Following the example of Jesus is central to the Christian walk. His life serves as the perfect model of love, humility, and obedience to God. Here are five Bible verses from the King James Version (KJV) that emphasize the importance of following Jesus’ example:
- 1 Peter 2:21 (KJV)
- “For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps.”
- John 13:15 (KJV)
- “For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you.”
- Philippians 2:5-7 (KJV)
- “Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men.”
- Ephesians 5:1-2 (KJV)
- “Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children; And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour.”
- 1 John 2:6 (KJV)
- “He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked.”
These verses highlight the call to emulate Jesus in our daily lives, reflecting His love, humility, and obedience to God’s will. Following Jesus means striving to live a life that honors Him and demonstrates His teachings through our actions.
What Following Jesus Actually Looks Like
Jesus didn’t just teach a set of principles — He demonstrated them. Every interaction, every miracle, every conversation in the Gospels is a masterclass in how to treat people, respond to pressure, handle power, and love those who are difficult to love. Following His example means studying His life as closely as His words.
John 13:15 records Jesus saying after washing His disciples’ feet, “I have given you an example, that you also should do just as I have done to you.” The God of the universe got down on His knees and washed feet. That act alone overturns every human instinct about status and service.
Four Qualities of Jesus Worth Imitating Today
- Compassion before judgment — Jesus consistently led with compassion. He healed before He instructed. He restored before He corrected. In a world quick to judge, leading with compassion is countercultural and Christlike.
- Presence with the overlooked — Jesus spent time with people others avoided: tax collectors, lepers, Samaritans, sinners. Following His example means being willing to show up where it’s inconvenient.
- Speaking truth with love — Jesus never compromised truth, but He always delivered it with love. He confronted the Pharisees directly, but He also wept over Jerusalem. Truth without love is harsh; love without truth is hollow.
- Surrendering to the Father’s will — In Gethsemane, Jesus prayed “not my will but Yours be done.” The ultimate example of following Jesus is learning to trust God’s plan over our own comfort.
You Don’t Have to Be Perfect to Follow Him
The disciples who followed Jesus in person were imperfect, inconsistent, and often confused. Peter denied Him. Thomas doubted. They all ran when things got hard. And yet Jesus kept calling them forward. He does the same with you.
Following Jesus isn’t about achieving a standard — it’s about staying close to the One who sets it. Stay in His Word, stay in prayer, stay in community, and keep your eyes on Him. That’s the whole journey.