Today’s Reading: Matthew 1:2-3; Genesis 15, 24, 32, 38; Psalm 149

When we think of Christmas, we think of family. We find ourselves grateful for the opportunity to spend time with them, and we thank God for one more Christmas together, while also remembering those who are missing from our Christmas celebrations. We learn so much about God when we look around the faces at the table and take time to see the journey of grace that each of our family members are on. In the same way, we can learn a lot about the faithfulness of God when we look at the lives of those in the genealogy of Jesus.

Abraham was the father of Isaac.
Isaac was the father of Jacob.
Jacob was the father of Judah and his brothers.
Judah was the father of Perez and Zerah (whose mother was Tamar).
Perez was the father of Hezron.
Hezron was the father of Ram. – Matthew 1:2-3

THE LIFE OF ABRAHAM TEACHES US TO BELIEVE GOD WILL DO WHAT HE SAYS HE WILL DO.

The first person mentioned in the genealogy of Jesus is Abraham, a man who was known for having such a great faith in God that He willingly packed up and followed God’s command to move to the land of Canaan. God told Abraham to look at the stars in the sky and trust that God was going to make his descendants as numerous as all the shining lights above him.

“Look up into the sky and count the stars if you can. That’s how many descendants you will have!” And Abram believed the Lord, and the Lord counted him as righteous because of his faith. – Genesis 15:6

God told Abraham that He would make him into a great nation, and He did. God told Abraham that he would be famous, and He was. God told Abraham that all the land he could see in every direction would one day be his, and that’s exactly what happened. Abraham had faith in God because he knew God to be faithful.

THE LIFE OF ISAAC REMINDS US OF THE POWER OF PRAYER.

Abraham’s servant prayed specifically to God for success in finding a wife for Isaac and God showed His unfailing love by clearly answering that prayer. It was while Isaac was spending time with God, walking in the fields and meditating on God, that he looked up and saw Rebekah approaching him on a camel. He recognized God’s provision in his life and fell deeply in love with this beautiful gift from God. When life became difficult, Isaac turned to the Lord in prayer.

Isaac pleaded with the Lord on behalf of his wife because she was unable to have children. The Lord answered Isaac’s prayer, and Rebekah became pregnant with twins. – Genesis 25:21

FROM JACOB WE LEARN WHAT IT LOOKS LIKE TO STRUGGLE WHILE SEEKING GOD’S BLESSING.

Jacob struggled to receive his father’s blessing, and his love story was complicated by the struggle he had with his uncle. Jacob wrestled with God and got what he wanted. Jacob’s struggle continued as his daughter was raped and his sons took revenge, creating powerful enemies for his family. Jacob, who had struggled with his brother in the womb, had to deal with the struggle between his sons. He grieved when he thought his son was dead and praised God when he was reunited with Joseph years later. Although struggle was a consistent theme in his life, God blessed Jacob and the nation of Israel was formed through his children and grandchildren.

Abraham was known for his strong faith in God and yet there were moments when he struggled to trust God to protect him. Isaac inherited his father’s faith and found that God was faithful to answer his prayers. Jacob became the master manipulator but learned what it felt like to be on the receiving end of someone else’s manipulation. He struggled to accept God’s plan for his life and persistently sought God’s favor. Perez came from the unholy union of Judah and Tamar, yet God used him in the story of redemption through the birth of Jesus Christ.

DO YOU KNOW GOD TO BE FAITHFUL?

Perhaps today is a good day to list all of the reminders of God’s faithfulness in your life. There is evidence all around us that God is good and that His promises are true. It is good to identify the evidence and give God the praise for ALL the times He has shown up for us. Let’s allow God to grow our faith today as we trust in Him, even through the struggles. Imagine what this Christmas season could be if we were to stay focused on the faithfulness of God from start to finish.

Lord, I ask for you to strengthen our faith for what is ahead. Give us the desire to follow you wherever you will send us, and the humility to treat others as you have taught us. May we be the prayer warriors you have called us to be, hearing from you and recognizing the many ways in which you will answer our prayers today. Give us the courage to be honest about our struggles and persistent in our prayer life. May we see our story woven into the story of Jesus.

Praise the Lord!
Sing to the Lord a new song.
Sing his praises in the assembly of the faithful. – Psalm 149:1

Today’s Reading: John 20:29-31, Matthew 1:1-17, Luke 3:23-38; Psalm 127

Then Jesus told [Thomas], “You believe because you have seen me. Blessed are those who believe without seeing me.” The disciples saw Jesus do many other miraculous signs in addition to the ones recorded in this book. But these are written so that you may continue to believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing in him you will have life by the power of his name. — John 20:29-31

John, inspired by the Holy Spirit, wrote his gospel account of the life of Jesus in order that those who chose to read it for generations to come would believe that Jesus truly was the promised Messiah. He was the One the Old Testament prophets had written about, and he was the One the Jewish people had been anticipating for hundreds of years. But he did not come just for the Jewish people. The Son of God came to earth to rescue all of us from our sinful state — to close the gap created by sin. His birth, death and resurrection fulfilled all of the Old Testament prophecies.

We can see the threads of redemption and restoration woven through God’s story when we study the genealogy of Jesus. Both Matthew and Luke found it important for us to know where Jesus came from, so they included Jesus’ family tree in their gospel accounts — Matthew focused on his paternal lineage and Luke on his maternal lineage. Both genealogies showed that Jesus was a descendant of David, one more indicator that he truly was the Messiah.

