Today’s Reading: John 3:1-17; Hebrews 11:1-12:2

Jesus often used something that could be easily understood to explain something harder to grasp. He did this when he was talking with Nicodemus, a Jewish religious leader who was a Pharisee. Nicodemus had seen and heard of the miraculous signs that Jesus was doing and he believed them to be evidence that God was with Jesus (John 3:2). He saw God as the source of what Jesus was accomplishing.

NICODEMUS WAS STRUGGLING TO BELIEVE WHAT HE COULD NOT UNDERSTAND.

Jesus seemed to know that Nicodemus was struggling to understand. Without explaining why he had come to Jesus and why he had chosen after dark to do so, Jesus knew what Nicodemus was searching for and the decision he would have to make between darkness and light. Jesus went on to explain what needed to happen in order for Nicodemus to find what he was looking for – the Kingdom of God.

Jesus replied, “I tell you the truth, unless you are born again, you cannot see the Kingdom of God.”

“What do you mean?” exclaimed Nicodemus. “How can an old man go back into his mother’s womb and be born again?”

Jesus replied, “I assure you, no one can enter the Kingdom of God without being born of water and the Spirit. Humans can reproduce only human life, but the Holy Spirit gives birth to spiritual life. So don’t be surprised when I say, ‘You must be born again.’ The wind blows wherever it wants. Just as you can hear the wind but can’t tell where it comes from or where it is going, so you can’t explain how people are born of the Spirit.” – John 3:3-8

HUMAN UNDERSTANDING VS. SPIRITUAL ENLIGHTENMENT

Not only was Nicodemus struggling to believe what he could not understand, he could not understand because he was struggling to believe. Does this sound like your own journey to faith? Does it remind you of the struggle a loved one or friend is currently in the midst of?

Nicodemus was a very intelligent man but this was going to require more than just head knowledge, this was going to require a response of the heart. Jesus knew Nicodemus was going to have to choose between remaining in the dark or stepping into the light. In order to do this, he was going to have to believe not only that God was with Jesus, but also that Jesus was sent by God.

“How are these things possible?” Nicodemus asked.

Jesus replied, “You are a respected Jewish teacher, and yet you don’t understand these things? I assure you, we tell you what we know and have seen, and yet you won’t BELIEVE our testimony. But if you don’t BELIEVE me when I tell you about earthly things, how can you possibly BELIEVE if I tell you about heavenly things? No one has ever gone to heaven and returned. But the Son of Man has come down from heaven. And as Moses lifted up the bronze snake on a pole in the wilderness, so the Son of Man must be lifted up, so that everyone who BELIEVES in him will have eternal life.

“For this is how God loved the world: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life. God sent his Son into the world not to judge the world, but to save the world through him.” – John 3:9-17

FAITH REQUIRES A RESPONSE OF THE HEART — A CHOICE TO BELIEVE.

If you want to experience the Kingdom of God, you are going to have to step out of the darkness and believe in who Jesus is. The price has already been paid – the Light of the World has already come to save us. We must choose to step into the light, allowing our sins to be exposed. When we come to Him believing, the Light of the World does not judge those sins but instead saves us from them.

I have friends who seek to understand the Bible and its spiritual truths, but they want to understand before they choose to believe. The problem is that understanding is not going to come as long as we choose to remain in the dark. It is in believing and stepping into the light, experiencing the re-birth of the Spirit, that spiritual truths begin to make sense. Understanding comes after the choice to believe.

​​And it is impossible to please God without faith. Anyone who wants to come to him must believe that God exists and that he rewards those who sincerely seek him. – Hebrews 11:6

We are made right with God by placing our faith in Jesus Christ. And this is true for everyone who believes, no matter who we are. For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God’s glorious standard. – Romans 3:22-23

If you openly declare that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is by believing in your heart that you are made right with God, and it is by openly declaring your faith that you are saved. – Romans 10:9-10

Examine yourselves to see if your faith is genuine. Test yourselves. Surely you know that Jesus Christ is among you; if not, you have failed the test of genuine faith. – 2 Corinthians 13:5

And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. – Hebrews 12:1b-2a

And there it is. We need to respond to Jesus by believing, by having faith, even when we do not yet understand. But Jesus is willing to initiate and perfect our faith. We can pray for Jesus to give us the faith we need to believe. If we desire faith and pray for faith, Jesus will give us the faith we need to take the next step of faith. Praise Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith!

Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. – Hebrews 12:2 (KJV)

Jesus, I ask you to give me the faith I need to fully believe in you and the understanding I desire to fully embrace you. I pray for those who are struggling to understand who you are because they resist believing that you are who you say you are. I pray that you will use me in their lives as a reflection of your love and a source of your light. May they come to a saving knowledge of you because they chose to step out of the darkness and follow the light made visible through our lives. Amen.

Today’s Reading: John 2:13 – 3:4; Exodus 12:1-13

“All right,” Jesus replied. “Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.”
“What!” they exclaimed. “It has taken forty-six years to build this Temple, and you can rebuild it in three days?” – John 2:19-20

This was the conversation that occurred between Jesus and the Jewish leaders the day he chased the money-changers and vendors out of the Temple in Jerusalem. You might be familiar with this passage of scripture, but let’s pray for the Spirit to give us fresh eyes with which to see this important moment in the ministry of Jesus.

