Jesus Did It First

- Pastor Erin Ventura

“We love because He first loved us.” - 1 John 4:19 (ESV)

Jesus makes the way for us to be different. Often throughout the New Testament, we see examples where Jesus acted counter-culturally, which means He did the exact opposite of the acceptable standard at the time. Jesus ate dinner with tax collectors, interacted with the outcasts, and constantly stopped for people He did not know. His actions show us how we can act as followers of God and how we should act. And how it is often different from what people expect of us.

This even relates to love. As shown in this verse and the verses that precede it, God is the very definition of love. Only through His love for us and Jesus’ sacrifice can we even experience real love. However, this also relates to every trial, joyous time, and mundane moment. Jesus has lived it all. He came to earth to live like us and has experienced humanity like we do today. We should offer love in a world where that seems to be the last resort. Cancel culture has taken over our days through social media, news articles, and even just simple conversation. It is the default. For many, the immediate solution to wrongdoing is to excommunicate that person from their life.

But just like Jesus, we can be different. We can do what no one expects of us. We can offer forgiveness in repayment for wrongs. We can be generous when we don’t have a lot. We can make a difference because Jesus did and because it is what He calls us to do.

Make a Difference:

Today, I invite you to practice being different, just as Jesus was. In a moment of frustration, disappointment, or disbelief, respond with love and see how it allows you to find peace in any circumstance.

As You Read:

As we continue through Numbers, remember that Jesus’ example of acting counter-culturally has been demonstrated through the people of Israel and the relationships they were to have among themselves, other nations, and God.