Matthew 13:3 “And he spake many things unto them in parables,…”

Jesus used parables (stories) to help explain his gospel. The parables were a kind of code that hid the meaning from those who were not prepared to receive it and clarified it to those who were prepared. I can follow Jesus’ example by sharing my thoughts, feelings and messages with those who need it but not with those who don’t. I don’t have to tell everything to everyone. (For Jesus words on this see Matthew 13:10-13) Sometimes it is necessary to protect ourselves.
 

Matthew 13:1 “The same day went Jesus out of the house, and sat by the sea side. And great multitudes were gathered together unto him, so that he went into a ship and sat; and the whole multitude stood on the shore. “

In this verse, Jesus took time to sit and be in nature. Then when He needed to attend to the multitude, He kept himself separate from the crowd and sat in the ship. I believe this is an example of Jesus taking time for and taking care of Himself. He spent time alone and maybe He meditated or rested. He kept himself safe while He took care of the multitude. I can follow Jesus’ example when I take time for myself to meditate or rest and to keep myself safe even when there are those who need me.
Showing us an example of balance, after Jesus had taken time for Himself, then He took care of the needs of the multitude and spoke to them as seen in the next verse.
 

Luke 8:21 (Also Matthew 13:49; Mark 3, 34-35) “And he answered and said unto them, my mother and my brethren are these which hear the word of God, and do it.”

Jesus counted the obedient as family members. I can follow Jesus’ example when I love and care for those who are trying follow Jesus’ example. It has been a great blessing in my life when other people have helped me to learn and grow. I am so grateful for Jesus’ example in this matter.
 

Matthew 12:22-28 “Then was brought unto him one possessed with a devil, blind, and dumb: and he healed him, insomuch that the blind and dumb both spake and saw. And all the people were amazed, and said, Is not this the son of David? But when the Pharisees heard it, they said, This fellow doth not cast out devils, but by Beelzebub the prince of the devils. And Jesus knew their thoughts, and said unto them, Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation; and every city or house divided against itself shall not stand: And if Satan cat out Satan, he is divided against himself; how shall then his kingdom stand? And if I by Beelzebub cast out devils, by whom do your children cast them out? therefore they shall be your judges. But if I cast out devils by the Spirit of God, then the kingdom of God is come unto you.”

Jesus used a logical argument to defend Himself. There have been times when I felt that it was un-Christian to defend myself against my accusers. I can follow Jesus example by defending myself with a clear argument for my case. He did not call names even though His logical argument points fingers at others. He was neither loud nor mean. He was clear and to the point. Here He is being a great example.
 

Luke 8:1 “And it came to pass afterward, that he went throughout every city and village, preaching and shewing the glad tidings of the kingdom of God: and the twelve were with him,”

Jesus shared His message all over. I can do what Jesus did; I can share His message with others. His message is glad tidings. We can change and when we do, we will find peace.
 

Luke 7:47-48 “Wherefore I say unto thee, Her sins, which are many, are forgiven: for she loved much: but to whom little is forgiven, the same loveth little. And he said unto her, Thy sins are forgiven.”

Jesus had the power to forgive sins. I do not. However, I can follow Jesus’ example when I forgive others when they hurt or offend me.
 

Luke 7:44-46 “And he turned to the woman and said unto Simon, Seest thou this woman? (the worshiping woman from a few weeks ago) I entered into thine house, thou gavest me no water for my feet: but she hath washed my feet with tears, and wiped them with the hairs of her head. Thou gavest me no kiss: but this woman since the time I came in hath not ceased to kiss my feel. My head with oil thou didst not anoint: but this woman hath anointed my feet with ointment.

Jesus was not afraid to tell Simon the truth. Sometimes our friends require us to tell them the hard truth. We can follow Jesus’ example by telling the truth even when it might be socially difficult. This is not an excuse to be unkind but, a reason to share what you see and how you feel.
 

Luke 7:39-40 “Now when the Pharisee which had bidden him (to dinner) saw it, (the woman worshiping Jesus) he spake within himself, saying, This man, if he were a prophet, would have known who and what manner of woman this is that toucheth him: for she is a sinner. And Jesus answering said unto him, Simon, I have somewhat to say unto thee. And he saith, Master, say on.” Jesus then proceeds to tell a parable about the two debtors and the one forgiven of much is the more grateful.

Jesus knew the Pharisee’s thoughts and used the opportunity to teach. Sometimes, I can tell how another is feeling and I can follow Jesus’ example by using the opportunity to teach.
 

Luke 7:36-38 “And one of the Pharisees desired him that he would eat with him. And he went into the Pharisee’s house, and sat down to meat. And, behold a woman in the city, which was a sinner, when she knew that Jesus sat at meat in the Pharisee’s house, brought an alabaster box of ointment, And stood at his feet behind him weeping, and began to wash his feet with tears, and did wipe them with the hairs of her head, and kissed his feet, and anointed them with the ointment.”

The next few weeks we will examine this incident in Jesus’ life. Today we witness Jesus attending a dinner and being worshiped. Like Jesus, we can make time to socialize with others. He also sets an example of spending time with someone who has a great need to be with us.