Let’s consider the context of this story. God’s people were arriving from all over the land to worship at the Temple in Jerusalem. It was almost time for the Jewish Passover celebration and the Temple would have been crowded with people who were coming to celebrate how God had freed His people from slavery in Egypt (Exodus 12:1-13).

Booths had been set up throughout the Temple to exchange money and to sell animals for the people to sacrifice. They were charging high rates and making a profit instead of creating space for God’s people to come and authentically worship Him. They were taking advantage of the situation in order to profit off the needs of those who traveled a great distance to Jerusalem.

​​Passion for your house has consumed me,
and the insults of those who insult you have fallen on me. – Psalm 69:9

Passion for God’s house consumed Jesus (2:17) and he took action in order to make a change. Try to imagine this next moment; attempt to hear the shouting, the animals, the chaos. Jesus made a whip from some ropes and chased the merchants and dealers out of the Temple. He drove out the sheep and cattle. Coins from the money changers fell to the floor as he flipped their tables over. And he had a special message to those who were selling doves:

“Get these things out of here. Stop turning my Father’s house into a marketplace!” – John 2:16b

You can imagine the emotional reaction of the Jewish leaders. They demanded an explanation from Jesus; they wanted him to perform a miraculous sign in order to prove his authority. When he offered them one, their unbelief caused them to miss out on an opportunity. They were so focused on the physical place of worship that they lost the opportunity to believe in the One they should be worshiping.

“All right,” Jesus replied. “Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.”
“What!” they exclaimed. “It has taken forty-six years to build this Temple, and you can rebuild it in three days?” But when Jesus said “this temple,” he meant his own body. After he was raised from the dead, his disciples remembered he had said this, and they believed both the Scriptures and what Jesus had said. – John 2:20-22

ALL THE PEOPLE HAD TO DO WAS CHOOSE TO BELIEVE, BUT THEY CHOSE UNBELIEF INSTEAD.

There were many who chose to keep their eyes on Jesus that week and they witnessed many miraculous signs because of their willingness to believe. They put their trust in Jesus and began a new walk of faith. But Jesus did not put his trust in the crowds, nor should we put our trust in those who have the potential to disappoint and misdirect us. But this I have come to know from experience — we can trust in the Lord our God!

No one needed to tell him about human nature, for he knew what was in each person’s heart. – John 2:25

The human heart is the most deceitful of all things, and desperately wicked. Who really knows how bad it is?” – Jeremiah 17:9

Later, one of the Jewish leaders came after dark to speak with Jesus. Nicodemus had seen the miraculous signs Jesus was performing among the people and knew that Jesus was sent by God, but he still had questions.

Jesus replied, “I tell you the truth, unless you are born again, you cannot see the Kingdom of God.”
“What do you mean?” exclaimed Nicodemus. “How can an old man go back into his mother’s womb and be born again?” – John 3:3-4

Jesus was speaking of spiritual rebirth but Nicodemus, like the other Jewish leaders, was stuck in the physical or literal explanation. Nicodemus lacked an understanding of the role of the Holy Spirit in our lives and he lacked the faith he needed to take Jesus at his word.

WHAT AM I STRUGGLING TO BELIEVE AT THIS TIME IN MY LIFE?

Is there a truth that God wants me to learn but that I am resisting? Is there an area of my life that Jesus is trying to clear, or has my worship become for my own benefit instead of for God’s glory? How does the Spirit want to use the living word of God in my life today?

Lord Jesus, I give you permission to get my attention. Clear away the excess in my life and bring my focus back to you. Consume me with a passion for my Father’s house. I believe that you are who you said you are and that you will do what you said you would do. I do not want to miss a moment with you because of my lack of faith so I choose to take you at your word and respond in obedience to your call. I ask that you help me to trust you with all of my struggles; I give you my disbelief and pray for you to strengthen my faith. Amen.

Today’s Reading: John 2:1-12

John records seven miracles in his account of Jesus’ life referring to them as “dunamis” — an event or sign that has a deeper meaning. The first of these miracles is when Jesus TURNED the water into wine. But even more than that was the TRANSFORMATION that took place in the lives of those in attendance that day.

Jesus attended a wedding celebration in Cana with his mother and his disciples. When Mary told Jesus the wine supply ran out, his response was, “My time has not yet come.” Mary turned to the servants and told them to do whatever Jesus told them to do.

Standing nearby were six stone water jars, used for Jewish ceremonial washing. Each could hold twenty to thirty gallons. Jesus told the servants, “Fill the jars with water.” When the jars had been filled, he said, “Now dip some out, and take it to the master of ceremonies.” So the servants followed his instructions. – John 2:6-8

This group of servants, whom society devalued, had a front row seat to the Messiah’s first miracle. John does not clearly state the impact this had on the servants but I imagine their lives were never the same. Can you picture their initial fear as they handed the master of ceremonies a glass of water? Can you imagine their instant faith when he was pleased with the beverage?

When the master of ceremonies tasted the water that was now wine, not knowing where it had come from (though, of course, the servants knew), he called the bridegroom over. “A host always serves the best wine first,” he said. “Then, when everyone has had a lot to drink, he brings out the less expensive wine. But you have kept the best until now!” – John 2:9-10

JESUS TRANSFORMED A WEDDING DISASTER INTO A BEAUTIFULLY ORCHESTRATED MIRACLE.

