December 5, 2023
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Reading along with us in our Advent readings from “The Life of Jesus”? Here’s today’s reading:
Day 5 in the Book: “The Life of Jesus“
The Beginning of Jesus’ Public Life
Read Sections 2.1 through 2.4 (pages 17-21)
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 2023 – Day 5
Advent Day 5
The beginning of Jesus public announcements that he is the savior of the world. John the Baptist. Wow. Held nothing back. Not concerned about those that were liking to escape justice. But to repent of their sins and lead a different life. The religious leaders cared nothing about turning from their sins. John even mentions Abraham being your father means nothing. These pompous leaders thought their position was enough. I’m not getting into heaven because my grandfather was a strong Christian. My choice. Even tax collectors probably the most hated of all men in that region. Gouging as much as they could They came to be baptized. John even rebukes Herod. Notorious murderer. Deceitful person. Herod thinks he has the last word. But he will be judged by God. The words after this found in Luke 3-21:23. The trinity is so obvious in this scripture. Jesus is baptized. The dove. Lands on him and his father cried out this is my Son whom I love with him I am well pleased. Hope to hear something like that when the day comes. Jesus tempted in the desert. To begin we think the Holy Spirit leads us by still waters. Not always. Satan will always come when we are at our weakest he knows what buttons to push. We defeat him same way Jesus did by using the word of God. Like to remind him of his future
The Life of Jesus 2.1 to 2.4
I recently read through Judges and 1st and 2nd Samuel and I remember how people would be filled with the Holy Spirit but only certain people in certain situations and for a limited amount of time. It helps me realize how profound of a statement it was for John the Baptist to say someone was going to come who would baptize people with the Holy Spirit.
The people wondered who this was that was calling them to repentance. John said that he was one crying in the wilderness to make ready the people for the Lord. He also told them that he was not the Messiah, Elijah. or the prophets. He was to prepare the people for repentance by water but the Messiah would baptize with the Holy Spirit. Baptizing by water doesn`t save someone. We get baptized by water after we are saved to acknowledge to the public that we are saved and following Jesus. He also gave us this example when He was baptized by John. In the form of a dove God showed the people that the Holy Spirit came down. Also God spoke and said this was His Son. Then Jesus is was led by the Spirit into the wilderness where He was tempted by Satan. Each time after each temptation Jesus quoted the scripture to Satan and then told him to depart. Satan even quotes scripture in this conversation but it is taken out of context. After Satan left Jesus ; angels came to help Him. Jesus was tempted like we are yet without sin. [ Hebrews 4;15] Jesus took the form of a man and therefore felt pain. was tired. needed sleep, felt grief, etc. He lost love ones such as his step father. Even though it doesn`t say in scripture that His step father[ Joseph] died we know that Joseph is not mentioned during the time of Jesus ministry except in reference to Jesus being a carpenter`s son. Also when Jesus is on the cross he gives care of His mother to John. If Joseph were still alive Jesus wouldn`t had needed to say to John want He said. So at the cross Jesus lost two fathers. God the Father and Joseph. Although Jesus did rejoin God the Father after the Resurrection. So when we have lost a love one Jesus understands our grief. May the Lord bless each one us.
Last Sunday message I must admit was confusing, probably due to lack of sleep from the previous night and skipping breakfast, so the following day, Monday I read 1:1 The beginning
Ah, I get it now, Jesus is the word
Since understanding this “The beginning” section, the reading of “The Life of Jesus” has been pure joy!
Hey Steve, sorry if I aided in that confusion. Always feel free to call and ask me to clarify what I have said. Never hurts to listen to message like that a second time as well.
“I am the voice of someone shouting in the dessert:
Make a straight road ready for the Lord”
John the Baptist knew his job before God and that was to prepare people for the coming of Jesus but the reality is that is still our job today. To spread the word, to help people see the straight path to forgiveness, and keep ourselves on that path as an example to others.
I can’t imagine Jesus asking me to baptize Him…John must have been so overwhelmed by that experience to not only baptize but to hear God’s voice recognize His Son!
John the Baptist is such a compelling figure in the Bible. He was gripped by the truth and Spirit of God, conditioned his life to it and called other people to do the same. Repentance is such an important aspect of what God calls people to do; to turn from sin and receive all the benefits that come from living for God. He spoke with conviction because he was convinced of God having a better way and that His Messiah was coming. And this drew attention where people sought him ought to change their ways and be baptized to show that they had. Others wondered who he was and how he fit into God’s plan. John made it crystal clear that he was not the Messiah but that he was preparing the way for Him. How significant that is to show that God gives the world various means to be pointed to the truth and that He would want people to be ready for Jesus’ coming. Because he was Jesus’ cousin, one wonders how well he knew Jesus and how surprised he was when Jesus came to him to be baptized. One can imagine that the same way John leaped in his mother’s womb at the mention of Mary’s name, he leaped in his heart with Jesus’ arrival at the Jordan and knew that He was the one. With all the recognition he had for being a great man of God, he knew he didn’t hold a candle to Jesus and so what rite does he have to baptize the Messiah and Son of God…..but what better way for the baton to be passed from the one who was preparing people for Messiah to baptize the Messiah for both of them to validate the roles that they were both playing in God’s plan.
Then Jesus moves from a God infused moment marking the start of His ministry to be tested by the devil. What an important way for God to show that spiritual warfare and temptation will be a reality that all those who would follow Jesus would face and yet we have the means through the Word and Spirt of God to overcome. We must see the lie for what it is and combat it with the truth. The truth is often the way of escape that God promises us to provide, as well as the Spirit’s power, conviction and affirmation of the right way as satan is trying to affirm and convince us of the wrong way. God desires for us to combat that and be victorious in the way that Jesus is victorious here.
John told them the words of the prophet Isaiah:
“I am the voice of someone shouting in the desert: ‘Make a straight road ready for the Lord.”
Imagine knowing you are the fulfillment of prophesy with a specific purpose.
We are, as those “in Christ” a fulfillment of prophesy.