The idea that Jesus was both born of the Virgin Mary and led a sinless life is vital for us as Christians. First off, we know that no man is perfect. If Jesus was born of two earthly parents, He in no way can be sinless. We see the birth of Jesus in the opening chapters of the Gospel of Luke, but did you know that Jesus’ birth was predicted long before that? These words are written hundreds of years before the birth of Jesus.
Read Isaiah 7:14 and Isaiah 9:1-7.
1. What do these verses say?
2. Do you think that everyone believed this prophecy? Why or why not?
3. Would you have believed in Isaiah’s prophecies if you were alive in the time of Jesus?
4. Have you ever been skeptical when you read the Bible? Why is it hard to believe?
Read 1 Peter 1:18-21.
We believe that it was Jesus’ sinless nature that made it possible for His sacrifice on the cross to atone for our sins. If Jesus was no better than us, He could not have fulfilled God’s plan that He was set to complete.
5. In the context of the cross, why was it necessary for Jesus to live a perfect life?
Read these verses:
“And Abel also brought of the firstborn of his flock and of their fat portions. And the Lord had regard for Abel and his offering.” Genesis 4:4
“The best of the firstfruits of your ground you shall bring into the house of the Lord your God.” Exodus 23:19
“But the king said to Araunah, ‘No, but I will buy it from you for a price. I will not offer burnt offerings to the Lord my God that cost me nothing.’ So David bought the threshing floor and the oxen for fifty shekels of silver.” 2 Samuel 24:24
6. What do these verses have in common?
7. How do these verses instruct us on how we should live our lives?
8. Have you ever stressed out about not being “good enough”? How did you react?
Read 1 Peter 2:18-22.
9. How did Jesus act or respond in these verses? Do you act or respond in the same way?
10. Knowing that we do not have to be perfect, because Jesus takes care of that for us, how can you react and adjust to living your life differently?
We can take joy in knowing that Jesus was the perfect, sinless sacrifice that was made for our sake on the cross. It is impossible for us to even come close to the same level of perfection. He is the only One who ever was and ever will be sinless. There will be times when you are falling short and feel less than perfect. Always remember that God sent Jesus to make a payment for your sin. While it is incredibly important that we strive to be as close to the nature of Jesus as possible, we must find peace and understand that we will never attain perfection.