“Jacob was the father of Joseph, the husband of Mary. Mary gives birth to Jesus, who is called the Messiah. All those listed above include fourteen generations from Abraham to David, fourteen from David to the Babylonian exile, and fourteen from the Babylonian exile to the Messiah.” – Matthew 1:16-17

Matthew traces Jesus’ family back to Abraham, showing that Jesus was the promised Messiah of the Jewish people (Matthew 1:1-7). Luke traces Jesus’ family even farther back to Adam, showing that Jesus came to be the Savior for ALL people everywhere (Luke 3:23-38). “And she will have a son, and you are to name him Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins” (Matthew 1:21). Who will Jesus save? His people. Who are His people? We are all His people because we have all descended from Adam. Salvation is for each and every one of us.

Consider your family on both sides. Take a moment to think of the influence the family on your mother’s side has had on your life. Now consider the impact of your father’s family on who you are and also where you are today. When you look at the genealogy of Jesus, you will see a list of people who were far from perfect. Each one has a story of how God in grace reached out to them and used them even after they had messed things up. You can probably look up at your family tree and see a lot of imperfections in those who have come before you. Yet the God of grace still chose them to give the world YOU!

EACH STORY THAT PRECEDES US SETS THE BACKDROP FOR OUR STORY.

So let us not take lightly the role God has played in our lives since before we were born. God has known us, loved us and developed a plan for our lives in spite of our family tree — whether that tree is one of a strong spiritual heritage or the weak faith of our fathers. God had a purpose for the life of Jesus — the salvation and redemption of the world. In the same way, your family tree led to a moment in history when you responded to the forgiveness available to you through Jesus Christ. Your family tree brought you to a time when you responded to God’s purpose for your life in obedience.

You watched me as I was being formed in utter seclusion,
as I was woven together in the dark of the womb.
You saw me before I was born.
Every day of my life was recorded in your book.
Every moment was laid out before a single day had passed.
How precious are your thoughts about me, O God. They cannot be numbered!
I can’t even count them; they outnumber the grains of sand!
And when I wake up, you are still with me! – Psalm 139:15-18

Jesus has been actively present in your story since the beginning. He knows the plans He has for your future — plans for you and for the generations that come after you. What story will be told of you? What impact will today have on those you know and love?

HOW WILL THE CHOICES YOU MAKE TODAY INFLUENCE YOUR FAMILY AND FRIENDS IN THE FUTURE?

Lord, we thank you this morning for the heritage passed down to us from our parents and grandparents — the good and the bad. Your workmanship in our lives is marvelous — how well we know it! We thank you for the love and investment of time that has made us who we are today. We pray that you will take our own imperfect attempts to love others and allow us to positively influence the next generation. Help us to shine your light onto the path you have set before them — a path marked with grace and hope.

Today’s Reading: John 21; Psalm 102

There was another conversation that needed to happen and Jesus strategically positioned himself in Peter’s day in order to have it. It is not hard for me to imagine how Peter must have been feeling as he remembered the day he denied he knew Jesus. He had enthusiastically pledged his willingness to die for Jesus, yet there he was protecting himself by denying him. And now Jesus was alive and spending time with his followers, which must have been amazing, yet Peter was probably wondering what Jesus must think of him.

It was morning and the disciples had been fishing all night, yet they had caught nothing. From 100 yards away on the beach, they heard a familiar voice telling them to throw their nets on the other side of the boat. It must have sounded like a ridiculous suggestion. If the fish weren’t biting on this side, they certainly were not going to be biting on the other side. They had been fishing all night with no success. What difference could this small adjustment make?

DO WHAT YOU ARE DOING, BUT DO IT DIFFERENTLY.

So they did, and they couldn’t haul in the net because there were so many fish in it.
Then the disciple Jesus loved said to Peter, “It’s the Lord!” When Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he put on his tunic (for he had stripped for work), jumped into the water, and headed to shore. The others stayed with the boat and pulled the loaded net to the shore, for they were only about a hundred yards from shore. When they got there, they found breakfast waiting for them—fish cooking over a charcoal fire, and some bread. – John 21:6b-9

Jesus had prepared for this early morning time with his disciples. He had fish already cooking on the fire, plus he had filled their nets with fish for them to contribute to the meal. He had spent years teaching these fishermen how to be fishers of men, and now he was equipping them with what they needed to step into the season of ministry ahead.

“Bring some of the fish you’ve just caught,” Jesus said. So Simon Peter went aboard and dragged the net to the shore. There were 153 large fish, and yet the net hadn’t torn.
“Now come and have some breakfast!” Jesus said. None of the disciples dared to ask him, “Who are you?” They knew it was the Lord. Then Jesus served them the bread and the fish. This was the third time Jesus had appeared to his disciples since he had been raised from the dead. – John 21:10-14

JESUS FED THE DISCIPLES AND THEN INSTRUCTED THEM TO FEED OTHERS.

After breakfast Jesus asked Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?”
“Yes, Lord,” Peter replied, “you know I love you.”
“Then feed my lambs,” Jesus told him.
Jesus repeated the question: “Simon son of John, do you love me?”
“Yes, Lord,” Peter said, “you know I love you.”
“Then take care of my sheep,” Jesus said.
A third time he asked him, “Simon son of John, do you love me?”
Peter was hurt that Jesus asked the question a third time. He said, “Lord, you know everything. You know that I love you.”
Jesus said, “Then feed my sheep. – John 21:15-17

Three times Peter had denied that he was one of Jesus’ followers; three times he asked Peter if he loved Jesus. The same number of times that Peter had emphatically denied his relationship with the Lord, Peter was given the opportunity to reveal his heart. John tells us that this conversation hurt Peter, which is probably how we would feel also. But difficult conversations can bring healing and we serve a Savior who is willing to bring us to a place of repentance and restoration, even if it hurts.

