What We Can Learn from Jesus’s Example
When we look at how Jesus interacted with the people and culture of his time, it’s clear he often did things very differently from how many churches approach things today. Let’s break down some simple ways Jesus stood out—and what that might mean for us now.
Jesus Broke the Rules to Show Love
Jesus didn’t just follow cultural and religious rules—he often went against them, especially when those rules got in the way of loving people. For example, he talked with the Samaritan woman at the well (John 4) even though Jews and Samaritans usually avoided each other. He healed a blind man on the Sabbath (John 9), which went against the religious leaders’ strict rules about rest days. And he ate with tax collectors and people considered “sinners,” which made some religious leaders really upset.
He Put People Over Traditions
Instead of focusing on traditions or appearances, Jesus looked at people’s hearts. He told the story of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37), showing that anyone—no matter their background—could be a true neighbor if they showed compassion. He healed the sick, spent time with children, and cared for those whom society often pushed aside. He wasn’t afraid to get close to people others ignored or avoided.
Jesus Welcomed All Kinds of People
Jesus talked with religious leaders, crowds of everyday people, and his own group of followers. He didn’t limit himself to just one kind of person or group. He questioned and challenged the religious experts (the Pharisees and Sadducees), taught crowds about God’s kingdom, and spent lots of time mentoring his disciples—helping them understand his message so they could share it with others.
He Spoke Truth, but Always with Love
When Jesus saw hypocrisy—people pretending to be religious but acting otherwise—he called it out, but he didn’t do it to shame them. He wanted people to see the truth about themselves so they could change. He challenged the way people looked down on others and offered forgiveness to anyone who wanted a new start.
He Lived Out Values That Went Against the Grain
Jesus taught that real greatness comes from humility and serving others. He washed his disciples’ feet (John 13), even though that was a servant’s job, to show what true leadership looks like. He made it clear that his kingdom wasn’t about building earthly power or status (John 18:36), but about love, forgiveness, and peace—even loving your enemies and forgiving people who hurt you.
How Is This Different from the Church Today?
Many churches today still do good things, but sometimes they get caught up in rules, traditions, or trying to fit in with the culture around them. Sometimes, churches focus more on who’s “in” or “out,” rather than welcoming everyone. At times, there’s more talk about defending beliefs than about loving people, meeting practical needs, or breaking down barriers.
But Jesus’s example shows us a different way: reaching out to people who are different from us, putting compassion first, and not being afraid to challenge what’s “normal” if it gets in the way of loving others.
What Can We Learn?
If we want to follow Jesus’s example, we can:
· Be willing to cross social or cultural lines to show love and kindness
· Care more about people than about just keeping rules
· Welcome and listen to people from all kinds of backgrounds
· Speak honestly, but always with compassion and understanding
· Value humility, service, and forgiveness over status or being “right”
In simple terms: Jesus made people and love the priority—no matter what the culture or religious expectations were. The more the church today can reflect that, the closer it’ll be to the way Jesus engaged with the world.
Blessings,
May Jesus be kind and generous to you, may God fill your life with love, and may the Holy Spirit help you feel close and connected to others. Wishing all these good things for you always.
Minister Aleatha F Green
afrancinegreen.com 