Jesus took six stone water jars, each holding 20 to 30 gallons of water, and turned them into 180 gallons of fine-tasting wine. He took a simple everyday beverage (water) and transformed it into a highly-valued drink (wine). But this miracle of transformation was not about the water turning into wine; the true transformation was in the disciples. Curiosity had made them followers; this miracle made them believers. They witnessed the power of Jesus and their lives were never the same.

This miraculous sign at Cana in Galilee was the first time Jesus revealed his glory. And his disciples believed in him. – John 2:11

Who else believed in Jesus after that day? It’s possible very few people at the wedding even knew about the miracle. The servants obviously knew where the wine had come from; they knew better than anyone else. Jesus’ mother knew they were running out of wine, and she knew who had provided in abundance for this wedding celebration. But did she know before this day what Jesus was capable of? Perhaps this was the day when Mary’s view of her son was also transformed, helping her understand that Jesus was ready to go about his Father’s business.

JESUS TRANSFORMED THE LIVES OF THE DISCIPLES, JUST AS HE TRANSFORMS OUR LIVES.

Jesus takes our simplicity and is able to make us into highly effective tools for Him to use to change the world. He takes our impure, imperfect lives and purifies us, giving us a new quality and new value. We are never the same. The enemy wants to convince us that we have not changed; the world wants to continue to define us by what we used to be. God sees us as the beautiful creation that He is changing and perfecting through the infilling of His Spirit.

Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord’s glory, are being TRANSFORMED into his likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit. – 2 Corinthians 3:17-18

I am so thankful that God is working in my life. I am thankful that He loves me enough not to leave me like I am, but to change me, to redefine me and to transform me. I do not have to stir up my own enthusiasm or strength to follow Him. He places in me the desire to serve Him and the passion to pursue holiness. This transformation is nothing short of a miracle in my life.

Heavenly Father, I am so thankful that I have been REDEFINED by Jesus and that my life has been TRANSFORMED by Him. Thank you for seeing me for what I could become instead of what I am. Thank you for taking my impure, imperfect life and purifying me – giving me a new quality and a new value in you. When the enemy tries to convince me of who I am, remind me of whose I am. I am your creation, your masterpiece and a work in progress. Amen.

After the wedding he went to Capernaum for a few days with his mother, his brothers, and his disciples. – John 2:12

Today’s Reading: John 1:43-51; Genesis 28:10-22; Philippians 3:1-11

The next day Jesus decided to go to Galilee. He found Philip and said to him, “Come follow me.” Philip was from Bethsaida, Andrew and Peter’s hometown. – John 1:43-44

Because the name Philip is not a Hebrew name, many believe that he was Greek. This shows a mix of cultures between the disciples, but it also shows that Jesus’ ministry was going to be for more than just the Jews. Because Philip was either Greek or possibly spoke Greek, he became a doorway for other Greeks to approach Jesus.

Some Greeks who had come to Jerusalem for the Passover celebration paid a visit to Philip, who was from Bethsaida in Galilee. They said, “Sir, we want to meet Jesus.” – John 12:20-21

EACH OF JESUS’ DISCIPLES WERE CREATED UNIQUELY TO DRAW OTHERS TO JESUS, JUST AS WE ARE.

There was something special about Philip that gave others the opportunity to encounter Christ, just as there is something unique about you that God desires to use to draw others to Himself. The first person to find Jesus through Philip was a young man named Nathanael:

Philip went to look for Nathanael and told him, “We have found the very person Moses and the prophets wrote about! His name is Jesus, the son of Joseph from Nazareth!”
“Nazareth!” exclaimed Nathanael. “Can anything good come from Nazareth?”
“Come and see for yourself,” Philip replied. – John 1:45-46

There was a natural tendency for people to define others by where they have come from, the color of their skin, their family background, etc. Sounds like society today, doesn’t it? Nazareth was a small town, not famous enough to be considered a possibility for greatness. It was not well thought of, yet God chose it as the birthplace of His Son. How wonderful that God sees value in even the small, imperfect places and people!

REVALUED & RECOMMITTED

As they approached, Jesus said, “Now here is a genuine son of Israel – a man of complete integrity.”
“How do you know my name?” Nathanael asked.
Jesus replied, “I could see you under the fig tree before Philip found you.”
Then Nathanael exclaimed, “Rabbi, you are the Son of God – the King of Israel.”
Jesus asked him, “Do you believe this just because I told you I had seen you under the fig tree? You will see greater things than this.” Then he said, “I tell you the truth, you will all see heaven open and the angels of God going up and down on the Son of Man, the one who is the stairway between heaven and earth.” – John 1:47-51

It was not just that Jesus knew where Nathanael was before he arrived, he knew who he was. It was as if Jesus was saying – Just as you know where I came from and want to judge me by my origin, I know where you came from. You are a descendant of Jacob, who was known to be scheming and deceitful, but I know that you are a man of complete integrity. And, just as Jacob dreamed of a stairway reaching to heaven with angels of God going up and down the stairway (Gen. 28:12), you will see heaven open and the angels of God going up and down on the Son of Man, the one who is the stairway between heaven and earth.