IF YOU LOVE ME, FEED MY SHEEP.

Lord, thank you for this peaceful time I have had in your presence this morning. I am so grateful that you so faithfully “feed” me each morning as I feast on your word. Thank you for the reminder that I am called to bring others to the table so that they too can experience you and be fed by your holy scriptures. May this time of teaching and prayer equip us for all that you are calling us to do today. May we intentionally see those around us as the sheep you have called us to take care of.

Lord, we bring all of today’s emotions to you and ask you to heal us for what is ahead. Restore us for the sake of your purposes, and bring us to a place of recognition of what needs repentance and what needs restoration. I love you. I love you. I love you. Lead me today to do your work and give me a hunger for healing conversations. Amen.

Jesus also did many other things. If they were all written down, I suppose the whole world could not contain the books that would be written. – John 21:25

Today’s Reading: John 20:3-29; Psalm 99

When Mary Magdalene saw that the stone had been rolled away from the tomb, she ran to find Simon Peter and John. Their response was to immediately set out for the tomb to see for themselves. John, the disciple Jesus loved, arrived first. He paused at the entrance of the tomb, stooping so that he could look inside. He could see the linen wrappings just by peering inside, but he did not step into the tomb. When Peter arrived, he entered the tomb without hesitation.

Then Simon Peter arrived and went inside. He also noticed the linen wrappings lying there, while the cloth that had covered Jesus’ head was folded up and lying apart from the other wrappings. Then the disciple who had reached the tomb first also went in, and he saw and believed— for until then they still hadn’t understood the Scriptures that said Jesus must rise from the dead. Then they went home. – John 20:6-10

All three of these followers of Jesus were seeking to find their master and friend, but it wasn’t until Peter and John entered into the tomb that they saw, believed and understood. When they positioned themselves closely to where they expected Jesus to be, they were able to gain an understanding of the scriptures that had foretold Jesus’ resurrection.

THEIR POSTURE ALLOWED THEM TO SEE FOR THEMSELVES THAT JESUS HAD RISEN FROM THE DEAD.

Mary was standing outside the tomb crying, and as she wept, she stooped and looked in. She saw two white-robed angels, one sitting at the head and the other at the foot of the place where the body of Jesus had been lying. “Dear woman, why are you crying?” the angels asked her.
“Because they have taken away my Lord,” she replied, “and I don’t know where they have put him.” – John 20:11-13

Mary had not yet positioned herself to understand, and so she was grieving what she thought had happened to the body of Jesus. But when she stooped down so that she could look in, she saw and heard two angels inside the tomb. Mary turned away to leave, even though she still did not understand. She saw someone standing there and mistook him for the gardener. It was not until she heard the voice of Jesus calling her name that Mary fully turned her attention towards Jesus. Mary responded to the voice of Jesus by turning to face him.

MARY’S POSTURE ALLOWED HER TO FACE THE TRUTH OF JESUS’ RESURRECTION.

“Don’t cling to me,” Jesus said, “for I haven’t yet ascended to the Father. But go find my brothers and tell them, ‘I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.’”
Mary Magdalene found the disciples and told them, “I have seen the Lord!” Then she gave them his message. – John 20:17-18

Mary found the disciples and gave them Jesus’ message. Jesus had entrusted this woman with a word for his followers, and she obediently responded to the calling she had received, speaking the truth of Jesus’ resurrection to his closest followers so that they could understand that Jesus was alive.

MARY HAD POSITIONED HERSELF TO HEAR FROM THE LORD, AND IN DOING SO SHE RECEIVED A WORD FROM THE LORD.

That evening Jesus appeared to the disciples. He showed them the wounds on his hands and side, and they believed that it was Jesus. Their time with Jesus increased their faith, preparing them for what the Lord was calling them to do next.

Again he said, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I am sending you.” Then he breathed on them and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive anyone’s sins, they are forgiven. If you do not forgive them, they are not forgiven.” – John 20:21-23

IT WAS WHILE SPENDING TIME IN THE PRESENCE OF THE LORD THAT THE DISCIPLES RECEIVED THE HOLY SPIRIT AND THEIR CALLING.

But Thomas was not with the disciples, so he was still struggling to believe that Jesus was alive. He needed to see Jesus, to touch Jesus, to experience Jesus firsthand in order to believe.

Eight days later the disciples were together again, and this time Thomas was with them. The doors were locked; but suddenly, as before, Jesus was standing among them. “Peace be with you,” he said. Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here, and look at my hands. Put your hand into the wound in my side. Don’t be faithless any longer. Believe!”
“My Lord and my God!” Thomas exclaimed.
Then Jesus told him, “You believe because you have seen me. Blessed are those who believe without seeing me.” – John 20:26-29

ARE WE POSITIONED TO EXPERIENCE THE LORD FIRSTHAND TODAY?

As Christmas approaches, let’s intentionally position ourselves to hear from Jesus. Let’s posture ourselves to receive a word from the Lord and to respond to what He is calling us to do next. I do not want this Christmas to slip by without saturating myself in the presence of the One whom we are celebrating. My prayer is that you hear from the Lord in a fresh new way this Christmas as you position yourself to experience Him firsthand.

