Why was Jesus so insistent that John the Baptist baptize Him? Why would the Son of God need to submit to it at all? First for credibility…a sinless Jesus could identify with all sinners by humbling Himself to baptism. Secondly for obedience…Jesus demonstrated His total submission to His Heavenly Father in baptism. Finally for new beginnings…for this was the first step in the start of His public ministry here on earth.
Tag: christ jesus
II Corinthians 4:4 ” The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the Gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.”
The darkness of evil is everywhere in this present world…obscuring the understanding of the Gospel to the lost. As a Believer, what can I do to make a difference? The song, “My Father’s Eyes”, reminded me that His light needs to be shining forth when someone looks at me. I need to be unashamed of professing my faith in public and able to back it up with sound doctrine when questioned. I need to be able to share the Good News of Jesus with anyone, at anytime, in a manner that is easy to understand, non-threating, and loving. Finally, I need to be able to share my testimony…my story, in a concise, simple manner…for there is nothing more powerful than a declaration of what the Lord has done in my life. Are you up to the challenge to make a difference in this fallen world?
Luke 24:18 ” They stood still, their faces downcast, one of them, named Cleopas, asked Him, ‘Are You only a vistor to Jerusalem and do not know the things that have happened there in these days?’ “
It was still on the third day that these two followers of Christ were trudging on the road to Emmaus. Disheartened and disillusioned , they had put their hope in this man named Jesus only to see Him die on a Cross. Yes, some crazy women had tried to convince them that He had risen from the dead, but they weren’t believing any of it. Suddenly, a man was walking along side them, asking what they were talking about. Cleopas was incredulous that this stranger didn’t know the events of the last few days. In more modern language, Cleopas might have exclaimed to Him – “Have you been living under a rock?!” And Jesus could have replied, “As a matter of fact, Yes, I have.”
Luke 4:3 ” The devil said to Him, ‘If You are the Son of God, tell this stone to become bread.’ “
Satan was questioning Jesus’ authority. Satan knew who Jesus was – but used intimidating language , wanting Jesus to falter. Never allow Satan to force you to question if you’re saved or not…if God really loves you or not… or if He can heal you or not. For if Satan can get you to waver in your belief and trust even a little, fear and doubt will rush in and take over. And when they do, God’s plan and purpose in your life will be stymied.
John 8:42 ” Jesus said to them, ‘ If God were your Father, you would love Me, for I came from God and now am here. I have not come on My own; but He sent Me.’ “
God sent His only Son to earth in order to save us from our sins. Jesus Christ came from God to take our place on that cross. So if you know God…you love Jesus…and if you love Jesus and accept Him as your Savior, your sins are forgiven…and when your sins are forgiven, you receive eternal life.
Luke 2: 51-52 ” Then He went down to Nazareth with them and was obedient to them. But His mother treasured all these things in her heart. And Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men.”
Even at twelve years old, Jesus had the plan and purpose for His life laid out in front of Him. But He was also the young son of His parents, Mary and Joseph, and He honored them by His submission and obedience. Many times in our own life we’ll encounter situations that we just don’t understand, but we know they’re of the Lord. That’s when we submit anyway…we obey anyway…we honor anyway.
Matthew 28:6 “He is not here; He has risen, just as He said.”
Don’t look for Him in the tomb.
Don’t look for Him in the ground.
Don’t look for Him among the dead.
Don’t look for Him bound.
Jesus has risen to new life…resurrected from the grave…no longer held by the grip of death. Jesus has risen, and with Him, the hope of eternal life for us.
John 18:27 ” Again Peter denied it, and at that moment a rooster began to crow.”
Several Chapters earlier in John, Jesus had rebuked Peter’s declaration of solidarity – even to the point of dying with Jesus, by saying, “Will you really lay down your life for Me? I tell you the truth, before the rooster crows, you will disown Me three times.” The moment that rooster crowed, Peter realized just how fickle the human race could be. And as the sound of the crowing continued, Peter began to sink deeply into fear and grief as tears fell…for he profoundly realized – he had disowned the Lord.
Mark 14:18 ” While they were reclining at the table eating, He said, ‘ I tell you the truth, one of you will betray Me – one who is eating with Me.’ “
Unfortunately, Jesus could say this of many of us. We like to hang out with Jesus, but when the going gets tough, we break faith. Fear, embarrassment, not wanting to offend, wishing to be politically correct will all cause us to deny Him to some degree. When someone questions our religion, or mocks our Christian walk we cave and shy away from taking a stand. Yes, we love to just hang with Jesus…but only when we’re not forced into a difficult situation and have to choose.
Matthew 26: 31 ” Then Jesus told them, ‘ This very night you will all fall away on account of Me, for it is written: I will strike the shepherd, and the sheep of the flock will be scattered.’ “
Jesus wasn’t chastising the Disciples, He was simply speaking the truth, and fulfilling the prophecy spoken of from Zechariah. Jesus Christ is our Good Shepherd…the one Who cares for, watches over, and provides for the welfare of His flock…Christian Believers everywhere.
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