When considering the roles for boys (and girls) in Scripture, we find several examples and lists that give us guidance. We may often find ourselves in Scripture like Ephesians 6:1-4 (ESV). Both boys and girls are to obey their parents “in the Lord, for this is right.” Scripture also encourages us to “Honor your father and mother” and for good reason. Our parents (who are also commanded in Scripture with guidance) can be excellent examples boys (and girls) to follow. They instruct us in “discipline and instruction of the Lord” (Eph 6:4) and give us an example to follow regarding loving and respecting one another (Eph 5:33). While I certainly know this to be true (because all Scripture is profitable so says 2 Timothy 3:16) and that our parents should be listened to and regarded by their children, we also have the ultimate example to follow in God’s Son, Jesus!
The inspired writer Peter writes in his second epistle reminding us that Christ is “leaving you an example, so that you might follow in his steps” (2 Peter 2:21). Christ is the perfect example for all of us to follow. While we are certainly called to honor our parents and respect them, we ALL have an example in Christ to follow. And why not? What better example do we have for, “He committed no sin, neither was deceit found in his mouth” (verse 22). He was perfect and IS perfect! He responded to every situation perfectly for “When he was reviled, he did not revile in return; when he suffered, he did not threaten, but continued entrusting himself to him who judges justly” (verse 23). Let’s also never forget the sacrifice that Christ gave for us: “He bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By his wounds you have been healed” (v24).
In the bible, you will read about many examples and particular roles, each one of them unique to both genders. While I encourage you all to follow them, study them, and commit the teachings to your lives, I would also encourage you all to know that we all have the ultimate example to follow for all of us. That example is Christ! He is the one to follow! He is the one to look towards! He is the one who died for our sins! HE IS OUR EXAMPLE! Remember, “There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.” (Galatians 3:28, ESV).