Exalt the Lord our God! Bow low before his feet, for he is holy! – Psalm 99:5

Today’s Reading: John 19:28 – 20:2

At noon, darkness fell across the whole land until three o’clock. At about three o’clock, Jesus called out with a loud voice, “Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?” which means “My God, my God, why have you abandoned me?” – Matthew 27:45-46

Do not stay so far from me,
for trouble is near,
and no one else can help me.
My enemies surround me like a herd of bulls;
fierce bulls of Bashan have hemmed me in!
Like lions they open their jaws against me,
roaring and tearing into their prey.
My life is poured out like water,
and all my bones are out of joint.
My heart is like wax,
melting within me.
My strength has dried up like sunbaked clay.
My tongue sticks to the roof of my mouth.
You have laid me in the dust and left me for dead.
My enemies surround me like a pack of dogs;
an evil gang closes in on me.
They have pierced my hands and feet.
I can count all my bones.
My enemies stare at me and gloat.
They divide my garments among themselves
and throw dice for my clothing. – Psalm 22:11-18

Many of the Old Testament scriptures took on new meaning after this day. The words of the psalmist were mirrored in all of the horrible things that happened to Jesus on the day he was crucified. He was God’s Son and yet he felt all of the pain that any human would have felt on that day. He was spared neither the emotional nor physical anguish. The One who was without sin willingly died to pay the penalty for the sins of mankind.

He was despised and rejected—
a man of sorrows, acquainted with deepest grief.
We turned our backs on him and looked the other way.
He was despised, and we did not care.
Yet it was our weaknesses he carried;
it was our sorrows that weighed him down.
And we thought his troubles were a punishment from God,
a punishment for his own sins!
But he was pierced for our rebellion,
crushed for our sins.
He was beaten so we could be whole.
He was whipped so we could be healed.
All of us, like sheep, have strayed away.
We have left God’s paths to follow our own.
Yet the Lord laid on him
the sins of us all. – Isaiah 53:3-6

Jesus knew that his mission was now finished, and to fulfill Scripture he said, “I am thirsty.” A jar of sour wine was sitting there, so they soaked a sponge in it, put it on a hyssop branch, and held it up to his lips. When Jesus had tasted it, he said, “It is finished!” Then he bowed his head and gave up his spirit. – John 19:28-30

It was the day of preparation, and the Jewish leaders didn’t want the bodies hanging there the next day, which was the Sabbath (and a very special Sabbath, because it was Passover week). So they asked Pilate to hasten their deaths by ordering that their legs be broken. Then their bodies could be taken down. So the soldiers came and broke the legs of the two men crucified with Jesus. But when they came to Jesus, they saw that he was already dead, so they didn’t break his legs. – John 19:31-33

Then the Lord said to Moses and Aaron, “These are the instructions for the festival of Passover…Each Passover lamb must be eaten in one house. Do not carry any of its meat outside, and do not break any of its bones.” – Exodus 12:43-46

One of the soldiers, however, pierced his side with a spear, and immediately blood and water flowed out. (This report is from an eyewitness giving an accurate account. He speaks the truth so that you also may continue to believe. These things happened in fulfillment of the Scriptures that say, “Not one of his bones will be broken,” and “They will look on the one they pierced.” – John 19:34-37

“Then I will pour out a spirit of grace and prayer on the family of David and on the people of Jerusalem. They will look on me whom they have pierced and mourn for him as for an only son. They will grieve bitterly for him as for a firstborn son who has died.” – Zechariah 12:10

I imagine there was not much conversation between Joseph and Nicodemus on the day they took Jesus’ body down from the cross. I can picture them quietly going about the work that needed to be done, grieving the death of Jesus while tenderly caring for his body. They had lost their teacher; they had lost their friend. While others had gone back to their homes, these two devoted followers of Jesus were working diligently on this Friday afternoon to lay the Messiah down to rest.

Early on Sunday morning, while it was still dark, Mary Magdalene came to the tomb and found that the stone had been rolled away from the entrance. She ran and found Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one whom Jesus loved. She said, “They have taken the Lord’s body out of the tomb, and we don’t know where they have put him!” – John 20:1-2

Tracing the story of Jesus from the Old Testament to the New Testament builds our understanding of God’s plan of salvation. In January, we will begin back in Genesis as we study the beauty of Creation and the devastation of the Fall. How fitting that we spend this month looking at both the birth and death of the Messiah. May God open our hearts in new ways to His story, revealing the love and grace of the God who is faithful from start to finish!

Today’s Reading: John 19:1-27; Psalm 85

CAN YOU IMAGINE A SIN WORSE THAN THE BETRAYAL OF JUDAS?

He was one of Jesus’ closest companions, yet he turned Jesus over to be arrested. Some say he was guilty of the sin of greed because of the thirty coins he received for turning Jesus over to the religious leaders. This is consistent with his comment about the value of the oil Mary poured on the feet of Jesus. He saw more value in selling the twelve ounce jar of expensive perfume and adding to the disciples’ money, which he was known for stealing from (John 12:1-6).

Jesus knew what Judas was already guilty of, and he knew what he was about to do. But Jesus loved Judas, even though he knew that his heart was ready and willing to do what Satan was telling him to do. Knowing all of this, Jesus washed the feet of Judas; describing Judas as unclean, Jesus still knelt in front of Judas and washed his feet.

