Tag: tell people about Jesus

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!”

Luke 2:1-20 – The Birth of Our King

Read Luke 2:1-20

It’s no longer Advent. We have arrived at Christmas, when we celebrate Jesus’ first coming. Merry Christmas! Whether you have read this passage a gazillion times or this is your first time, let the impact of the miracles of that glorious night touch your heart.

The angels declared, “The Savior—yes, the Messiah, the Lord—has been born today in Bethlehem, the city of David!” This is a story that has God’s fingerprints all over it. The timing was perfect, placing Joseph and Mary in Bethlehem. God never said his entrance into the world would be flashy, and the humility played out perfectly. Between the angels and the shepherds, there was no need for a newspaper headline (had there been newspapers back then). What strikes you in this message? Continue reading “Luke 2:1-20 – The Birth of Our King”

Mark 6:14-29 – Brutal Death

Read Mark 6:14-29

We haven’t heard much about John the Baptist’s ministry since our first reading in Mark. The account of John’s death would have made an impact on many people. You’ll recall John had been the one God chose to announce Jesus’ coming into the world. John’s ministry encouraged his fellow Jews to repent, turn from their sins, and be baptized.

Herod Antipas was the Jewish king of the land in those days, and we learn here that he respected John as a holy man. Can you imagine the anguish he felt when he had to order John’s death? Never in a million years had he thought his daughter would ask for such a thing as the appreciation gift for her dance. What a barbaric request! Continue reading “Mark 6:14-29 – Brutal Death”

Romans 1:16 – The Good News

“ For I am not ashamed of this Good News about Christ. It is the power of God at work, saving everyone who believes—the Jew first and also the Gentile.” (Romans 1:16)

As Christians, we know it’s our privilege to share the “Good News” with others. What is this news, and why is it good? Well, some refer to it as the “Gospel.” That is, Jesus’ story and how it involves us all. We are written into God’s story when we believe, no matter our earthly heritage.

Context (Romans 1:8-17): This section quotes our memory verse and discusses the “Good News” to a group of Christ-followers in Rome. Paul has been welcoming his audience in Rome and applauding their faithfulness. Paul felt that the believers in Rome understood the importance of the “Good News.” The news part suggests it’s a message, and the good is something very good—that God loves us and wants a relationship with us. That’s a message everyone should know, don’t you agree? Continue reading “Romans 1:16 – The Good News”

Acts 1:8 – Promise Then Action

“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere—in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” (Acts 1:8)

The Holy Spirit’s power is available for you and me, too. Without it, witnessing about Jesus can be daunting. When we call on the Spirit’s power, we tap into the resource Jesus promised, and we receive exactly what we need to fulfill God’s plan for our lives. We all share this same request—to tell everyone everywhere about Jesus.

Context (Acts 1:6-11): Jesus’ final moments with his followers before his ascension to heaven are powerful. Even though they still didn’t get what Jesus’ true mission on earth was, Jesus stayed patient and told them about the real power. I can’t even imagine what his followers must have been thinking. What a whirlwind of emotions, and just like that, Jesus was gone again! But Jesus did not leave them, or us, without a job to do and the power to do it. Continue reading “Acts 1:8 – Promise Then Action”

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