Definition and Importance
Putting Jesus first refers to the prioritization of Jesus Christ in all aspects of a believer's life, including thoughts, actions, relationships, and decisions. This concept is central to Christian discipleship and is rooted in the belief that Jesus is Lord and Savior, deserving of utmost devotion and obedience. It involves aligning one's life with the teachings and example of Jesus, as well as seeking His will above personal desires.

Biblical Foundation
The call to put Jesus first is woven throughout the New Testament. In Matthew 6:33, Jesus instructs His followers, "But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added unto you." This verse emphasizes the priority of God's kingdom and righteousness over worldly concerns.

In Luke 14:26-27, Jesus presents the cost of discipleship: "If anyone comes to Me and does not hate his father and mother and wife and children and brothers and sisters—yes, even his own life—he cannot be My disciple. And whoever does not carry his cross and follow Me cannot be My disciple." Here, the term "hate" is understood as a hyperbolic expression to indicate that love for Jesus must surpass all other attachments.

Examples from Scripture
The Apostle Paul exemplifies putting Jesus first in Philippians 3:7-8: "But whatever was gain to me I count as loss for the sake of Christ. More than that, I count all things as loss compared to the surpassing excellence of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have lost all things. I consider them rubbish, that I may gain Christ." Paul's life demonstrates a radical reorientation of values, where knowing and serving Christ becomes the ultimate goal.

In the Gospels, Mary of Bethany illustrates this principle when she anoints Jesus with expensive perfume, prioritizing worship over material wealth (John 12:3-8). Jesus commends her act, highlighting the importance of devotion to Him.

Practical Application
Putting Jesus first involves daily decisions and lifestyle choices that reflect His lordship. This includes regular prayer, Bible study, and participation in Christian community. It also means making ethical choices that align with biblical teachings, even when they conflict with societal norms.

Believers are encouraged to evaluate their priorities, ensuring that career, family, and personal ambitions do not overshadow their commitment to Christ. In Colossians 3:17, Paul advises, "And whatever you do, in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him."

Challenges and Encouragement
While putting Jesus first can be challenging in a world that often promotes self-interest and materialism, believers are reminded of the eternal rewards and peace that come from a Christ-centered life. Jesus promises in Matthew 11:28-30, "Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light."

Ultimately, putting Jesus first is an ongoing journey of faith, requiring reliance on the Holy Spirit for strength and guidance.John 14:6
Jesus said to him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man comes to the Father, but by me.
Topicalbible.org

Christ Stimulating Sluggish Discipleship
... comes out of this incident, that the habit, for it is a habit with some of us, of
putting other pressing ... The divine order is Jesus first and all things second. ...
/.../expositions of holy scripture a/christ stimulating sluggish discipleship.htm

The Twofold Testimony of John - the First Sabbath of Jesus's ...
... The first Jerusalem-visit must be prepared for ... exclusiveness of fellowship with Jesus
which traced ... Putting aside all extravagances, the Synagogue thought, in ...
/.../the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter iii the twofold testimony.htm

Talitha Cumi
... The forth-putting of Christ's will is sovereign, and His ... strange experiences to see,
for the first thing that ... strange land, the bending face of Jesus, and His ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture d/talitha cumi.htm

Putting on the Armour
... Boast if you like, but calculate first, and boast ... the conquering Christ when He was
putting it off ... distrust yourselves utterly, and trust Jesus Christ absolutely ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture f/putting on the armour.htm

The Devil Acknowledges the King.
... Did he really think that possibly Jesus would actually worship him? The first flush
answer is, surely not. Yet he is putting the thing in a way that has ...
/.../gordon/quiet talks about jesus/the devil acknowledges the king.htm

Jesus Fights Wrong in the Temple
... scribes heard of it, they began to look for some way of putting him to ... Which of the
two did as his father wished?" They answered, "The first." Jesus said to ...
/.../sherman/the childrens bible/jesus fights wrong in the.htm

The First Christian Martyr
... Lesson 10 The First Christian Martyr. ... they determined to silence his voice by putting
him to ... him say," these witnesses declared, "that this Jesus of Nazareth ...
/.../white/the acts of the apostles/lesson 10 the first christian.htm

Jesus Heals on the Sabbath Day and Defends his Act.
... and judgment, the former being at first spiritually and ... such hardened hearts as those
whom Jesus addressed they ... Putting the statements of verses 19 and 20 ...
/.../mcgarvey/the four-fold gospel/xxxvii jesus heals on the.htm

Why Jesus had to Go to Jerusalem.
... showing; and if it is reasonable to conceive that Jesus altogether completed ... had
not been raised from the dead, the first-fruits of ... [5692] Or (putting a comma ...
/.../origen/origens commentary on the gospel of matthew/20 why jesus had to.htm

At the Temple Gate
... Unto you first God, having raised up His Son Jesus, sent Him to bless you ... refusing
to repent of the terrible deed they had committed in putting Jesus to death. ...
/.../white/the acts of the apostles/lesson 6 at the temple.htm

What time was Jesus crucified? What time did Jesus die on the cross? | GotQuestions.org

What is the breastplate of righteousness (Ephesians 6:14)? | GotQuestions.org

What does it mean to crucify the flesh (Galatians 5:24)? | GotQuestions.org

Putting: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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