Before the Passover celebration, Jesus knew that his hour had come to leave this world and return to his Father. He had loved his disciples during his ministry on earth, and now he loved them to the very end. It was time for supper, and the devil had already prompted Judas, son of Simon Iscariot, to betray Jesus. Jesus knew that the Father had given him authority over everything and that he had come from God and would return to God. So he got up from the table, took off his robe, wrapped a towel around his waist, and poured water into a basin. Then he began to wash the disciples’ feet, drying them with the towel he had around him. – John 13:1-5

Now Jesus was deeply troubled, and he exclaimed, “I tell you the truth, one of you will betray me!” – John 13:21

Jesus responded, “It is the one to whom I give the bread I dip in the bowl.” And when he had dipped it, he gave it to Judas, son of Simon Iscariot. When Judas had eaten the bread, Satan entered into him. Then Jesus told him, “Hurry and do what you’re going to do.” – John 13:26-27

After Judas left, Jesus turned to his disciples and instructed them to love each other. Just as he had shown them great love during his time with them, they were to show one another love. Simon Peter was concerned that Jesus was saying goodbye to them and he did not want Jesus to leave. When he asked Jesus where he was going, Jesus revealed to Peter that he would soon deny that he even knew Jesus.

CAN YOU IMAGINE A SIN WORSE THAN THE DENIAL OF PETER?

One of the disciples was acquainted with the high priest, so he was able to enter into the gate while Jesus was being questioned at the home of Annas. He spoke with the woman at the gate and she allowed Peter to join him. When she asked if he was one of Jesus’ disciples, Peter said he was not (John 18:17).

Inside Jesus was being questioned about his followers and what he had been teaching them. One of the Temple guards slapped Jesus on the face because he didn’t like the answer Jesus gave. While they were binding Jesus to prepare him for transport to the high priest, Caiaphas, Peter was once again denying that he knew Jesus. After the third denial, the rooster crowed, just as Jesus had told Peter it would.

After questioning Jesus, Pilate tried to release him back to the Jews as part of the annual custom of releasing one prisoner each year at Passover. When the people chose Barabbas, Pilate had Jesus flogged with a lead-tipped whip. This kind of flogging would have ripped at Jesus flesh, leaving him bleeding and severely wounded. The soldiers placed a crown of thorns on Jesus’ head and a purple robe on back, all while mocking him.

CAN YOU IMAGINE A SIN WORSE THAN VERBALLY MOCKING AND PHYSICALLY TORMENTING JESUS?

Then Pilate turned Jesus over to them to be crucified. So they took Jesus away. Carrying the cross by himself, he went to the place called Place of the Skull (in Hebrew, Golgotha). There they nailed him to the cross. Two others were crucified with him, one on either side, with Jesus between them. – John 19:16-18

How was Jesus responding to the betrayal, the denial, and the mocking? Surely Jesus was filled with anger and hatred towards those who were treating him so terribly. Surely he was looking forward to justice being poured out on the religious leaders and those who cried out for his crucifixion. Or maybe not. Let’s look at Jesus’ words while he hung on the cross:

Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they don’t know what they are doing.” – Luke 23:34

One of the criminals hanging beside him scoffed, “So you’re the Messiah, are you? Prove it by saving yourself—and us, too, while you’re at it!”
But the other criminal protested, “Don’t you fear God even when you have been sentenced to die? We deserve to die for our crimes, but this man hasn’t done anything wrong.” Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your Kingdom.”
And Jesus replied, “I assure you, today you will be with me in paradise.” – Luke 23:39-43

CAN YOU IMAGINE THE GRACE DISPLAYED BY JESUS ON THE CROSS?

Judas sinned against Jesus. Peter was disloyal to the One he had said he would die for. The religious leaders plotted against Jesus, and then demanded that he be crucified. The soldiers physically beat the Lord, making fun of him and gambling for his clothing. The criminal had broken the law and he deserved his place on a cross, while Jesus did not. Jesus did not deserve any of the mistreatment, and he definitely did not deserve to die.

But in this moment of injustice, Jesus displayed grace. He did not excuse the sin of those around him, but he did die for the sake of their salvation. Jesus did not redefine what is right and what is wrong in order to make room for sinners to join him in heaven, but he did make it possible for all sinners to experience redemption and eternal life.

Lord, thank you for your unmerited favor. Thank you for extending grace when we do not deserve it, forgiving us for the worst of our sins and reconciling us to the Father. We are sinners in need of the salvation you provided when you died on the cross, and we humbly thank you for seeing beyond our worst decisions and restoring us to a right relationship with you. We love you. Amen.

Today’s Reading: John 18; Psalm 54

When he had finished praying, Jesus left with his disciples and crossed the Kidron Valley. On the other side there was a garden, and he and his disciples went into it. Now Judas, who betrayed him, knew the place, because Jesus had often met there with his disciples. So Judas came to the garden, guiding a detachment of soldiers and some officials from the chief priests and the Pharisees. They were carrying torches, lanterns and weapons. – John 18:1-3

Jesus was not hiding from Judas; he was no longer avoiding the arrest he knew was coming. It was time. So Jesus took his disciples to the place Judas knew. He went to the beautiful garden where he had often spent time with those closest to him, including Judas, and he waited there. He was submitting to what was ahead because he was willing to do whatever God needed him to do for the sake of our salvation.

“Look, my betrayer is here!” – Mark 14:42b

Jesus, knowing all that was going to happen to him, went out and asked them, “Who is it you want?”
“Jesus of Nazareth,” they replied.
“I am he,” Jesus said. (And Judas the traitor was standing there with them.)
When Jesus said, “I am he,” they drew back and fell to the ground. – John 18:4-6

The soldiers were on assignment. They knew what they were there to do, yet at the sound of his voice, they involuntarily pulled back and collapsed to the ground. They experienced the power of the spoken word of Jesus, yet they were determined to complete the mission rather than worship the Messiah. Judas walked over to Jesus and greeted him with a kiss.

