Most of my life I have heard it said or been instructed to live like Jesus. What does that really mean though? How did Jesus live? In his early life there are very few things recorded. One of the events that’s recorded is surrounding a particular trip to Jerusalem where Jesus’s parents lost track of him. Scripture says that every year his parents went to Jerusalem for the festival of the Passover. When he was 12, Jesus decided to stay behind. He wanted to have more time in his Father’s house. When his parents realized he was gone a few days later they returned to search for him and found him. They found Jesus in the temple courts, sitting among the teachers. He was listening to them, discussing with the, and asking questions. He was seeking and learning even as a young man. Later on in scripture it states that he grew in wisdom and stature and in the favor of the Lord.

We see that first and foremost Christ is an example to us of study and of learning from God. He sought and gained wisdom. We know he knew the scriptures because he referred to them often when he spoke. When he was tempted, he used God’s word to set Satan straight and to defend himself. Oftentimes, he would say “for it is written.” You find this over and over in the gospels. In fact, 180 of the 1800 verses that recorded Christ speaking are either Old Testament scriptures or Old Testament references. From this we can glean that to be like Christ we need to be well studied in God’s word. Not only that but we can use God’s word as a tool, guidance, or defense as Jesus did.

So, the first way that we can emulate Christ in our lives is to study and show ourselves approved, and to be ready to give a response for the hope that we have in God. Christ learned and went to the temple, he listened to God’s word, and memorized it. We should too. We shouldn’t do this study and examination of God’s word because we somehow think that God will love us more if we do. No, we seek him and study his words so we can know him better. We want to know more about God and our study of him is an action that shows our love and devotion to him. Yes, we want to be like Christ who also loved God’s word and used it as a lamp unto his feet and a light unto his path.

Christ was a studious scholar of God’s word. He not only knew it and loved it, but he used it actively just as he has called us to. Scripture declares that we are put on and be clothed in the full armor of God.  One part of that armor that is essential is the sword which is the word of God, sharp enough to divide between bone and marrow. Be like Christ in this way. Study the word of God, absorb the word of God, declare the word of God, be guided by the word of God, find hope in the word of God, be protected by the word of God and live by the word of God.  How can you do all those things if you don’t know it? Don’t miss out on this great treasure God has given to you, his Word.