Because they were given the opportunity to encounter Jesus, the lives of these two disciples were forever changed. Philip found his value in the Son of God, and Nathaniel became aware of the Son of God’s value. They could have been content with hearing his sermons and seeing his miracles, but they chose to have a personal relationship with Jesus, and it changed the trajectory of their lives. Both of these young men RECOMMITTED their future and became full-time followers of Christ. And because of their response to the call of Jesus, the lives of others were significantly impacted.

MAY THE THINGS OF THIS WORLD THAT WE ONCE SAW AS GIVING US VALUE BE CONSIDERED WORTHLESS COMPARED TO THE INFINITE VALUE OF KNOWING CHRIST JESUS AS LORD.

Lord, I pray that each of us is able to accept our value in who you say we are; I pray we are able to see our identity in you. May we never be satisfied with knowing Jesus from a distance, but always be pursuing a closer relationship with you. Thank you for renaming me your child, redefining me with your purpose, and revaluing me according to your grace. I choose to daily recommit myself to you and faithfully remain a follower of Christ. Amen.

I once thought these things were valuable, but now I consider them worthless because of what Christ has done. Yes, everything else is worthless when compared with the infinite value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have discarded everything else, counting it all as garbage, so that I could gain Christ and become one with him. I no longer count on my own righteousness through obeying the law; rather, I become righteous through faith in Christ. For God’s way of making us right with himself depends on faith. I want to know Christ and experience the mighty power that raised him from the dead. I want to suffer with him, sharing in his death, so that one way or another I will experience the resurrection from the dead! – Philippians 3:7-11

Today’s Reading: John 1:35-42, 6:60-71; Matthew 16:13-19

John the Baptist did not understand at first that Jesus of Nazareth was the one he had been preparing God’s people to receive. God generously gave John a sign through the Holy Spirit, making the moment after he baptized Jesus even more monumental for the one who had been called to prepare the way for the Messiah. Then God used John’s voice once more to confidently proclaim that Jesus was the Chosen One of God!

The following day John was again standing with two of his disciples. As Jesus walked by, John looked at him and declared, “Look! There is the Lamb of God!” When John’s two disciples heard this, they followed Jesus. – John 1:35-37

Here we see yet another way in which John the Baptist was able to prepare the way for the Lord. John’s investment in Andrew prepared him for the moment in which he had the opportunity to follow Jesus. He had a choice to make, but his heart was already in a place to leave everything behind and follow the Messiah. The seeds had been planted and his heart was eager to respond.

DISCIPLESHIP CAN PREPARE ANOTHER PERSON FOR THEIR MOMENT OF OBEDIENCE TO GOD’S CALL.

Jesus looked around and saw them following. “What do you want?” he asked them.
They replied, “Rabbi” (which means “Teacher”), “where are you staying?”
“Come and see,” he said. It was about four o’clock in the afternoon when they went with him to the place where he was staying, and they remained with him the rest of the day. – John 1:38-39

John’s disciples could have been satisfied with just listening to the teachings of Jesus and watching him perform miracles, but they chose more. They could have stayed comfortably with the teacher they knew and trusted, yet they took a step of faith and their world opened up to a whole new experience.

Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, was one of the men who heard what John said and then followed Jesus. – John 1:40

Andrew’s faith was strengthened by John’s faith and, because of Andrew’s faith, his brother Simon Peter was given the opportunity to face the One who would see him for what he would become rather than for who he was.

Andrew went to find his brother, Simon, and told him, “We have found the Messiah” (which means “Christ”). Then Andrew brought Simon to meet Jesus. Looking intently at Simon, Jesus said, “Your name is Simon, son of John – but you will be called Cephas” (which means “Peter”). – John 1:41-42

RENAMED & REDEFINED

Jesus did not just rename Simon, he redefined him. Jesus knew that Peter was not perfect and he knew that he would one day betray him, yet he also knew that Peter’s faith would grow strong enough to stay true when many others would choose to walk away from Jesus. He knew that Peter would one day be the rock on which the church would be built.

Many of his disciples said, “This is very hard to understand. How can anyone accept it?”…
At this point many of his disciples turned away and deserted him. Then Jesus turned to the Twelve and asked, “Are you also going to leave?”
Simon Peter replied, “Lord, to whom would we go? You have the words that give eternal life. We believe, and we know you are the Holy One of God.” – John 6:60,66-69

In a few words, Simon Peter powerfully defined who Jesus was. When he found clarity in the fact that Jesus was more than just a teacher from Nazareth, Peter found the faith to boldly proclaim the identity of Christ: the Son of the Living God (KJV), the Holy One of God (NIV), God’s Holy One (CEB). In return, Jesus renamed this disciple based on the impact his faithfulness would have on generations to come.