But Jesus said, “Judas, would you betray the Son of Man with a kiss?” – Luke 22:48

This kiss was Judas’ last moment to touch Jesus — his last moment of freedom. He had been a follower of Jesus, a student of his teaching and a witness of the power of Jesus to heal. Now he was the one handing him over to those who were eager to arrest him.

Then Simon Peter, who had a sword, drew it and struck the high priest’s servant, cutting off his right ear. (The servant’s name was Malchus.) Jesus commanded Peter, “Put your sword away! Shall I not drink the cup the Father has given me?” – John 18:10-11

The disciples were not expecting all that was happening around them. Jesus was back from praying and they had once more fallen asleep. As they were shaking off the heaviness of sleep, the drama of Jesus’ betrayal played out before them. At a loss of how to respond, Peter grabbed the sword he had brought with him and took a swing. But this was not the way Jesus wanted his disciples to handle the situation. They longed to defend and protect him, but he intervened with the power of these four words:

“No more of this.” And he touched the man’s ear and healed him. – Luke 22:53

I will sacrifice a voluntary offering to you;
I will praise your name, O Lord,
for it is good. – Psalm 54:6

They took Jesus first to Annas and then to the home of Caiaphas, the high priest – the one who had joined in the plot to kill Jesus. They brought many false witnesses in to tell lies about Jesus. Then the guards mocked him and beat him, they blindfolded him and hurled insults at him. The next day, Jesus stood in front of the elders, leading priests and teachers of religious law. They condemned him for saying he was the Son of God. They bound him, led him away and took him to Pilate, the Roman governor.

When Judas heard that Jesus had been condemned to die, he went back to the leading priests and tried to undo what he had done. It was too late. Filled with remorse, he threw the silver coins down, left the Temple and hung himself (Matthew 27:3-5). He had allowed Satan to control the way he lived and now he listened to the evil voices that told him how to die.

When Judas chose sin, he chose slavery; when he chose to do things his way, he was tortured by his shame and regret. It was God’s plan for Jesus to die so that we could experience salvation, but it did not have to be through Judas. He willingly participated in Satan’s plan and was overwhelmed with the weight of his sin. Yet Jesus did not die because of Judas; He died for Judas. Did you catch that?

JESUS DID NOT DIE BECAUSE OF JUDAS; HE DIED FOR JUDAS. AND HE DIED FOR ME, AND HE DIED FOR YOU.

Father God, as we enjoy our Christmas celebrations, we are reminded of how much we have to be grateful for. You are our Provider and our Protector; you are our Savior and our Redeemer. Your willingness to give your Son for our salvation fills our hearts with gratitude. May this Christmas draw us closer to you as we acknowledge all you have done for us, and all that Jesus so willingly sacrificed on our behalf. Lord, we ask for fresh perspective and a new word as we study your death, and then go back and study your birth. May this time in your presence make this Christmas one we will never forget. Amen.

Today’s Reading: John 17; Psalm 48

After saying all these things, Jesus looked up to heaven and said, “Father, the hour has come. Glorify your Son so he can give glory back to you. For you have given him authority over everyone. He gives eternal life to each one you have given him. And this is the way to have eternal life—to know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, the one you sent to earth.” – John 17:1-3

WE CAN FIND THE WAY TO ETERNAL LIFE BY GETTING TO KNOW GOD THROUGH JESUS CHRIST.

Jesus had accomplished part of the mission for which he came to earth — he had revealed God to his disciples. He passed on the message God gave him, and they believed it. Jesus said in his prayer that the disciples had “kept” the word they had been given (v.6). All that they had learned from Jesus they would remember so that they could spread the gospel message to the rest of the world. Even today, we are able to get to know God and find eternal life because of the message of salvation that the disciples took the time to write down.

In this chapter, we get a glimpse into this Father-Son relationship as Jesus reports to God and then prays for his followers whom he will soon be leaving. Jesus had brought glory to God on earth, and he was ready for the Father to bring him back to the heavenly glory they had shared before the world began (v.4-5). And it would soon be time for Jesus’ disciples to bring him glory through their obedience to the call on their life.

WE CAN BRING JESUS GLORY BY LIVING OUT THE TRUTH HE TAUGHT US.

“My prayer is not for the world, but for those you have given me, because they belong to you. All who are mine belong to you, and you have given them to me, so they bring me glory. Now I am departing from the world; they are staying in this world, but I am coming to you. Holy Father, you have given me your name; now protect them by the power of your name so that they will be united just as we are.” – John 17:9-11

Jesus prayed for the Father to protect his disciples. He knew the same hate he had been receiving would be unleashed on his followers once he was gone. They would not be spared from the persecution of this world that they no longer belonged to, so Jesus asked God to keep them safe in the midst of the chaos ahead.

“I have given them your word. And the world hates them because they do not belong to the world, just as I do not belong to the world. I’m not asking you to take them out of the world, but to keep them safe from the evil one. They do not belong to this world any more than I do.” – John 17:14-16

In the same way as the disciples, we do not belong to this world any more than Jesus did. When we surrender our lives to God, we no longer live to gratify our sinful nature. We have heard the words of Jesus and the truth of God’s word has changed us forever. His Spirit now lives within us, producing the righteousness of God in our lives. Do you believe that? Do you believe that the Spirit can produce holiness in you?

WE CAN BE MADE HOLY BECAUSE JESUS SET US FREE FROM THE BONDAGE OF SIN AND DEATH.

“Make them holy by your truth; teach them your word, which is truth. Just as you sent me into the world, I am sending them into the world. And I give myself as a holy sacrifice for them so they can be made holy by your truth. I am praying not only for these disciples but also for all who will ever believe in me through their message.” – John 17:17-20

Jesus prayed for us! He knew that he was about to become the holy sacrifice needed to pay the penalty for our sins, and yet he took the time to advocate for us before the Father because he loves us. His desire was that we would be united in this love, each of us bonded together in such a way that the world sees the love of God through us.

