Christmas in the Gospels
Daily Bible Studies for December 1-6, 2008
This Week’s Scripture: Mark 1:1-8 NLT
1This is the Good News about Jesus the Messiah, the Son of God. It began 2just as the prophet Isaiah had written:
“Look, I am sending my messenger ahead of you,
and he will prepare your way.
3 He is a voice shouting in the wilderness,
‘Prepare the way for the LORD’s coming!
Clear the road for him!’”
4This messenger was John the Baptist. He was in the wilderness and preached that people should be baptized to show that they had turned to God to receive forgiveness for their sins. 5All of Judea, including all the people of Jerusalem, went out to see and hear John. And when they confessed their sins, he baptized them in the Jordan River. 6His clothes were woven from coarse camel hair, and he wore a leather belt around his waist. For food he ate locusts and wild honey.
7John announced: “Someone is coming soon who is greater than I am—so much greater that I’m not even worthy to stoop down like a slave and untie the straps of his sandals. 8I baptize you with water, but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit!”
Monday
Prayer: Heavenly Father, Thank You for this season of Advent, and for providing us the opportunity to reflect on Jesus’ coming to the world as an infant and His coming again. Fill me with Your Holy Spirit that I may live with expectancy and joy as I go about each day. Use me to show others Your goodness and grace. This I pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Reflection on God’s Word:
This is the Good News about Jesus the Messiah, the Son of God NLT
What is the “Good News” about Jesus?
Why do you think Mark starts with Jesus as an adult and offers no account of His birth?
Today’s Challenge: I will live the Good News of Jesus in my actions today that others may experience it through me!
Tuesday
Prayer: Heavenly Father, Thank You for sending Jesus and John the Baptizer to fulfill the words of the Prophet Isaiah. As You sent John and Jesus, send me into the world to tell others the Good News of Jesus’ salvation. At this time of year, in particular, let my joy be evident so others will know that joy in their lives as well. This I pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Reflection on God’s Word:
It began 2just as the prophet Isaiah had written: “Look, I am sending my messenger ahead of you, and he will prepare your way. 3He is a voice shouting in the wilderness, ‘Prepare the way for the LORD’s coming! Clear the road for him!’” NLT
How does the life of John the Baptizer fulfill Isaiah’s prophecy?
What do you need to do in your life today to prepare the way for Jesus?
Today’s Challenge: I will prepare the way for Jesus in all that I do so others who see me, will want to turn to Jesus, too!
Wednesday
Prayer: Heavenly Father, John’s message was that all of us need to repent, to turn away from our sins and be baptized to show that we have received Your forgiveness. I acknowledge the sin in my life to You, and ask for your forgiveness that I may live in Jesus’ victory over sin in my life today and always. This I pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Reflection on God’s Word:
4This messenger was John the Baptist. He was in the wilderness and preached that people should be baptized to show that they had turned to God to receive forgiveness for their sins. NLT
Why do you think John preached his message out in the wilderness instead of a populated area such as Jerusalem?
What was the significance of John’s baptism for those who received it?
Today’s Challenge: I will acknowledge my sin before God and receive the forgiveness that Jesus died to give me!
Thursday
Prayer: Heavenly Father, John’s message convicted the people of his day of their sin. I pray that You will fill me with the Holy Spirit so that my life may be holy, so those around me will also be convicted of their sin and turn to You for forgiveness. Let my life be light and salt to others, that You may receive the glory and praise. This I pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Reflection on God’s Word:
5All of Judea, including all the people of Jerusalem, went out to see and hear John. And when they confessed their sins, he baptized them in the Jordan River. 6His clothes were woven from coarse camel hair, and he wore a leather belt around his waist. For food he ate locusts and wild honey. NLT
What do you think caused the crowds to go out to John and confess their sins to him?
What is the significance of John’s clothing?
Today’s Challenge: I will live in holiness today so that others around me will see God at work in my life and be challenged to turn to Him!
Friday
Prayer: Heavenly Father, You used John to signal the coming of Jesus. I pray that You will use me to let others know not only that Jesus came, as a baby in a manger in Bethlehem, but also that He is coming again to claim His own. Let my life be a witness of Your presence in my life. This I pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Reflection on God’s Word:
7John announced: “Someone is coming soon who is greater than I am—so much greater that I’m not even worthy to stoop down like a slave and untie the straps of his sandals. NLT
Do you think the people would have understood that John was talking about Jesus, about the Messiah, when he spoke of one who was “greater” than he? Why or why not?
What is the significance of John saying he wasn’t worthy to stoop down like a slave and untie the straps of Jesus’ sandals?
Today’s Challenge: I will proclaim Jesus’ coming in through my words and my life so others will have the opportunity to know Him!
Saturday
Prayer: Heavenly Father, I thank You for John’s message that one day the Holy Spirit would come. Thank You for fulfilling that message when Jesus sent the Holy Spirit after His death, resurrection and ascension into heaven. Fill me anew with the Holy Spirit that I may live boldly in Your name. This I pray through Your Son, Jesus. Amen.
Reflection on God’s Word:
8I baptize you with water, but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit!” NLT
What is the significance of John’s proclamation that the One coming after him would baptize people with the Holy Spirit?
Why are two baptisms necessary?
Today’s Challenge: I will live in the power of the Holy Spirit so that I may show others the life that only Jesus can give!