Reflection
The central theme for our reflection today is studying the character of Jesus. To “study” is to dedicate time and attention to acquiring knowledge and understanding of a subject or person. Character encompasses the distinctive mental and moral qualities of an individual—the way someone thinks, feels, and behaves. Therefore, to study Jesus’ character is to devoutly pursue a deep knowledge of how Christ thinks, feels, and conducts Himself. We shall reflect on the vital truth that studying Jesus’ character and emulating His perfect examples is the singular path to a life pleasing to God and the certain way to eternal life.
Beloved in the Lord, Jesus is the definitive way to eternal life, making the study and emulation of His perfect character an absolute necessity. After offering His disciples the profound assurance of preparing a place for them in Heaven, Thomas voiced a common human confusion: “Lord, we don’t know where you are going, so how can we know the way?” (John 14:5). Jesus seized this moment to teach us that the path to the Father is not a physical route, but a spiritual and moral one. He declared, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. If you really know me, you will know my Father as well. From now on, you do know him and have seen him” (John 14:6-7).
Dear friend, the only way—the one path—to heaven is through an authentic relationship with Jesus Christ. As Scripture affirms, “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16). A genuine believer must not only acknowledge this truth but actively study Christ’s character and follow His perfect example of living according to the truth. To align our lives with the truth, we must immerse ourselves in the teachings of God’s Word, for Jesus Himself prayed, “Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth” (John 17:17).
Furthermore, we must diligently study Jesus’ character because it is the perfect embodiment and fulfilment of all Scripture. This is why He stated, “Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them” (Matthew 5:17). As we study and follow the examples of Jesus, we bring our lives into alignment with the will of God, and only through doing the Father’s will can we secure entry into His Kingdom. Jesus solemnly admonished us: “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven” (Matthew 7:21).
Dear friend in Christ, the Advent season presents us with a critical opportunity to move beyond routine fasting and prayer and waiting for His second coming. It is a time to intensely devote our time and attention to Bible study—to gain profound knowledge of Jesus’ character so that our lives may genuinely reflect the Way and the Truth. Let this season be a period of sincere repentance from poor character and sinful habits, replacing them with the determined pursuit of Christ’s perfect example. When we commit to copying and living like Jesus in our thoughts, words, and deeds, we find the ultimate pleasure of God.
As we acquire knowledge of Christ’s character through the Scriptures, this transformation must manifest in every domain of our lives. We must begin to talk, walk, feel, and respond to challenges like Jesus. Our relationship with Him must profoundly shape our fellowship with one another, guide our marriages and family lives, and compel us to live morally upright and exemplary lives in our communities. Indeed, by studying and following the character of Jesus, we collectively establish a pathway of truth, integrity, righteousness, and unconditional love. Corruption, bribery, and all manner of evil and retrogressive habits that hinder national growth and development will inevitably cease when Christians are resolutely determined to study and model the character of Jesus in every sphere of life.
In summary, we have been powerfully reminded that studying Jesus’ character and following His perfect examples is not an option, but the indispensable foundation for a life pleasing to God and the only assurance of eternal life. Let us, therefore, move forward with a renewed conviction: Jesus is not merely a historical figure, but the living blueprint for a victorious and everlasting life. To know Him is to know the Father; to follow His character is to walk the only Way. May our devotion to studying His Word transform our inner being, making us living, breathing reflections of His truth and love in a world desperately searching for a moral compass. Shalom
Prayer
Almighty Father, we humbly pray that Your Holy Spirit would strengthen and sustain us. Ignite within us an unquenchable desire to study and meditate upon the character of Jesus Christ through the diligent study of Your Holy Word. May we not merely gain knowledge, but may we find the truest fulfilment and purpose in actively emulating Christ in every word and deed, all the days of our lives on earth. In the powerful and matchless name of Jesus, we pray. Amen.






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