WE CAN SHOW THE WORLD GOD’S LOVE BY LIVING IN UNITY WITH ONE ANOTHER.

“I have given them the glory you gave me, so they may be one as we are one. I am in them and you are in me. May they experience such perfect unity that the world will know that you sent me and that you love them as much as you love me.” – John 17:22-23

Jesus revealed the Father to his disciples and then commissioned them to share the gospel message with others. The disciples, filled with the gift of the Holy Spirit, kept the words Jesus had given them and passed them on so that generations to come could hear the message of salvation. And don’t miss this — Jesus prayed that the truth of this message would make his followers holy. He was willing to die for our salvation and willing to send the Spirit for our sanctification — so that we can be made holy!

“O righteous Father, the world doesn’t know you, but I do; and these disciples know you sent me. I have revealed you to them, and I will continue to do so. Then your love for me will be in them, and I will be in them.” – John 17:25-26

Lord, thank you for this beautiful plan of salvation! Thank you for working out a way for all of us to hear your truth and be forever changed by the power of your name. May the righteousness of God be evident for all to see as your Spirit dwells within us, and may we be united in the love of God that flows through us. God, we ask for your protection from the evil one who daily seeks to distract us with his lies and to divide us in order to weaken this message of salvation. Unite us together for the sake of those who still need to hear the truth and be forever changed by the story of Jesus. Amen.

Today’s Reading: John 16:5-33; Psalm 52

“But now I am going away to the one who sent me, and not one of you is asking where I am going. Instead, you grieve because of what I’ve told you. But in fact, it is best for you that I go away, because if I don’t, the Advocate won’t come. If I do go away, then I will send him to you.” – John 16:5-7

Jesus keeps mentioning this Advocate that will soon be sent to the disciples. Jesus will be leaving them soon, but he wants his followers to know that they will not be alone. Over and over again, he explains to them the role the Spirit will play in their lives. Let’s take time this morning to recognize the presence of the Holy Spirit and the role this Advocate plays in our lives.

THE SPIRIT LEADS US INTO ALL TRUTH.

“And I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Advocate, who will never leave you. He is the Holy Spirit, who leads into all truth. The world cannot receive him, because it isn’t looking for him and doesn’t recognize him. But you know him, because he lives WITH you now and later will be IN you.” – John 14:16-17

The most common weapon the enemy uses against us is lies. In fact, Jesus referred to him as the Father of Lies (John 8:44) because he loves to confuse us through deception and false thoughts. He spreads misinformation about Jesus and about Christians, discrediting our faith and twisting our intentions. If he can get this world to believe that faith in God brings bondage instead of freedom, he can deceive us into remaining slaves to sin.

The lies of the enemy have made their way into our schools, the church, our homes, and our thought life. So many people today find themselves questioning the truths of scripture, and the father of lies celebrates the resulting confusion and conflict. We need to pray for the Spirit of Truth to guide our thoughts and strengthen our faith according to the heart of the Father so that we will not wander away from the one and only Truth.

“But I will send you the Advocate—the Spirit of truth. He will come to you from the Father and will testify all about me.” – John 15:26

THE SPIRIT IS OUR GUIDE, TEACHING US AND REMINDING US OF THE WORDS OF JESUS.

“When the Father sends the Advocate as my representative – that is, the Holy Spirit – he will teach you everything and will remind you of everything I have told you.” – John 14:26

The Spirit is that still small voice we hear — the voice that reminds us of the words of Jesus, or who speaks peace over our fear and anxiety. When we have a decision to make or when we search for understanding of something we have read in the bible, the Spirit is available to guide our thoughts and teach us what we need to know.

JESUS COMMUNICATES WITH US THROUGH THE SPIRIT, MAKING IT POSSIBLE FOR US TO REMAIN IN FELLOWSHIP WITH HIM.

But you have received the Holy Spirit, and he lives within you, so you don’t need anyone to teach you what is true. For the Spirit teaches you everything you need to know, and what he teaches is true—it is not a lie. So just as he has taught you, remain in fellowship with Christ. – 1 John 2:27

And this is his commandment: We must believe in the name of his Son, Jesus Christ, and love one another, just as he commanded us. Those who obey God’s commandments remain in fellowship with him, and he with them. And we know he lives in us because the Spirit he gave us lives in us. – 1 John 3:23-24

“When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all truth. He will not speak on his own but will tell you what he has heard. He will tell you about the future. He will bring me glory by telling you whatever he receives from me. All that belongs to the Father is mine; this is why I said, ‘The Spirit will tell you whatever he receives from me.’” – John 16:13-15

THE SPIRIT CONVICTS US OF OUR SIN, REMINDING US THAT RIGHTEOUSNESS IS AVAILABLE FOR US.

“And when he comes, he will convict the world of its sin, and of God’s righteousness, and of the coming judgment. The world’s sin is that it refuses to believe in me. Righteousness is available because I go to the Father, and you will see me no more. Judgment will come because the ruler of this world has already been judged.” – John 16:8-11

I am so thankful for the work of the Holy Spirit in my life. It is the voice of the Holy Spirit that convicts me of my sin and guides me into truth. It is through this Spirit of truth that I hear from Jesus. It is the work of the Spirit that changes me and strengthens me, producing fruit in my life – the fruit of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23).

