As the gospels tell the story of Jesus living out the acts of our salvation, two great lessons emerge we all need to take to heart. First, Jesus lived the life he calls us to live. Second, Jesus did not say we get to pick and choose what to follow, ignore or be lukewarm on. These are examples of leadership and discipleship we all need to take to heart.

I saw this image of Jesus receiving his baptism at St John the Baptist Cathedral in Savannah, Georgia. Jesus had no need for baptism, but did it as the example of how we are to follow him. The bible is replete with examples such as this. His parents had no need to present him to God, surely did not need to take him to temple to learn from Jewish elders the story of promised salvation, he did not need to celebrate Passover or die on the cross. He did this things because these things are the path we, the fallen children of Adam, need to walk as his disciples to be with him forever in heaven in his adoptive family.

The lesson I saw from this also comes straight from the gospels. Jesus invites us all, tells us to sin no more, and follow the examples of sacramental life he provided. Jesus did forgive the Samaritan woman at the well, and told her to sin no more. Jesus also instructed his disciples to shake the dust off their shoes (an ancient and traditional curse) to whole communities rejecting the message and command to sin no more. Jesus also expressed no remorse for those who rejected his teachings of the Eucharist and the Sermon on the Mount. Even if we are "considering" his teachings and remain lukewarm, Jesus promises to spit us out faster! Finally, Jesus knew to follow him meant we must completely be dead to the sinful aspects of this world, and become this world's ultimate villain.

So the messages become clear. Jesus was a leader who walked the walk he talked. He expects those of us who chose to follow him to jump into the water head to toe, and emerge a new creation. Then as a disciple, we must lead by example others to a life a faith by word and deed. This is a lot to live up to, but the very essence of accepting and living as Christ calls us to.

If it is good enough for Jesus, it must be good enough for us!

-ehw