A Life Well-Lived: Jesus of Nazareth

Steven Lake Posted on Posted in Life Well-Lived

Jesus of Nazareth was born in a stable in a feeding trough. His mother was Mary; his earthly father was a carpenter named Joseph.

Angels announced his birth to shepherds who came to worship Him. Later, three kings followed a star a great distance, knelt before Him, and gave Him gifts.

He is the promised Messiah, God’s only Son, who came to earth to save us from our sins. Born of a virgin, conceived by the Holy Spirit, Jesus Christ is both the Son of God and the Son of Man.

Sometimes we forget that while on earth Jesus was a man. He did the things people do. He worked and rested; laughed and cried; worshiped and sang; and lived and died. Hebrews 4:15 reminds us, “For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are – yet was without sin.”

In many ways, Jesus of Nazareth was just like you, but with two big differences. He was tempted just like you, but he never sinned. And just like you will, he died; but three days later He rose from the dead.

Jesus not only lived a life well-lived, He lived the perfect life. If you ask, His death will pay the price for your sins. If you know Him personally, you will live again, too.

About

Dr. Steve Lake is a retired educator with over 30 years experience in the American public schools. He has served in a variety of position, including teacher, elementary school principal, junior high principal, Associate Superintendent, retired from public education as Superintendent of Schools in Lincolnwood, IL. He has his Bachelors, Masters and Doctor of Education degrees from Northern Illinois University. For the past 25 years Steve has attended and been a member of Willow Creek Community Church in South Barrington and Northfield, IL. At Willow Creek Steve has taught adult classes on spiritual gifts, life purpose, and spiritual disciplines. He has ministered overseas in Angola, Zambia, Honduras, Germany, and Russia. Steve is co-founder of Designed to Serve, a ministry that equips Christians to live out their unique God-given calling. Steve is married and has two adult children who are married.