Example or Substitute

 •  1 min. read  •  grade level: 4
 
At the close of a gospel service some time ago, a stranger accosted the preacher rudely. "I don't like your preaching," he said. "I do not care for the story of the cross. I think that instead of telling of the death of Christ on the cross, it would be far better to preach Jesus, the teacher and the example."
"Would you then be willing to follow Him if I preach Christ, the Example?"
"I would," said the stranger; "I would gladly follow in His steps."
"Then," said the evangelist, "Let us take the first step. 'Who did no sin.' Can you take this step?"
The stranger looked confused. "No,' he said at last. "I do sin, and I acknowledge it."
"Well, then," said the preacher; "your first need of Christ is not as an Example, but as a Savior."
Friend, this is every man's need. Until Christ becomes your Savior and Lord, and your sins are cleansed by His precious blood shed for you, that perfect Example can mean nothing to you. Believe on Him, take Him as your Lord, and you will then gladly follow in His steps. (1 Peter 2:2121For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps: (1 Peter 2:21)).
"All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the LORD hath laid on Him the iniquity of us all." Isa. 53:66All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the Lord hath laid on him the iniquity of us all. (Isaiah 53:6).