When Jesus came to the region of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?”
“Well,” they replied, “some say John the Baptist, some say Elijah, and others say Jeremiah or one of the other prophets.”
Then he asked them, “But who do you say I am?”
Simon Peter answered, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.”
Jesus replied, “You are blessed, Simon son of John, because my Father in heaven has revealed this to you. You did not learn this from any human being. Now I say to you that you are Peter (which means ‘rock’), and upon this rock I will build my church, and all the powers of hell will not conquer it. And I will give you the keys of the Kingdom of Heaven. Whatever you forbid on earth will be forbidden in heaven, and whatever you permit on earth will be permitted in heaven.” – Matthew 16:13-19

Father God, THANK YOU FOR RENAMING ME as your child — for seeing me for who I could become rather than for who I have been. Help me to see myself through your eyes, never losing sight of who you created me to be. Heavenly Father, just as I came to faith through the faithfulness of others in my life, I pray that my walk with you will help others find you. I pray that every seed planted, every conversation had, every word written, will prepare someone for that moment when they have the chance to follow you.

Lord, THANK YOU FOR REDEFINING ME, not according to all the mistakes I have made and will make, or where I come from or how I look, but by who you created me to be. You uniquely created me and now purposefully place me in the lives of others, and I desire to be used by you today in their lives. Amen.

Today’s Reading: Matthew 4:1-11

Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted there by the devil. For forty days and forty nights he fasted and became very hungry. – Matthew 4:1

Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted. God was not tempting Jesus but He was allowing Jesus to go through a time of temptation, just as He allows us to experience temptation.

When tempted, no one should say, “God is tempting me.” For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone; but each one is tempted when, by his own evil desire, he is dragged away and enticed. – James 1:13-14

By fasting through this time of temptation, Jesus was showing his intention to depend on God and God only for his strength. He was giving God his full attention, away from the distractions of his daily life and away from the satisfactions of the earth’s nourishments.

Jesus was able to say no to temptation because his focus was on God. Knowing Jesus would be hungry, Satan tried to play on this weakness in order to take advantage of his vulnerability, just as Satan tempts us where we are the most vulnerable or weak.

During that time the devil came and said to him, “If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become loaves of bread.”

But Jesus told him, “No! The Scriptures say, ‘People do not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.’” – Matthew 4:3-4

When I am hungry, I must admit that it affects my mood. When my blood sugar is off and I am starting to feel shaky, it impacts my emotions and my logical train of thought. I am not my best self when I have ignored my need for food. But the same can also be said about my need for time in God’s word. When I have rushed through my devotional time or started my day without allowing God’s Spirit to satisfy my deepest hunger through the scriptures, it throws my whole day off. I can make it through a day without food but I cannot make it a minute without the sustaining grace of my Lord Jesus Christ.

Then the devil took him to the holy city, Jerusalem, to the highest point of the Temple, and said, “If you are the Son of God, jump off! For the Scriptures say,
‘He will order his angels to protect you.
And they will hold you up with their hands
so you won’t even hurt your foot on a stone.’”
Jesus responded, “The Scriptures also say, ‘You must not test the Lord your God. – Matthew 4:5-7

Satan starts this second attempt to bring down Jesus by challenging his identity. If you are the Son of God; if you are who you say you are. How often do Satan’s attacks on our faith start by casting doubt on who Jesus is and who we are in Him? If he can get us to lose confidence that Jesus is exactly who he said he was, if he can get us to question the authenticity of scripture, he knows he can begin to chip away at our own identity. And once we begin to lose focus on who God created us to be, we begin to let the world define us outside of the truth found in scripture.

Next the devil took him to the peak of a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory. “I will give it all to you,” he said, “if you will kneel down and worship me.”
“Get out of here, Satan,” Jesus told him. “For the Scriptures say,
‘You must worship the Lord your God
and serve only him.’” – Matthew 4:8-10

Here we see evidence of Satan’s attempts to negotiate with us in order to get us to compromise our faith. “I will…if you will…” He uses empty promises and false expectations to cloud our perspective and weaken our resolve. He wants us to think about the possibilities of earthly gain if we switch our loyalties from the God who promises eternal reward to the world that offers temporary pleasure. If Satan can influence the desires of our heart, he can distract us from our focus on the desire of God’s heart.

So what is a helpful takeaway from these last two days of studying the temptation of Jesus? If we want to be prepared for Satan’s next attempt to distract or dissuade us, then let’s focus on how Jesus handled temptation. His response to each of the temptations was to quote Scripture, a great model for how we can handle temptation.

So if God’s word sustains us through the difficult times, shouldn’t we spend time in His presence soaking in God’s truth? Shouldn’t we study the word and be prepared by knowing the scripture in order to be equipped to use them when the moment of temptation arrives? Doesn’t it make sense to take the extra step of memorizing verses so that we can easily recall them in our moment of need?

“Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the body is weak.” – Matthew 26:41

This is great advice straight from the mouth of Jesus. Watch and pray. Stay on guard, pay attention. Know when you are being tempted to respond to life’s circumstances in ways outside of the Spirit’s guidance. Pray for the presence of God to strengthen you and for His Spirit to daily prepare you for Satan’s attempts to distract or destroy you.

Father God, we ask that your Spirit would lead us through the times in our lives when we are tempted to find satisfaction in the things of this world. Remind us that the things of this world can only sustain us for a short time. Help us to rest in the knowledge that your living water can quench our thirst so that we never go thirsty again. Give us eyes to see the areas of our life in which we are focused too much on the taste of earth’s pleasures. Fill us with the sweet aroma of your presence and satisfy us with the taste of your scriptures. Lord, affirm our identity in you this morning. Give us confidence in who you are and who you created us to be. Prepare us for the temptation to negotiate and compromise. May our heart reflect the desires of your heart today as we place our confidence in you. Amen.

