How Jesus Modeled Life in the Spirit
“The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because He has anointed me…” Luke 4:18
Jesus is not only our Savior, He is our example. When we talk about walking in the Spirit, we’re not chasing something abstract. We’re following in the footsteps of Someone who walked that road first.
Though fully divine, Jesus chose to live fully human, not relying on His divine power, but walking in obedience and dependence on the Holy Spirit. In doing so, He showed us what’s possible for those who are led by the Spirit of God.
1. Conceived by the Spirit (Luke 1:35)
“The Holy Spirit will come upon you… the child will be called holy, Son of God.”
Jesus’ life begins with the Spirit. Our rebirth in Christ starts the same way: by the Spirit.
2. Baptized and Anointed (Luke 3:21–22)
“The Holy Spirit descended on Him in bodily form like a dove…”
This is a public declaration: His mission will be Spirit-powered.
3. Led by the Spirit (Luke 4:1)
“Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, was led by the Spirit into the wilderness…”
Obedience doesn’t always lead to ease, but it always leads to intimacy.
4. Empowered for Ministry (Luke 4:14–18; Acts 10:38)
“He returned in the power of the Spirit… The Spirit of the Lord is upon me…”
Ministry looks like this: Spirit-initiated, Spirit-empowered, Spirit-dependent.
5. Rejoiced in the Spirit (Luke 10:21)
“Jesus, full of joy through the Holy Spirit…”
His emotional life was in sync with the Spirit’s presence. Spirit-filled life = joy-filled life.
6. Offered Himself Through the Spirit (Hebrews 9:14)
“…through the eternal Spirit He offered Himself…”
The Spirit gives strength to obey, even when it costs everything.
7. Breathed Out the Spirit (John 20:22)
“He breathed on them and said, ‘Receive the Holy Spirit.’”
The Spirit-filled life Jesus lived is the one He invites us into.
Reflection Questions:
- Which part of Jesus’ Spirit-filled life challenges or inspires you most?
- In what area of your life are you relying on your own strength instead of the Spirit’s?
- What would it look like to follow Jesus’ model of dependence today?
Prayer:
Jesus,
You didn’t just tell us how to live — You showed us.
Thank You for modeling a life fully surrendered to the Spirit.
Teach me to walk like You — in trust, obedience, and power.
Not for performance, but for love.
Breathe Your Spirit into me again.
Amen.
Next in the series: Part 4 – How to Walk by the Spirit Today
