Terrific Thirty Three

Merry Christmas. Happy Easter. Terrific Thirty-three. We celebrate Jesus’ virgin birthday. We celebrate his victorious death. But thirty-three years on planet earth with sinful people was no small accomplishment. Jesus’ time on earth examples how we can live a victorious life every day.

I can hear you whining….  He was God so it was easy for him. I’m a human it’s hard for me. No, Jesus was called Son of God and Son of Man. He lived his life on earth as the Son of Man. If he hadn’t Satan would have called, “Foul.” The plan of redemption would not have been legal if not accomplished by a Second Adam.

Remember Hebrews chapter four reads, “But we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin.” We don’t have record of Jesus’ life between twelve and thirty-three. But every way means every way so it includes your temptations.

How did Jesus as a man live this sinless life? Remember Jesus not only dealt with bad Pharisees. The biggest hurts came from good brothers and disciples who didn’t understand him. Jesus kept a direct line open to his Father. He did nothing unless he saw his Father do it.

1 Peter 2 describes his victory this way. When he was insulted he didn’t insult back. When he suffered he didn’t threaten them. He didn’t argue or explain to others. Instead He talked and committed it to his Father who judged each situation righteously.

Peter has the nerve to tell us that Jesus’ life is our example as we live our lives.

We press toward the mark for a prize. The goal is perfection. Aim for the stars. If we fail we thank God for forgiveness.

But don’t wake up tomorrow and think, “Today I’m going to sin.” Wake up and shout, “Today I’m going to win.” Thank you Jesus for a Terrific Thirty-three!