Preparing the Way of the Lord!
Sunday, December 19, 2004
My Prayer Today
Dear Jesus, I thank You that You came into my world to save me from my sins! I admit that sometimes I get discouraged and frustrated, but I fully trust You. I ask that You would give me the grace I need this week as I celebrate Your birth and to think of hope rather than wallow in pity and discouragement. I thank You that You have come to give me hope -- even through my darkest night. May I live this week in a way that glorifies and honors You. Help me to turn my own "prison" into "praise!" I ask this in Your name Jesus . . . amen.
God’s Word Today
Matthew 11:1-6
1 "When Jesus had finished giving these instructions to his twelve disciples, he went off teaching and preaching in towns throughout the country. 2 John the Baptist, who was now in prison, heard about all the things the Messiah was doing. So he sent his disciples to ask Jesus, 3 'Are you really the Messiah we've been waiting for, or should we keep looking for someone else?' 4 Jesus told them, 'Go back to John and tell him about what you have heard and seen -- 5 the blind see, the lame walk, the lepers are cured, the deaf hear, the dead are raised to life, and the Good News is being preached to the poor. 6 And tell him: 'God blesses those who are not offended by me.'"
Reflecting on God's Word
Who was John the Baptist?
According to verse 2, where was he?
How did John "hear about all the things the Messiah was doing" from prison?
A Deeper Exploration of God's Word
Read Malachi 3:1 and explain the role of John the Baptist.
According to Malachi 3:1, what will happen "suddenly" after John's coming?
What is the description of this person who comes after John in Malachi 3:1?
Understanding God's Word
Why was John in prison (read Luke 3:19)?
Why did John the Baptist have "disciples?" What did they do?
According to verse 1, what was Jesus doing before John's disciples approached Him?
Applying God's Word to Our Lives
What types of feelings do you have when the "tide turns against you" in life?
Can you think of a time in your life when something that had been going well, somehow went wrong? Explain.
Who do we usually blame, or question, during these times of difficulty? Why?
Thoughts...
John the Baptist was a special man with a special purpose. As Malachi 3:1 reveals, John was to be the forerunner of Jesus proclaiming that the Kingdom of Heaven was near. He was a prophet who boldly proclaimed a message of repentance to the multitudes. The success of John the Baptist throughout the region was widespread as many people did repent and were baptized. One of the most amazing things that John did was baptize Jesus! Although John was called by Jesus, "the greatest born among women," he remained humble and was willing to allow Jesus' ministry to overshadow his own.
As popular as John was, he did have his share of troubles. John was a man who was not afraid of a good fight. When he rebuked King Herod Antipas for marrying his brother Philip's wife, Herod had him imprisoned. John's faithfulness to God and his obedience to His commands, cost John dearly -- eventually his life. The context we see in Matthew 11:1-6 is when John is sitting prison cell feeling a bit discouraged and frustrated. It was during this time in his life, when the "tides" had shifted from success to imprisonment -- that John began to question the role and identity of Jesus. Like John, many of us also go through difficult changes in our lives. Sometimes we can have failure in a place where we used to have success. It is during these times that we also become discouraged and can often question God. As we move into this week of Christmas, maybe you are feeling discouraged? Maybe you are feeling down because of circumstances? Remember that Jesus is our hope! No matter what we face, let us remember that God is with us. He sent us Emmanuel (Jesus) to be our Savior! We can be in the worst of situations, but Jesus came into our world to save us and give us hope. Take time this week to allow Jesus to meet you in the midst of your circumstances.