John the Baptist – Be Still…

Mark 1:1-20 – Jesus Steps Into Ministry

Mark is one of the gospels telling of the life of Jesus. Mark, known as John Mark, was not one of the twelve disciples traveling with Jesus, but he is believed to have been friends with Peter. This manuscript would be the eyewitness account from Peter, one of Jesus’ closest followers.

Mark doesn’t start with Jesus’ birth but with God’s announcement of Jesus’ arrival by John the Baptist. We learn a lot about who Jesus is from John’s introduction. It can be helpful to have your own testimony of Jesus’ impact on your life ready to use when you introduce Jesus to others who haven’t met him yet. Continue reading “Mark 1:1-20 – Jesus Steps Into Ministry”

John 1:1-18 – The Eternal Word

Read John 1:1-18

Here’s an exercise to try. Reread this text, verses 1-5 and 14, but replace the word “Word” with “Jesus.” You now have an entirely different, richer picture of who Jesus really is. Jesus was very much part of creation, and all that exists can be eternally grateful. As the “Word,” Jesus represents all truth, including the Word of God.

What goes through your mind when you realize that Jesus is not only our Savior but our Creator? God wasn’t about to create something so precious only to see it destroyed by sin. God knew we would stumble and be lost without Him. How the heart of God must break when so many people disregard Jesus’ involvement in their lives! When is the last time you thanked God for creating you or something you encounter each day? Even as believers, we get a bit lax when it comes to our gratitude because we start to take God for granted. Continue reading “John 1:1-18 – The Eternal Word”

Luke 3:7-18 – John’s Message

Read Luke 3:7-18

We met John in our last Advent reading. His preaching was certainly no nonsense as he prepared the people to meet Jesus. By this time, Jesus was all grown up. You may recall earlier in Luke when John’s mother, Elizabeth, was visited by Jesus’ mother, Mary, while pregnant with Jesus. Even while in his mother’s womb, John couldn’t stay still in Jesus’ presence. John could sense even then that Jesus was someone to be honored and celebrated.

How does John describe Jesus in this passage? As someone “greater than I am—so much greater that I’m not even worthy to be his slave and untie the straps of his sandals.” Imagine having grown up as cousins with Jesus, the Messiah. For others to be ready to meet the Messiah, the people needed to act. Here, John gives them tangible examples of changes they should make to be ready for Jesus. Continue reading “Luke 3:7-18 – John’s Message”

Matthew 3:1-12 – Prepare the Way

Read Matthew 3:1-12

John the Baptist was an interesting fellow who took his job very seriously. Not many of us can claim that the prophet Isaiah spoke about us. John’s purpose in life was planned by God for many years. He was to prepare the way for Jesus first coming. What an honor!

Do you ever wonder who God is planning to use to prepare the way for Jesus’ second coming? You might want to look in the mirror. While we’ll find out one day if God has in mind just one individual to stand out like John did with his less than “normal” ways. For now, we can be sure God is counting on us to welcome people into his family by introduction and our loving example. Continue reading “Matthew 3:1-12 – Prepare the Way”

Mark 8:27-30 – Peter Gets It Right

Read Mark 8:27-30

If you had to respond to Jesus that day on the road outside Galilee, how would you describe Jesus? Now think about how you would introduce Jesus to your friends.

I’ve always perplexed over the disciples’ response that some say Jesus was John the Baptist. Followers of John would have heard the message that someone else was coming, far greater than John himself. In fact, it was John’s job to prepare the way for Jesus, not himself.