Welcome to the Purposed Parent/Connected Child podcast – Episode 092 – The Master Blueprint: Exploring the Life of Jesus and What It Means for You and Your Family

Thank you for sharing your day with me. I pray this podcast deepens your walk with Jesus and your children, equipping you to become a set-apart woman and mother.

Jesus. Just saying the name of my Savior name brings me peace, joy, and assurance. Try it. Stopand say His name. Jesus. What feelings or emotions does speaking His name bring to you?

I wish we knew more about the life of Jesus from Bible. Wouldn’t It be a beautiful blessing to know more of the day to day moments of His childhood? How about when He was going through puberty? How did He act, what did He think? How did He treat His parents, His siblings? We know Jesus was fully God and yet fully man. Surely, He wrestled with insecurities and fears, or wondered about His future? Or did He? As fixed as He was on the Father, I believe He led a glorious life that reflected how to function with godliness in this world.

Although it would be wonderful to know even more details about the life of Jesus, I trust that God gave us exactly what we needto know. While I wish there were more detailed accounts of the life of Jesus, I believe we have just what we need to construct a blueprint of the life Jesus lived here on earth.

The first place we should start to know more about Christ is the Bible. My favorite books to read are usually found in the New Testament. With the exception of Genesis, which is the standard for how God wants us to live, I think most people might agree that New Testament books are easier to understand and more enjoyable to read overall.

That being said, compare what I just stated with foods. Isn’t it much more enticing to eat desserts instead of the main course? Or, if you’re not really into sweets, at least you may agree that fruits carry more interest than vegetables.

Now let’s compare the Bible to these thoughts about foods. While the New Testament, the story of Jesus, and how our lives are changed because of Him is easier and more interesting for many to read, we still need the foundation and direction found in the Old Testament. In fact, it has been said that the Old Testament is the blueprint, while the New Testament is the building.

Why? Blueprints show the inner workings of what is to be built. A blueprint explains what is being constructed. The blueprint exposes what is to come. The Old Testament is God’s blueprint to us. Think about this amazing truth I’m about to share. The Old Testament was the beautiful Scripture Jesus Himself read and used. For us, the Words in the Old Testament set a foundation and expectation for what was to come.

The Old Testament also exposes problems and promises. Without these truths and prophecies, we cannot understand God’s heart or the healing that is to be offered; we can’t begin to fathom the sovereignty and holiness of our God.

As important as the entire Bible is, there are major differences between the old and new testaments. Have you ever considered this thought? The Old Testament offers the framework that the New Testament is built upon. God reveals Himself in both testaments; through prophets in the Old Testament, and through Jesus in the New. In the Old Testament, God exposes the depravity of sin and how far it is from His holiness. In the New Testament, we learn the importance of repentance and how far our loving, merciful God will go to set us free from the bondage of sin and death.

Jesus revealed that the Old Testament pointed the way to Him. He stressed that He came to fulfill the law, and to set us free from it. However, now that we have the grace and mercy of God to save us through the acts of Christ in the New Testament, we must realize that it is impossible to understand faith, love, grace, or mercy without studying the frameworkGod established for us within the Old Testament. Like a balanced meal with all food groups, we must study both old and new testaments in order to grasp the reality of who God is, what He has done for us, and what is to come.

Because of Jesus, we can experience abundant life without fear of death. We can live with assurance that we will stand before Himwithout shame, with sins cleansed. If you’re a believer and follower of Jesus and have proclaimed Christ as your personal Savior, you can know with certainty that you will one day face Him with joy as He welcomes you into eternity. What a gift! Are you living like one redeemed by the King?

In the meantime, we have the blessing of God’s Word to help us envision and understand the life of Jesus in deeper ways. Unless we intentionally use the Bible to study Him, we fail to grasp the fullness of what God offers us through Christ. Earlier I shared that Jesus came for many reasons, yet the most important one was to save us from sin and death. In our human mind, it is impossible to grasp the holiness or forgiveness of Jesus. We don’t understand the richness of His mercy, love, or grace. Many adjectives can describe our Savior, but while using them, we still fail to comprehend exactly what each description means or how it affects us. Today we’ll draw nearer to Jesus and attempt to see Him as a Holy Savior, Best Friend, Comforter, King, and so much more.

Why is exploring the life of Jesus so important for you and your family? Jesus changed everything. Without Him, this world, you, and your family would have no hope. You would remain entangled in sin and death. As you absorb more of what the life of Jesus means to you, as you better understand His sacrifices and sufferings, you are more equipped to live a godly life pleasing to our Heavenly Father. Then you’re better able to mentor a godly lifestyle and mindset for your children.

As we explore the life of Jesus, I think we need to highlight ten very significant details of His life.

