every Tuesday night. They invited friends from all backgrounds to play, laugh, and share stories. What started as a simple gathering evolved into a space where deep friendships were formed, spiritual conversations sparked, and lives were transformed.
The BLESS Model: Five Steps to Loving Your Neighbour
Dave and John Ferguson outline a practical approach in their book, *Five Everyday Ways to Love Your Neighbor and Change the World*. Their BLESS model includes:
– Begin with prayer
– Listen with care
– Eat together
– Serve in love
– Share your story
Following these steps can help us be intentional about our relationships and open our hearts to opportunities to serve those around us. In doing so, we echo John Piper’s timeless truth: “The gospel is not how people get to heaven. The gospel is how people get to God.”
Building a Community That Uplifts
The writer of Hebrews offers a powerful reminder of the importance of community:
“Let us hold tightly without wavering to the hope we affirm, for God can be trusted to keep his promise. Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works. And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near.” (Hebrews 10:23-25, NLT)
This call to community encourages us to support one another, celebrate our shared hope, and continuously motivate each other toward acts of love and service. When we gather, pray, and support one another, the steep paths of life become easier to navigate.
Living the Journey Together
Living like Jesus means embracing both an outward and upward journey. It’s about serving others, connecting deeply, and continuously growing in our relationship with God. As you plan your week, consider dedicating just one hour to bless someone else’s life—inviting a neighbour over, volunteering, or simply listening to someone in need. When we choose to live missionally, we discover that the hills before us aren’t as steep, and every step becomes a shared adventure.
May we all be inspired to love boldly, serve faithfully, and walk together on the path Jesus has shown us. In the end, we’re not just climbing a hill—we’re journeying together.
