December 4, 2024
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 Lenten readings from “The Life of Jesus”? Here’s today’s reading:
Advent 2024 – Day 4 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.
John the Baptist. Totally focus on preparing the way for Jesus. Hundreds flock to this guy living in the dessert. Like a totally homeless. We would consider challenged. No power or political position. But spoke with power. To telling hundreds to turn from their ways and repent. Never forgetting that he was pointing to the Savior Even pointing out to Herod he was a sinner. When his job was complete. Only then did our father bring him home with him. Satan. The tempter constantly trying to get us to live his way. Always comes when we are at out weekest. After 40 days then he tempted Jesus. Hungry. Tired. Always using. Our physical needs. Power. And pride. If he comes to tempt. Remind him of his future. Lake of fire for eternity
Love reading this book. Been reading the word of God for awhile. This is my favorite. To completely focus on Jesus every day devotions. Loving it. Helping me tremendously. Where are the rest of us in our family??? Would love to be Reading others responses
Advent 2024 – Day 3 & 4 – All Glory & Praise to Jesus!
Advent Day 4
Two things that really stand out to me when reading this today.
When the people ask John “What should we do?” He responds so simply, to live good lives. Do your jobs the way you should, share what you have, be honest. It really is pretty simple that we believe on Christ and then we do what is right in His sight!
Second was the temptation of Jesus always is such a powerful reminder that He has walked in our shoes! He experienced the highs and lows, the joys and sadness, and yes the temptation of this life! When we cry out to Him for help He knows all too well what we are going through from a first hand account and that blows my mind that He would do that, experience that, for us to have an even deeper relationship with us!
Amen, Kelly!
Advent Day 2
Advent Days 3 and 4
Advent 2024 Day 1-4
1.1 – 2.4 Advent reading
John was a bit enigmatic and yet was strongly convicted of the righteousness God calls people to and of who he was and who he wasn’t. What humility he had, that most likely increased the numbers coming to him, to have such a following and yet make clear you are preparing the way for someone else who is greater. Because he was Jesus’ cousin, one wonders if he had any knowledge that it would be Him. Yet how wonderful it must have been to work so hard to prepare people for the Messiah’s coming and then to see Him coming toward you. If he would not be worthy to tie His sandals, how on earth could he be the one to baptize Him? But here Jesus shows His humility to validate John’s ministry and fulfill all righteousness (the priests would cleanse themselves before ministering in the temple) by having him baptize Him. And just in case anyone had any doubt that Jesus is the One John has been talking about and that God approved the beginning of Jesus’ ministry, He give Him a shout out. But before He would enter ministry, He would fast to prepare His heart and be tempted to strengthen His will by facing the enemy head on. At every proposal, Jesus responds with the truth of the Word. Satan even offers at times a warped version of the truth, but Jesus sees the motivation behind and rejects it because of that. And as Jesus is tested by the devil, John is confronted by the Jewish leaders. They certainly did not know what to make of John. He had strong convictions and had many people turning to him. But typical of these leaders, they are asking John these questions to be able to dismiss and discredit him, not to follow him as they should. I wonder when John was gone and Jesus was active if they remembered the One that John spoke of that he was preparing the way for and was greater than him….
I was thinking about satan’s offer of the “kingdoms of this world” to Jesus and asking were they his to offer? I believe they were. Satan is the prince of this world, but he awaits judgement.
John 12:31 (KJV)
Now is the judgment of this world: now shall the prince of this world be cast out.
John 14:30 (KJV)
Hereafter I will not talk much with you: for the prince of this world cometh, and hath nothing in me.
John 16:11 (KJV)
Of judgment, because the prince of this world is judged.
Ephesians 2:2 (KJV)
Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience:
I agree also, Amy. But naturally satan is still under God’s/Jesus’ authority…so it is his, but not his in an ultimate sense.
The Pharisees thought they were exempt from God’s judgement just because they were Abraham’s offspring. John said no, that means nothing. It is the condition of their hearts that really matters. Live like you are a child of the Lord, and be fruitful in the things that are important to him. Be honest, live with integrity, don’t let greed control your actions. Let us think about these things before we do something that is against what the Bible teaches. Like doing the exact opposite of what our human nature wants us to do. Are you concerned about having no food or clothes? Then give to someone who has no food or clothes. Live with faith that God will provide and protect you and care for others’ needs. Don’t resort to dishonest living to get ahead in this world.