1. Birth – Jesus was born of a virgin. Yes, followers of Christ know this fact. But how often do we think on it? What a miracle! Have you pondered the fact that if Jesus were not born of a virgin, we would not have a sinless Savior? As fully God and man, Jesus had to be born of a virgin overshadowed by God to become fully God and fully human. Also, if Jesus had not been born of a virgin, he would have been born as a descendant of Adam and God’s Word is clear that “in Adam all die.”

When you look at the birth of Jesus, you also see that His life fulfilled prophecies proclaimed in the Old Testament. All Scriptures point to Christ, even when they are not specifically prophetic. The law is perfectly kept by Christ, yet all sins of humanity are poured out on Him, proving the law is not the way to righteousness and eternal life, only Christ.

The miraculous birth of Jesus fulfilled prophecies and build the foundation for the purpose of His life.

2. Baptism – Jesus was about thirty years old when He was baptized by his relative, John the Baptist. This is the time His ministry began. Although Jesus was holy and righteous, He chose to be baptized to fulfill requirements we needed to see and learn. He chose to be baptized not to turn from sin, as He carried no sin, but to dedicate Himself to fully following God’s will on this earth. He chose to show us the way to live as a follower of God. Now we are able to be baptized into Him as we submit to Christ as Savior. In return, He baptizes us with the Holy Spirit.

At the time of Jesus’ baptism, we also learn that Jesus’ act of obedience confirmed His identity as Messiah in three key ways. After Jesus was baptized, we see from Scripture that the Spirit of God descended on Jesus like a dove from heaven. This simple act was a fulfillment of the prophecy in Isaiah 11:2 that the Messiah would have the Spirit of God resting on Him. Also, the voice of God from heaven said after the baptism, "This is my Son, whom I love; with Him I am well pleased," which confirmed Jesus' identity as the Son of God. We also have the testimony of John the Baptist, who had been proclaiming that the Messiah was greater than Him. When Jesus came to be baptized, John immediately recognized Jesus as the Lamb of God and the Son of God. The baptism of Jesus showed all three persons of the Trinity at the same time: the Son being baptized, the Holy Spirit descending, and the Father speaking from heaven. The act of baptism confirmed Christ's deity as Jesus perfectly submitted to the will of His Father.

3. Miracles – There are around 37 recorded miracles of Jesus in the Bible. Of course, we know that there were many more unrecorded. In fact, John 20:30-31 says, “Jesus performed many other signs in the presence of His disciples, which are not recorded in this book. But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in His name.” Likewise, John 21:25 says, “Jesus did many other things as well. If every one of them were written down, I suppose that even the whole world would not have room for the books that would be written.

4. Teachings – Jesus left the world with many teachings, but two of the most popular that readily come to mind are the Sermon on the Mount and the parables He used. How I wish I had to wisdom to teach with parables the way He did. Jesus caused others to think and assess their life, desires, and motives. He loved each person where they were, but called them to change. He doesn’t want any of us to stay immersed in sin. In fact, He calls us to go and leave our life of sin.

5. Sufferings – In fulfillment of Isaiah 53 and other prophecies, Jesus suffered persecution, was arrested, beaten, and nailed to a cross to die. Jewish leaders evilly handed Him over to a death sentence approved by the Roman leader Pilate.

6. Death – We often hear that Jesus paid the ultimate price. He suffered, was pierced for ourtransgressions. He cried out as He was crucified and slowly died a painful death. Yet do we really absorb these facts? I think the truth is so far from what we can humanly comprehend. It’s too ugly and barbaric for our minds to really go there. But our heart needs to. Jesus died for you. He died for your husband, your children, those you love, and those you don’t. Christ died for our sins, according to the Scriptures.

7. Burial – After His death, Jesus was embalmed with around seventy-five pounds of spices, and laid alone to rest in a tomb for three days. The miracle was about to happen!

8. Resurrection – After three days, Jesus conquered death as He rose from the tomb. New Testament records show that many people witnessed His empty tomb. They relayed the miracle that Jesus was seen alive. 1 Corinthians 15:3-8 says, “For I delivered to you first of all that which I also received: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, and that He was buried, and that He rose again the third day according to the Scriptures, and that He was seen by Cephas, then by the twelve. After that He was seen by over five hundred brethren at once, of whom the greater part remain to the present, but some have fallen asleep. After that He was seen by James, then by all the apostles. Then last of all He was seen by me also, as by one born out of due time.”

9. Ascension – After forty days Jesus ascended, leaving with a promise that He would return again (as spoken in Matthew 28, Luke 24, and Acts 1). Praise the Lord for His promise to us!

10. Predicted Return – Several New Testament teachings write of the promised return of Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 is one example that speaks to this certainty. “But I do not want you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning those who have fallen asleep, lest you sorrow as others who have no hope. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so God will bring with Him those who sleep in Jesus. For this we say to you by the word of the Lord, that we who are alive and remain until the coming of the Lord will by no means precede those who are asleep. For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord. Therefore comfort one another with these words.” Jesus gave hope to encourage followers to live for Him, share testimonies and faith, and so they would look forward to the certainty of eternity with Him.

