The resources God has given us to live a thriving life are His Word, Spirit, and People.
Read God’s Word:
Matthew 3, Mark 1:1-11, Luke 3, John 1:15-34
Act 3: God’s New Covenant People
Scene 1: Christ’s Coming; God’s True King Arrives
Background Information: Matthew 3, Mark 1:1-11, Luke 3, John 1:15-34
John the Baptist was humble, and he was bold. He was humble because he knew that his life and his ministry was not about him. He was bold because he knew who he was and what God had called him to. This combination of bold humility is intimidating to the proud and insecure. Especially when bold humility confronts the sin of the proud insecure. This was the case of Herod and his vain wife. Instead of repenting when confronted by John, they tried to shut the mouth of the prophet. John came to call his own people to repentance. His baptism was to prepare people to turn to Jesus. When Jesus surprised him by asking to be baptized, he replied, “I ought to be baptized by you.” John knew that Jesus was so far above him that carrying his sandals would have been too high an honor. The Lord’s response was that he must be baptized to fulfill all righteousness. Jesus didn’t need to be baptized because he didn’t need forgiveness. He was sinless. His baptism was identification with our sin. When we are baptized, the water symbolizes the cleansing of sin that Christ brings us. When Jesus was baptized, the water symbolized him taking on our sin. All of the Old Testament was a preamble to the Lord Jesus. Israel came from Egypt, as did Jesus. Israel passed through the waters, as did Jesus. Israel was led into the desert, as Jesus will be. Israel failed in every way to be who God had called them to be. Jesus would not in any way fail. Christian, you have reason to be humble. What do you have that you did not receive? Christian, you have reason to be bold. You have been given the gospel; it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes. Understand this: humble boldness is unique in this age. Some will be threatened by it. But God is pleased by it, and some will be drawn to Christ through it.
Pray:
Praise God for…
Thank God for…
Confess your sins to God
Pray for the upcoming youth retreat. Ask God to use the retreat to strengthen the faith of the students and to give them opportunities to grow in their friendships.
Ask God for… (what else concerns you?)
Reflect:
Write down one passage of scripture that stood out to you today.
Write down why this passage stood out to you.
Engage Community:
Text or call someone now and tell them…
– What you are praying for.
– What stood out from God’s word today.