Religious leaders are offended at the actions of Jesus.
Jesus does not have the same goals as the Pharisees.
God is honored by pure motives and obedience, not empty ceremony and tradition.
People tend to substitute religious activity above God’s heart.
Love God and love people.
What is important to Jesus should be important to me.
Father, align my actions with your heart.
Jesus makes the target of his mission clear.
Religious Jews would have been shocked that the Messiah was spending time with sinners and not cozying up to religious leaders.
God is interested in reaching out to sin-sick people and will not be dissuaded by the self-righteous.
Self-righteous religion only smells right to the righteous. To everyone else it stinks to high heaven.
Care about loving Jesus and helping others to do the same.
Don’t be afraid to reach out to the sin-sick and hurting. Its messy but worth it.
Jesus, help me to love and serve the people who you love and serve.
Jesus heals bodies and forgives sins.
Jesus’ miraculous power validates his spiritual claims.
God is willing to prove himself.
For some people there will never be enough proof.
Be quick to get the sin-sick to Jesus.
Some people do not realize their deepest need until they meet Jesus.
Jesus, your authority, power, and compassion has no limits!
Jesus calls Simon Peter to be his disciple after providing an amazing catch of fish.
Demonstrating a miracle over nature and then the metaphor of fishing for people resonated.
God loves surprises that point people toward him.
People need God’s direction.
Obeying God is the wisest thing I could ever do.
It’s ok to see Jesus’ power first hand before deciding to follow him.
Lord Jesus, as I follow you may I recognize my own weaknesses and fully trust your strength.
Jesus begins his public ministry.
Driving our demons and healing people certainly got attention.
God is fearless. The first record of Jesus preaching in his hometown ended with the locals running him out of town and trying to kill him (v. 28-30)
Mankind loves darkness and despises light.
I must recognize Jesus for who he is and orient my life around his.
Many people still desperately need their spiritual eyes opened. Some recognize this and some do not.
Lord Jesus, you are the Son of God. Please use me to spread your good news wherever you will.
Jesus resists temptation by trusting the Word of God.
Hearing that the Messiah was subject to temptation would have made him more relatable.
Jesus (the Word, the Logos: John 1:1) trusts in God’s Word to conquer temptation.
Mankind tends to trust in themselves.
Apply God’s Word when temptations come.
Encourage others to do this as well (^ see statement above).
Lord Jesus, saturate my soul with your Word so I can deal with temptation like you. I don’t want to waste my life on what will never satisfy.
God’s prophet, John the Baptist, prepares the way and the Messiah, Jesus, steps into the spotlight.
Most 1st Century Jews would have heard of John the Baptist and John’s words and actions toward Jesus would have carried much weight with these people. The voice from Heaven at the baptism points to the deity of Jesus.
God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit all showed up and announced the beginning of this ministry. It was kind of a “ribbon cutting” event for the ministry of the Messiah.
All of humanity needs to have their sins paid for. God is “well pleased” to offer the solution- his son Jesus.
Be aware that God’s schedule is right on time every time.
Jesus, you are the Savior of the world. Build my faith in you. Equip and inspire me to point others to your good news.
Even in his growing up years Jesus knew his identity and mission.
The middle-school King of the universe leaves scholars and his parent perplexed.
God challenges our presuppositions.
When mortals can’t make sense of a situation our brains get stuck and perplexed.
Sometimes God alone working is the only answer so be sure to give him credit.
People are still perplexed bu the wisdom of Jesus- so be patient.
Lord Jesus, help me recognize when you are at work so I can praise you along the way.
God opens the eyes of two old saints about this unique child.
Many faithful worshipers in Jerusalem would have known and respected Simeon and Anna.
God favors those who favor him and Jesus is their great reward.
Faithful saints = direction, not perfection.
Walk closely with God with great anticipation.
Listen to encouragement from elderly saints.
Lord, if it be your will, grant me time and voice to magnify Jesus to the next generation.
Jesus is born!
The Messiah being born in such humble circumstances surely shocked many faithful Jews.
God came near!
All people need a savior- and some people recognize this truth.
Rejoice with Heaven and Earth!
Tell the amazing story of Jesus. Some will gladly receive it.
Joy to the world! The Lord is come! Let every heart (even mine) prepare him room!