What a miraculous gift that we can come to Christ through His abundant grace and love. Because God sent His son, our Savior to earth to be born from a virgin, live as fully God and fully man, and to be humbly raised by a human mother and adoptive father, everyone can relate to Christ. He came for all and all can know Him.

Jesus also clearly relayed to us how to live fully for God. His teachings were direct and truthful. He spent His life abiding in and pursuing the Father. As a child, Jesus craved and considered deep understanding, insight, and wisdom from God’s holy Word. He maintained prayerful communication with the Father. Through His teachings, Jesus showed us how to do the same.

Jesus was able to converse and consult with temple teachers, even as a preteen. Through this act of dedication and desire for more, He modeled His miraculous ability to absorb and comprehend complex theological questions, answers, and truths. His insight and understanding were clear, concise, and correct.

Jesus’ teachings serve as a foundation for our life and relationship with God. Not only do we have access to how Jesus lived through the Word, but we also learn His focus, priorities, and teachings. We can see that He demonstrated the power of God, as well as the heart and hope of our Heavenly Father. Jesus understood that His life purpose was to fulfill Scripture, mentor to us how to live and reach God, and how to deepen faith and relationship with God and others. He also taught how to please our Heavenly Father.

Jesus’ life showed us we do not have to fear death. He secured and showed us the way to eternal life, and He asked us to help others do the same. Jesus was a living example of hope, love, mercy, forgiveness, joy, and compassion. He lived on this earth with us as a man, but died in His rightful place as a King who taught us how to find the true treasure in life. When we submit to Him, we find the key to unlock to secrets of our heart and live a fulfilling, godly life that lasts into eternity.

Can you see how exploring the life of Jesus means joy, peace, and life for you and your loved ones? Christ came so that we might live abundant lives in humble obedience to the Father. He came so that we could live with assurance and grace. What does that mean for you and your family? What will you do to follow the blueprint of Jesus’s life and make relationship with Him more meaningful for your children and family?

Dear gracious and merciful Heavenly Father, thank you for giving us Your Son. We have limited words to express what Your gift means because our human minds cannot fully grasp the depth of Your love. We humbly thank you for giving us eternal life through Jesus. Please guide and guard us as we journey through life. Give us a strong yearning for You and Your ways. Equip us to grow nearer to You moment by moment and show our children how to do the same. Lord, as we ponder the life of Jesus help us to become stronger in our determination to live for you and to live a godly, pleasing life. We ask this in the precious and holy name of Jesus. Amen.

Raising children is challenging. No one has all the answers because each child is unique as are parenting styles and family dynamics. By connecting with and knowing your children as you maintain purposed growth in Christ, you will be better prepared for any situation you face. That’s why you hear me share about the Set-Apart Collective in this podcast. Godly parenting is rooted in relationship with Christ and the mindset a mother carries.

If you don’t want peers and culture to be the main influence over your child, if you desire to parent to “prepare” your child for eternity with Christ, not repair your relationship with them, I have two suggestions. First, consider the Set-Apart Collective. I guarantee this program will deepen your walk with Christ if you let it. You’ll learn a Christ-centered Motherhood Mindset Model™, and create a Purposed Parenting Plan™. You will be a purposed mother with an intentional mind and heart set on Jesus and your family. Let me know if you’d like more information on this 8-week program where my heart, mind, and prayers support your walk with Christ and godly parenting growth.

Second, like most moms, you may have questions or doubts about the way you’re parenting. I invite you to visit terrihitt.com/coaching and click on the link for a call. This is a private one-on-one complimentary session so that I can get my heart and experience on your needs. We’ll pray together and see what God-led strategy will ensure you stop being a good mother and become a godly parent. This is my gift to you and I have a very limited number of spots. Claim yours today and see the difference purposed parenting for Christ makes in your home as you prepare your children for a lifetime pursuit of Christ. It’s true that the parenting days are long, but the years are short. Make both matter for eternity.

If you appreciated this episode, would you please rate and review the podcast on Apple or Spotify? It only takes a few minutes and makes a big difference in whether people are able to find the podcast. Also, you and I know that the best reviews are by word of mouth, so please choose a friend to recommend the show to. Imagine the changes we will see in the way mothers parent for Christ if they learn to be intentional, too.

Remember, if you’re not purposed in knowing Jesus and showing Him to the next generation, the world will likely sway your children away from Christ. I pray that what you hear on this podcast enables you to stop being a good mom and focus on being a godly parent. Until next week, keep looking Up while focusing on new ways to parent with eternal purpose and connection.