'Jesus' Tagged Posts (Page 24)
Daily Devotions
And a voice from heaven said, ‘This is my Son, the Beloved, with whom I am well pleased.’” vs. 17 Matthew 3:16-17 Whatever reason Jesus might have had for seeking baptism at the hands of John, there is no doubt that the experience marked the beginning of his ministry. As he came up out of the water, Matthew says, the heavens were opened to him, the Spirit of God came near, and he heard the voice of God. It’s noteworthy…
Daily Devotions
Then Jesus came from Galilee to John at the Jordan, to be baptized by him. John would have prevented him, saying, ‘I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?’” vss. 13-14 Matthew 3:13-15 All the gospel writers were aware that Jesus had been baptized by John the Baptizer, but only Matthew includes John’s initial refusal to do so. Mark and Luke had simply written that Jesus submitted to baptism along with the rest of the…
Daily Devotions
Day of Epiphany In the time of King Herod, after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, asking, ‘Where is the child who has been born king of the Jews?’” vss.1-2 Matthew 2:1-12 In most Spanish-speaking countries the Day of Epiphany, or the Day of the Kings, is celebrated with as much enthusiasm as Christmas. The Three Kings ride in street parades, welcome children in department stores, and hand out gifts in…
Daily Devotions
The Name of Jesus … and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds told them. But Mary treasured all these words and pondered them in her heart.” vss. 18-19 Luke 2:17-21 In Luke’s story, Mary treasured the report of the shepherds when they came to see the baby in Bethlehem. Obviously it was good news for her–but it was more than she could comprehend. She needed time for reflection as she pondered their words in her heart.…
Daily Devotions
Christmas Day And the Word became flesh and lived among us, and we have seen his glory, the glory as of a father’s only son, full of grace and truth.” vs. 14 John 1:1-14 Christmas is the day chosen to celebrate the birth of Jesus, and the name was chosen quite deliberately. It would not have been adequate to call it Jesusmas. Not only would that name have been clumsy to say, it wouldn’t have come close to expressing the…
Daily Devotions
Christmas Eve But the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid; for see—I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people: to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is the Messiah, the Lord.’” vss. 10-11 Luke 2:8-14 Many people, even those whose faith is sketchy, try to make time for going to church on Christmas Eve. It’s a family ritual and, along with a traditional meal and opening…
Daily Devotions
And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in bands of cloth, and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn.” vs. 7 Luke 2:1-7 We don’t know if Luke embellished his story of Jesus’ birth; it’s certainly different from Matthew’s, but we love the picture he painted, and nativity set depictions of the scene can be found in nearly every home at Christmas. St. Francis began the practice when…
Daily Devotions
For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all, training us to renounce impiety and worldly passions, and in the present age to live lives that are self-controlled, upright, and godly…” vss. 11-12 Titus 2:11-14 The book of Titus reflects the conviction of early believers that God’s saving grace had been showered upon all humanity in the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus. That’s a truth worth holding close to our hearts, especially in these times of religious…
Daily Devotions
When Joseph awoke from sleep, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded him; he took her as his wife…” vs. 24 Matthew 1:21-25 Joseph took dreams seriously! Four different times, Matthew tells us Joseph woke up in the morning and did whatever he had been commanded to do during the night. His obedience was impeccable! Sometimes that’s how it works for us too. We might have been wrestling with a decision for some time, unable to make up…
Daily Devotions
Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, set apart for the gospel of God….” vs. 1 Romans 1:1-7 Paul actually calls himself a “slave” of Jesus Christ, but since people are uncomfortable with that designation, translators have accommodated and usually substitute the word “servant.” But Paul meant “slave”! He considered himself to be owned, body and soul, by Jesus Christ, with a call to bring the gospel to the Gentiles. Many of us are uncomfortable using…
Daily Devotions
You have fed them with the bread of tears, and given them tears to drink in full measure.” vs. 5 Psalm 80:1-7 Occasionally we can get some pretty bad cases of the “blues” during this time of year. Even though holiday music is on the air all through the day and neighborhood decorations lighten the darkness, a kind of malaise comes to visit, and it’s hard to maintain the requisite seasonal cheery smile. Sometimes we just feel like crying! Often…
Daily Devotions
Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign. Look, the young woman is with child and shall bear a son, and shall name him Immanuel.” vs. 14 Isaiah 7:10-16 During the years Isaiah was an advisor to King Ahaz of Judah, Israel and Syria had joined forces and launched an attack against Jerusalem, hoping to overthrow Ahaz. In the midst of the siege Isaiah goes to Ahaz, and when Ahaz refuses to ask God for a sign, gives him…