Did you catch that first fruit? He produces love in me! Isn’t that great?!! The love the Spirit produces in me is what makes it possible for me to do as Jesus commands – to love each other. The Spirit produces the love of Christ in me and, when I do what He has asked me to do, I remain in that love! As the Spirit produces love in me, I remain in the love of Jesus and He remains in the love of the Father.

Lord, thank you so much for the gift of the Holy Spirit — the Advocate who is daily guiding me and teaching me. Thank you for the blessing of the fruit I experience from the indwelling of the Spirit within me. This love I now have access to is daily empowering me to love others as you love them. And thank you for the role the Spirit plays in helping me resist temptation and frees me from the bondage of my sinful nature. Because of your Spirit, I do not have to sin. Praise God for this wonderful gift! Amen.

Today’s Reading: John 15:9 – 16:4; Psalm 41

“I have loved you even as the Father has loved me. Remain in my love. When you obey my commandments, you remain in my love, just as I obey my Father’s commandments and remain in his love.” – John 15:9-10

This week we have talked about Jesus’ instructions for us to trust him, to believe in him, and to obey him. Yesterday we studied the analogy that God is the gardener, Jesus is the true vine, and we are his branches. In these verses, Jesus helps us see how our connection with him becomes the source of our obedience to what he is asking us to do.

WHEN WE STAY CONNECTED TO THE VINE, WE FIND THE SOURCE OF LOVE NEEDED TO CHOOSE OBEDIENCE.

“I have told you these things so that you will be filled with my joy. Yes, your joy will overflow! This is my commandment: Love each other in the same way I have loved you. There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. You are my friends if you do what I command.” – John 15:11-14

The greatest commandment we have received from the Lord is to love God by loving others. Not only did Jesus give us an example of what love looks like by the way he lived and also by the way he died, he provides a connection with him that resources us with all the love we need to walk out this command to love each other. Not only do we have the love of Jesus running through our veins, the Lord also fills us with joy!

WHEN WE REMAIN IN HIS LOVE, WE EXPERIENCE AN ABUNDANCE OF JOY, AS WELL AS A FRIENDSHIP WITH JESUS.

“I no longer call you slaves, because a master doesn’t confide in his slaves. Now you are my friends, since I have told you everything the Father told me. You didn’t choose me. I chose you. I appointed you to go and produce lasting fruit, so that the Father will give you whatever you ask for, using my name. This is my command: Love each other.” – John 15:15-17

We have all been chosen for a relationship with Jesus. God has a plan for each of us to experience this connection with the vine that changes us forever. Yes, our obedience is about submission to the authority and wisdom of God, but it is also about our love for the One who calls us his friend. When we remain in His love, we are able to produce an authentic love for others. And from this love, fruit is born.

EVEN THOUGH THE NATURAL OUTFLOW OF OUR RELATIONSHIP WITH JESUS IS AUTHENTIC LOVE AND OVERFLOWING JOY, THE WORLD WILL HATE US JUST AS THEY HATED JESUS.

“If the world hates you, remember that it hated me first. The world would love you as one of its own if you belonged to it, but you are no longer part of the world. I chose you to come out of the world, so it hates you. Do you remember what I told you? “A slave is not greater than the master.’ Since they persecuted me, naturally they will persecute you. And if they had listened to me, they would listen to you. They will do all this to you because of me, for they have rejected the one who sent me.” – John 15:18-21

Have you experienced this yet? Have you found yourself despised or criticized for your faith? It can be discouraging when the love we are showing the world is rejected, but Jesus said to expect this. If they reject God and despise the name of Jesus, they are also capable of hating us for what we believe and for how we live.

“If I hadn’t done such miraculous signs among them that no one else could do, they would not be guilty. But as it is, they have seen everything I did, yet they still hate me and my Father. This fulfills what is written in their Scriptures: ‘They hated me without cause.’” – John 15:24-25

If they can hate Jesus for no good reason, we can expect that the world will also hate us without cause. It will not feel fair, because it is not fair. It is helpful for us to remember that God does not promise us earthly justice. Jesus warned us that the world will neither understand our faith nor tolerate our righteous living. Many of his followers walked away from Jesus because they did not want to experience this persecution, and we have that same choice to make. Jesus did not warn us about this rejection in order to cast fear into our hearts, but rather to strengthen our faith for what is ahead.

“I have told you these things so that you won’t abandon your faith. For you will be expelled from the synagogues, and the time is coming when those who kill you will think they are doing a holy service for God. This is because they have never known the Father or me. Yes, I’m telling you these things now, so that when they happen, you will remember my warning.” – John 16:1-4a

IF WE WANT TO REMAIN STRONG AGAINST THE HATE WE RECEIVE FROM THIS WORLD, IT IS IMPORTANT THAT WE REMAIN CONNECTED TO THE VINE.

Our relationship with Jesus is what strengthens us when times get tough. It provides us with the love we need to respond in love even when we are receiving hate; it provides us with the joy we need when this life brings us sorrow and pain. When we remain in His love, we are never alone because Jesus gives us the gift of the Holy Spirit.

“But I will send you the Advocate—the Spirit of truth. He will come to you from the Father and will testify all about me.” – John 15:26

Lord, thank you so much for the encouragement we receive when we spend time in your word. Thank you for preparing us for our toughest moments through your words of exhortation as well as the gift of the Holy Spirit. Thank you for this time in your presence, healing us from what we have experienced and preparing us for what is ahead. We are grateful this morning for the love you provide through this connection so that we can show love to those who hate us, and for the joy that fills our hearts when there is no earthly reason to be happy. May our relationship with you be evident to those around us, and may you be glorified through our faith today. Amen.