Today’s Reading: Mark 1:9-15; Luke 4:1-13

One day Jesus came from Nazareth in Galilee, and John baptized him in the Jordan River. As Jesus came up out of the water, he saw the heavens splitting apart and the Holy Spirit descending on him like a dove. And a voice from heaven said, “You are my dearly loved Son, and you bring me great joy.”

The Spirit then compelled Jesus to go into the wilderness, where he was tempted by Satan for forty days. He was out among the wild animals, and angels took care of him. – Mark 1:9-13

HIGHS AND LOWS

Why is it that the enemy so often attacks us directly following a high spiritual moment in our life? We go from having our faith affirmed to our faith tested. Things go from being easy one day to difficult the next. God is glorified through our surrender as we die to the old in order to be raised to the life He has for us, and then the enemy tries to take our eyes off our God in order to tempt us to give him our loyalty.

Then the devil said to him, “If you are the Son of God, tell this stone to become a loaf of bread.”

But Jesus told him, “No! The Scriptures say, ‘People do not live by bread alone.’”

Then the devil took him up and revealed to him all the kingdoms of the world in a moment of time. “I will give you the glory of these kingdoms and authority over them,” the devil said, “because they are mine to give to anyone I please. I will give it all to you if you will worship me.”

Jesus replied, “The Scriptures say, ‘You must worship the Lord your God and serve only him.’” – Luke 4:3-8

So often the devil tempts us with all this world has to offer. He makes the trade for earthly wealth and fame seem like a simple one, but it is always complicated to negotiate with the enemy. It seems harmless to get caught up in these temporary pleasures, but if we compromise and live a life for earthly gain, we need to recognize that we are submitting to the enemy’s temptations, and there are consequences that come with that submission.

Next Satan baited Jesus to test God by jumping off the highest point of the Temple and then asking God to rescue Him. Do something really reckless and then ask God for help. That is so unlike anything he would tempt us to do, or is it?

Jesus responded, “The Scriptures also say, ‘You must not test the Lord your God.’” – Luke 4:12

YOU MUST NOT TEST THE LORD YOUR GOD.

Satan tempts us to do something we know we should not do by convincing us that it will be simple to ask God to forgive us after we have sinned — to rescue us from our consequences. If God is full of grace and all we have to do is ask for forgiveness, then why not enjoy a time of sin or moment of weakness with the intent to simply ask God to forgive us afterwards? I believe we should take Jesus’ response seriously.

“Get out of here, Satan,” Jesus told him. “For the Scriptures say, ‘You must worship the Lord your God and serve only him.’” Then the devil went away, and angels came and took care of Jesus. – Matthew 4:10-11

Our response to Satan’s temptations can be just as powerful as Jesus’ response was. With strength and determination, we can face temptations by declaring that we will worship God and serve only Him! We can put that stubbornness to good work, resisting Satan’s offers of temporary happiness. You are wasting your time, Satan. Go away!

GET OUT OF HERE!

When the devil had finished tempting Jesus, he left him until the next opportunity came. – Luke 4:13

Satan will be back. He is a roaring lion, seeking whom he may destroy (1 Peter 5:8). But we can be prepared for this temptation by giving God our full attention, studying the word of God, and building our faith. We can be ready to respond with both confidence and determination.

No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it. – 1 Corinthians 10:13

Lord, my heart is full of gratitude for your constant presence and strength. No temptation is bigger than my God; no enemy is more powerful than my Savior. What a blessing it is to rest in the arms of my Father. What a privilege it is to trust you in every situation. Father God, please continue to strengthen my resolve and prepare me for the temptations that lie ahead of me. May this be a year of holding firmly to my faith, daily approaching the throne of grace with confidence. Amen.

Don’t be intimidated in any way by your enemies. This will be a sign to them that they are going to be destroyed, but that you are going to be saved, even by God himself. For you have been given not only the privilege of trusting in Christ but also the privilege of suffering for him. – Philippians 1:28-29

Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has gone through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are —yet was without sin. Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need. – Hebrews 4:14-16

Today’s Reading: Matthew 3:13-17, John 1:29-34, Isaiah 53

God had a magnificent plan for John the Baptist, yet John remained humble. He was given the role of preparing Israel for the coming of their Messiah, he was given the honor of seeing Jesus revealed as the Son of God, and he was given the privilege of introducing the Lamb of God to the very people whose sins Jesus would die for.

John could have thought too much of himself but he knew that he, too, needed a Savior, and that knowledge kept him humble. He could have said, “God has chosen this relative of mine to bring salvation!” But instead he left himself out of the introduction and simply said, “Look! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!”

Consider the weight of that declaration. For the one who is defined by the mistakes of their past, your Savior is here. For those who struggle with regret, freedom from your guilt has arrived. To all who have been longing for the Messiah to come and rescue you for your current circumstances, here he is! What a moment this must have been for those in attendance that day; what a beautiful truth it remains for us today. Why? Because this describes all of us — Jesus came for the salvation of every one of us.

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 53:6

THE LAMB OF GOD CAME TO THIS EARTH FOR MY SALVATION.

