The example of Jesus is central to true Christianity. All of Christian living can be described as imitating the life and sacrifice of Jesus (Luke 6:40; Ephesians 5:2). Look at the tests John gives for recognizing a true relationship with Jesus.
Whoever says “I know Him” but does not keep His commandments is a liar, and the truth is not in Him, but whoever keeps His word, in Him truly the love of God is perfected. By this we may know that we are in Him: whoever says he abides in Him ought to walk in the same way in which He walked. (1 John 2:4-6)
Here is a good summary of faithfulness to the New Covenant: Live like Jesus lived! In 2 Corinthians 3:6, Paul says that God “has made us sufficient to be ministers of a New Covenant.” In that context, he also said,
We all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. (2 Corinthians 3:18)
The most outstanding sign of the New Covenant is this great change! But this “image” or likeness is not superficial or external. It does not mean wearing the type of clothing Jesus wore, or having the same length of hair. Nor does it mean becoming a Jew and adopting Jewish ways. Rather, the likeness is spiritual. Look carefully at what Jesus said about following His example.
You call me Teacher and Lord, and you are right, for so I am. If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. For I have given you an example, that you also should do just as I have done to you…. A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. (John 13:13-15, 34)
“I have given you an example.”
What was the setting for this lesson on Jesus’ example? This washing was at the Passover Feast (John 13:1), which was part of the Old Covenant. Yet, in emphasizing His example, Jesus did not focus the lesson on His keeping of the Passover rituals. He focused on His example of humility and service, which does apply in the New Covenant. Again, some people think superficially; they try to turn foot-washing itself into a ritual. They miss the point. Dirty feet happened to need attention at that moment, whereas servant-hearted disciples meet any need that presents itself. Most often, the example of Jesus shows an abiding principle that applies in many different situations. This is the case regarding our willingness to suffer for doing right.
To this you were called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in His steps. (1 Peter 2:21)
Jesus suffered on a cross, which very few of us experience in the most literal sense. Yet we all should follow Jesus’ example in suffering for God’s cause, whatever form that suffering may take.