Preparing the Way of the Lord!
Tuesday, December 21, 2004
My Prayer Today
Dear God, I come to You today and I admit that I am a sinner. I have failed You, and my sin has separated me from You. I ask that You would forgive me of all the sins in my life. Make me brand new once again. I believe that Jesus has died on the cross for my sins, and so I desire to receive Him into my life today. By Your grace, I repent and turn away from the things that I have been doing which are not right. I ask that You would give me Your Holy Spirit to empower me to live for You! I want the world to know that I am now a Christian! I ask this in the name of Your Son Jesus Christ . . . 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
Why would John question if Jesus was the Messiah when he heard all the things He was doing?
According to verses 4-5, what did Jesus say in response to John's question?
Why would Jesus suggest that John look at the miracles he performed?
A Deeper Exploration of God's Word
What did Jesus come to do (read John 10:10)?
Read Isaiah 35:3-7. How does Jesus fulfill this prophecy in Matthew 11:1-6?
What does it mean that Jesus is the "Messiah?"
Understanding God's Word
What was John's "picture" of what the Messiah should do?
Did Jesus' ministry to sinners match John's picture of the Messiah? Why or why not?
Did Jesus' ministry to sinners match Israel's (as well as the disciples') picture of the coming Messiah? Why or why not?
Applying God's Word to Our Lives
What is your "picture" of Jesus? Who is Jesus to you?
Has Jesus ever shown Himself to you in a way that you did not expect? If so, how?
Would your life be any different if Jesus had not come into the world? How so?
Thoughts...
Isn't it amazing to think of all the business and hoopla that goes into the Christmas season? People just go crazy shopping for gifts at stores, running around from party to party, eating food as if there was no more tomorrow! What is most amazing is how much Christ has been left out of Christmas. The "holidays" somehow become all about presents, lights, snow, family, and Santa Claus. I hear statements such as "Happy Sparkle Season" by people who are offended by the thought that Christ in mentioned in association with Christmas! These people are offended by this fact. It is time that we take a stand as Christians and boldly say that "Jesus is Lord!"
Sometimes people's picture of who Jesus needs to change. Many people simply think of Jesus as a little baby who came to make the world a better place. They fail to see that Jesus has come to save us from our sins. In Matthew 11:1-6, perhaps John the Baptist's picture was a little different as well. John knew that Jesus was indeed the Messiah, but somehow Jesus' ministry was not lining up with John's "picture" of what a Messiah should do! John's picture of the Messiah was one who would come to heap judgment and fire upon people. Jesus, however, came to eat and visit with sinners. The people in Israel expected a Messiah who would save them from their Roman oppressors, however, Jesus came to give true spiritual life to its fullest (John 10:10). When Jesus responds to John's question, He reveals all the miracles and things that were happening that were in complete fulfillment of the prophecies about the Messiah in Isaiah 35:3-7. Jesus was indeed the fulfillment of the true Messiah to come.
What is your picture of Jesus? Do you see Him as your Savior or simply a "good" man? Jesus desires to be the Lord of Your life today! If you will surrender your life to Him at this moment, you can receive the most precious gift possible -- salvation! If you will pray the prayer offered today, your life can start anew! God wants our picture of Jesus to be one that is made complete through accepting His free gift of salvation!