It seems to me that the apostle John told half the story of Jesus’ baptism and Matthew told the other half. Therefore, I am going to combine both passages so that we can get an idea of how this took place:

John told them, “I baptize with water, but right here in the crowd is someone you do not recognize. Though his ministry follows mine, I’m not even worthy to be his slave and untie the straps of his sandal.” – John 1:26-27

The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, “Look! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world! He is the one I was talking about when I said, ‘A man is coming after me who is far greater than I am, for he existed long before me.’ I did not recognize him as the Messiah, but I have been baptizing with water so that he might be revealed to Israel.’” – John 1:29-31

Then Jesus went from Galilee to the Jordan River to be baptized by John. But John tried to talk him out of it. “I am the one who needs to be baptized by you,” he said, “so why are you coming to me?” But Jesus said, “It should be done, for we must carry out all that God requires.” So John agreed to baptize him.

After his baptism, as Jesus came up out of the water, the heavens were opened and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and settling on him. And a voice from heaven said, “This is my dearly loved Son, who brings me great joy.” – Matthew 3:13-17

Then John testified, “I saw the Holy Spirit descending like a dove from heaven and resting upon him. I didn’t know he was the one, but when God sent me to baptize with water, he told me, ‘The one on whom you see the Spirit descend and rest is the one who will baptize with the Holy Spirit.’ I saw this happen to Jesus, so I testify that he is the Chosen One of God.’” – John 1:32-34

The language John the Baptist used when he referred to Jesus as “the Chosen One of God” is the same as the language God used when He said, “This is my dearly loved Son.” In fact, the same words were used by the prophet, Isaiah: “Look at my servant, whom I strengthen. He is my chosen one, who pleases me. I have put my Spirit upon him. He will bring justice to the nations” (Isaiah 42:1).

THE CHOSEN ONE OF GOD CAME TO BRING JUSTICE TO THE NATIONS.

Just as John the Baptist remained humble while carrying out God’s will for his life, we also should remain humble. What God calls us to do, the position He places us in and the things He asks of us, NONE OF IT IS ABOUT US. It’s about Him – the Chosen One of God, the Dearly Loved Son. It was for our sins that Jesus died, and so we come to Him as a humble servant, ready to be used however He desires — for His glory and not ours.

Thank you for dying for my sins.
Thank you for carrying my weaknesses and my sorrows,
for being pierced for my rebellion, crushed for my sins.
I am whole because you were beaten;
I am healed because you were whipped.
There have been so many times I have gone astray and left your path to follow my own, yet you willingly bore my sins and interceded for my rebellious heart. This morning I submit to your path and give you all the praise and glory for where this path takes me. Amen.

Today’s Reading: Matthew 3:1-12

And when they confessed their sins, he baptized them in the Jordan River. – Matthew 3:6

John the Baptist was called by God to prepare the way for the Lord by preaching a strong message of repentance. He baptized men and women who confessed their sins and repented of their ways. The purpose of baptism wasn’t just to experience a spiritual moment of cleansing, it was to proclaim that the individual was dying to their old way of life and ready to turn to God in submission.

I baptize with water those who repent of their sins and turn to God. But someone is coming soon who is greater than I am — so much greater that I’m not worthy even to be his slave and carry his sandals. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire. – Matthew 3:11

John the Baptist preached a message of repentance, calling people to make changes in their lives. He was preparing the way for Jesus, who would baptize with the Holy Spirit. With the Spirit’s involvement, life changes do not have to be manufactured by our own human effort. The Spirit comes in and begins to change the desires of our heart. This change in our heart creates a change in our behavior and others begin to notice.

THE HOLY SPIRIT TRANSFORMS THE DESIRES OF OUR HEART SO THAT OUR DESIRES BEGIN TO ALIGN WITH THE HEART OF GOD.

Then John went from place to place on both sides of the Jordan River, preaching that people should be baptized to show that they had repented of their sins and turned to God to be forgiven. – Luke 3:3

The physical act of baptism is a symbol of the spiritual transformation that takes place when we repent and seek forgiveness. There is nothing about the water that changes us, but baptism is a symbolic way of testifying to the change that has taken place. It is meant to be a genuine reflection of our transforming behavior and Christlike attitudes.

But when he saw many Pharisees and Sadducees coming to watch him baptize, he denounced them. “You brood of snakes!” he exclaimed. “Who warned you to flee the coming wrath? Prove by the way you live that you have repented of your sins and turned to God. Don’t just say to each other, ‘We’re safe, for we are descendants of Abraham.’ That means nothing, for I tell you, God can create children of Abraham from these very stones. – Matthew 3:7-9

PROVE BY THE WAY YOU LIVE THAT YOU HAVE REPENTED OF YOUR SINS AND TURNED TO GOD.

Authentic life transformation should be naturally evidenced by the fruit produced in our lives. Not only are we a different person than we used to be, others around us begin to be impacted by the new way we are living. Because of the work of the Holy Spirit, we become useful for building the Kingdom of God. We daily respond to what the Lord is calling us to do, just as John the Baptist obediently lived out the calling placed on his life before he was even born.

