Tag: John the Baptist

John 1:1-18 – This is Him!

Read John 1:1-18

Was your mind blown just a little bit by this reading? We’re starting the Gospel of John, and right away we meet Jesus. But Jesus’ name is not directly mentioned here. He’s first introduced to us as the “Word.” Before he was known as Jesus, He was the Word. He has always been God.

How fitting that God would choose an earthly relative of Jesus to be the one preparing the way. John the Baptist wasn’t any random person, but Jesus’ own cousin. We’re told this messenger spoke of Jesus as the “light.” Jesus wasn’t just any light coming from a lamp or a lightbulb. Remember, there was no electricity at that time, so the idea of light would have been much different. Continue reading “John 1:1-18 – This is Him!”

Mark 1:1-8 – The Greater One

Read Mark 1:1-8

How seamlessly Zechariah’s prophecy in our last reading flows into seeing John the Baptist’s purpose up close and personal. The Gospel of Mark doesn’t waste any time in recording Jesus’ ministry becoming known. Mark skips past the Christmas story and jumps to Jesus’ grand appearance in the world he created. (Yes, Jesus was extremely active during creation – but that’s a totally different reflection.)

John the Baptist had been born to be that voice “shouting in the wilderness” about the coming Messiah, King Jesus. What a magnificent honor John had. I think that all of those early followers must have been a bit starry-eyed at being around Jesus once they discovered his identity as the Messiah. John did call him the “greater” one. Continue reading “Mark 1:1-8 – The Greater One”

Mark 1:1-20 – Jesus Steps Into Ministry

Read Mark 1:1-20

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”

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