December 19, 2022
Please use the comment section on this page to share insights from today’s reading OR your own personal Bible reading.
Reading along with us in our Advent readings from “The Life of Jesus”? Here’s today’s reading:
Day 19 in the Book: “The Life of Jesus“
The Year of Popularity
Read Sections 3.37 through 3.40 (pages 52-55)
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.
Advent day 17
One of my favorite verses is this: Don’t worry about tomorrow . Each day has enough trouble of its own. Tomorrow will have its own worries.
John the Baptist must have heard conflicting reports. So Jesus gives him concrete answers that he is the messiah. We have so many more reasons. We see evidence all around us and all the prophecies that were fulfilled. Jesus exposes the Pharisees hypocrisy. A man is not defined by what he eats and drinks. They hated him for exposing their true personality. Jesus describes 2 types of people. One says I’m fine I have all the answers. The other says I need help like a child. So many things in this life to be like a little child. Faith. Prayer. Being humble. Wouldn’t want an old wooden yoke. But to think we are yoked together with Jesus. Now that’s a comforting thought. Everything is much easier and light. What an awesome picture of a sinful woman who comes in to a gathering uninvited and the Pharisees want her removed. But Jesus tells a parable explaining a huge truth. One who has been forgiven more is going to love more. Great truth. Imagine that picture of her using her hair to wash Jesus feet. What a picture of faith and confession. Our love should be overflowing being forgiven of all sins. For me. Many. Therefore I kneel before my savior with overwhelming thankfulness
Day 19
3.37 – 3.40
I always feel somewhat bad for John the Baptist in this time when he wonders if Jesus is the right One. It shows how even the greatest of followers of God can have times of doubt and wondering have I done or am I doing the right thing. But I then love what Jesus does to affirm and encourage Him. The proof is in the pudding, right? Tell John what I am doing, miracles that clearly show that I am God and Messiah. He has backed the right horse! And then to all others, the greatest compliment Jesus could give. John is the greatest person that has ever been born. Ah but then anyone blood bought and saved by Jesus is greater even still. Amazing! And people that would be critical of John and Jesus will find anything to find fault…but those who are wise know they have done what was needed to accomplish God’s will for them.
And Jesus is glad that those who would find Him are the ones who are willing to have childlike faith. Which makes me sad for those who think they are so wise or woke that they miss the glory of their creator and the salvation that He brings. And then when we come to Him we find a yoke that is easy and a burden that is light because of all the effort He makes to help us deal with life. What a kind and gentle Savior He is and how easy it is to be drawn to His heart. And that heart is full of mercy for those who are sinful and broken. And when others want to bring judgement, Jesus is ready to accept them where they are and accept the faith that is expressed in this woman’s worship as righteousness. And Jesus welcomed other women into His ministry as well, both those who were of means and those who were broken and tormented. Jesus was all about ministering to those who needed Him and were willing to believe Him, and He was willing to break through all kinds of barriers to get to them.
Doubt comes even to John the Baptist. Childlike faith is something that is harder to come by as we grow and become more aware and more bombarded with the evil that is in this world. Trusting in God is so important, leaning in to His word instead of to the things of this world and giving him everything we have even if it seems like so little, like the woman washing His feet with her tears and her hair.
Lord help me to not fight your yoke. Help me to trust. Help me to give ALL to you not just the parts I am willing to let go control of. Thank you for loving me even as a sinner and making me your own.
Amen, Kelly!
I’ve always been struck by this little song.
It reminds me of our generation, throwing out accusations or casting intent on groups, politicians, races, etc. looking for an emotional response and then declaring those that don’t respond to their liking as “…insert accusatory label here….”.
“But to what shall I liken this generation? It is like children sitting in the marketplaces and calling to their companions, 17 and saying:
‘We played the flute for you,
And you did not dance;
We mourned to you,
And you did not lament.’
18 For John came neither eating nor drinking, and they say, ‘He has a demon.’ 19 The Son of Man came eating and drinking, and they say, ‘Look, a glutton and a winebibber, a friend of tax collectors and sinners!’ But wisdom is justified by her children.”
This verse has been coming into my mind often as I meditate on Bible verses: “Come to me all who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”
When I think of this verse, I can picture Jesus being kind and caring, walking in tandem with me as I deal with the issues of life.