Even now the ax of God’s judgment is poised, ready to sever the roots of the trees. Yes, every tree that does not produce good fruit will be chopped down and thrown into the fire. – Matthew 3:10

The people responded to the message of John the Baptist with hearts willing to change. First came repentance, then transformation. John’s message was preparing the way for the coming Messiah. Those who accepted John’s message would have hearts receptive to the teachings of Jesus.

So how should we respond to this message of repentance? What is God calling us to do? Baptism is a great next step, but our actions must also testify to the transformation taking place in our lives. We can show by our behavior that our hearts are open to whatever God has for us — however He wants to use us. John the Baptist responded by describing the physical actions that would reflect an authentic heart transformation (Luke 3:10-14):

• If you have more than you need, give your excess to the poor.
• If you have food, share it with those who are hungry.
• Stop taking more than you need.
• Be content with what you have instead of craving more.

MAY GENEROSITY BE THE FRUIT OF OUR HEART TRANSFORMATION.

Lord, I thank you for the changes your Spirit has made in my life. I praise you for the impact my salvation decision made on who I am. I will never regret my decision to repent of my sins and turn fully towards you. I am rejoicing this morning because you have transformed my heart, and I give you the glory for the fruit that is a natural result of my growing relationship with you. Lord, I give you this day and invite you to continue to make changes in my heart so that it becomes an authentic reflection of your heart. I love you, Lord. Amen.

Today’s Reading: John 1:19-28, Luke 3:1-18

God sent a man, John the Baptist, to tell about the light so that everyone might believe because of his testimony. John himself was not the light; he was simply a witness to tell about the light. – John 1:6-8

GOD HAD A PLAN FOR JOHN — A VERY SPECIFIC PURPOSE FOR HIS LIFE.

John’s decision to walk in God’s plan for his life made a difference in the lives of many people. His obedience impacted the ways in which those around him accepted Jesus when he arrived. John knew God’s purpose, knew what God had called him to do. He didn’t know every detail or the timing of God’s plan. He still had questions but he placed his trust in the sovereignty of God’s plan without demanding an explanation from God. He accepted this calling on his life with great humility, even when those around him desired for him to be more than who he was.

This was John’s testimony when the Jewish leaders sent priests and Temple assistants from Jerusalem to ask John, “Who are you?” He came right out and said, “I am not the Messiah.”
“Well then, who are you?” they asked. “Are you Elijah?”
“No,” he replied.
“Are you the Prophet we are expecting?”
“No.”
“Then who are you? We need an answer for those who sent us. What do you have to say about yourself?”
John replied in the words of the prophet Isaiah: “I am the voice shouting in the wilderness, ‘Clear the way for the Lord’s coming!’” – John 1:19-23

In those days, when a king or man of great importance was going to visit an area of the kingdom, they would send men out ahead of him to prepare the way. There were no nicely paved roads like we have now, so they would take time to travel the path and clear the road of any rocks or fallen trees, perhaps trimming back branches that would hinder a chariot or horse. Their purpose was to make sure there was nothing blocking the way of this man of great importance.

John the Baptist had a similar role — to clear the way for the Lord’s coming or make straight the way of the Lord. His responsibility was to make sure there was nothing blocking the way of this man of great importance. His calling became his identity as he quoted the prophet Isaiah.

Listen! It’s the voice of someone shouting,
“Clear the way through the wilderness for the Lord!
Make a straight highway through the wasteland for our God!
Fill in the valleys, and level the mountains and hills.
Straighten the curves, and smooth out the rough places.
Then the glory of the Lord will be revealed,
and all people will see it together.
The Lord has spoken!” – Isaiah 40:3-5

We do a similar “clearing” here at our house when we know that company is coming. When it is just us, we become comfortable. Then there is that moment when we look around and see our home through the eyes of someone else. When company is coming, we notice the pair of shoes in the living room and the couch cushions that need straightening. We push the chairs back under the table, close the shower curtains and open the blinds. We scramble around the house, clearing the clutter and preparing for our special guests.

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. – Hebrews 12:1-2a

God challenges us to take a look at our life through His eyes — to honestly look and see if there is some clearing we need to do. Are there things in my life that are blocking the way of what God wants to accomplish? Are there attitudes I need Jesus to shine His light on and expose? Is there anything in my life that is not clearly a sin but hindering someone else’s walk? Is there a possibility that the conditions of my life will cause someone else to stumble? Perhaps what I need to give up for this next year is more than just chocolate or coffee, but something bigger that is cluttering my walk with Jesus.

Search me, O God, and know my heart;
test me and know my anxious thoughts.
Point out anything in me that offends you,
and lead me along the path of everlasting life. – Psalm 139:23-24

GOD HAS A PLAN FOR MY LIFE AND HE HAS A PLAN FOR YOUR LIFE.

I want to obediently and humbly walk in that plan, just as John did. Lord, shine your light on my life and show me what I need to clear away. I do not want to hold tightly to anything that might block your way or hinder someone else’s walk. As we begin a new year, strengthen my hands to take a new grip on you instead of holding onto something I need to let go of. Strengthen my weak knees and mark out a straight path for my feet. Amen.

So take a new grip with your tired hands and strengthen your weak knees. Mark out a straight path for your feet so that those who are weak and lame will not fall but become strong. – Hebrews 12:12-13