December 13, 2022
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Reading along with us in our Advent readings from “The Life of Jesus”? Here’s today’s reading:
Day 13 in the Book: “The Life of Jesus“
The Year of Popularity
Read Sections 3.13 through 3.16 (pages 40-43)
This book is an account of Jesus’ life and teachings told through in chronological order from the four Gospels to create one continuous story.
*If you do not have a copy of the book please contact the church at (401)667-0775 and we can get you a copy.
Completed through 3:16.
Advent day 13
Day 13
3.13 – 3.16
The sabbath. The Pharisees are so caught up in their laws they missed the messiah. Jesus was Lord of the sabbath But they did not want to lose their holy positions They plotted against Jesus. The correct response was given by John the Baptist. I must decrease!! The 12 apostles were nothing special ordinary men but Jesus knew them completely and they were. The chosen. To be leaders in the birth of Christianity. Sermon on the mount. I remember the first time I read this. It’s not what it seems because we read it from a worldly point of view. Read it from a spiritual view. Much different meaning
Jesus talks about having the witness of John, the Father, His works and the scripture, yet the people still do not believe in Him. He talks about how they honor one another, even on their own testimony. For some reason, it made me think of people today that we honor…but they are not really worthy of honor, especially not over Jesus or HIs word. We have been deceived into “following” people on the world’s testimony rather than God’s.
John 5:41 “I do not receive honor from men. 42 But I know you, that you do not have the love of God in you. 43 I have come in My Father’s name, and you do not receive Me; if another comes in his own name, him you will receive. 44 How can you believe, who receive honor from one another, and do not seek the honor that comes from the only God? 45 Do not think that I shall accuse you to the Father; there is one who accuses you—Moses, in whom you trust. 46 For if you believed Moses, you would believe Me; for he wrote about Me. 47 But if you do not believe his writings, how will you believe My words?”
I am always struck how often Jesus took time to pray. His example to us and how often we should be in prayer is something we shouldn’t miss. He is God and yet He prays to God….he has constant conversation with the Father for guidance, directions, and comfort.
The apostles were just regular men that walked away from their “normal” lives here on earth to follow Jesus. To be filled with the Holy Spirit and be an extension of the work of Christ and God has called us all to be disciples!
Jesus was determined to do the will of his Father and would not give up even when he was dealing with intense persecution throughout his ministry. Because of this, we can fully trust in him and have hope in eternal life.
20 A bruised reed he will not break,
and a smoldering wick he will not snuff out,
till he has brought justice through to victory.
21 In his name the nations will put their hope.
And God will greatly bless us throughout our lives during times when we are spiritually bankrupt in need of Gods help, in mourning, when we are meek and gentle, striving to do what’s right, forgiving of others, pure of heart, working to bring peace and suffering from persecution.
Rules are good in the way they structure our lives and direct us to the things God wants to foster in us. But when certain rules like the Sabbath are expanded or interpreted too strongly and prevent us from doing good, then we have to recognize the laws limits. The sabbath was made to help man learn to rest and prioritize the worship and work of God, rather than the success of our industry. Man was not made so that he could obey the sabbath and prove how righteous he could be. God would not want the Jews to ignore the Sabbath, but learn from it what God intends. And Jesus is the best One to help us figure out when we have pushed too far or been too lenient.
But Jesus is not only the One to help us make decisions in regards to the Sabbath (and in all other matters as well), He is also the great healer that drew throngs of people looking for Jesus to solve what they couldn’t solve on their own. Even to touch Him could bring healing. This is all affirmation of what the prophet had said about the coming of the Messiah and all the things He would do and be. And yet for all that He would do with and for the crowds, Jesus primary focus would be 12 men that He would pour Himself into and then send them out with His message.
And what a way for Jesus to start this amazing message! So many things here are counter intuitive…but revolutionary in revealing to people the ways of God. The things that God blesses, we often don’t feel blessed when going through them. And yet it shows us what God cares about and what He involves Himself in. And when we are living to accomplishing the things of God, we can know we are never alone and God is always pressing His presence and His resources to help us get it done….and for us to be whole in the process.