The Life Of Christ

Jesus The Living Word

John 1:1,14, Hebrews 1:1-3

"And the Word was made flesh."

God has spoken to man through a person. That person is Jesus Christ. Jesus is the Logos the Word (Jn 1:1). He is the Message or the Revelation of God. Hebrews 1:1-2 says, "God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets, Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son." There is the Written Word (Bible), and there is also the Incarnate Word (Christ)."No man hath seen God at any time; the only begotten Son, which is in the bosom of the Father, he hath declared him" (Jn 1:18). Jesus said, "he that hath seen me hath seen the Father" (Jn 14: 9). Jesus as the Word fully reveals who God is. He is God's Perfect Revelation. The Son is God's final Word to the world.

The Apostle John described Jesus uniquely as the "only begotten Son." He mentions it in John 1:14,18; 3:16, 18; and 1 John 4:9. Jesus is not just Son of God, He is the eternally begotten Son of God. The doctrine of the eternal generation of the Second Person of the Holy Trinity is taught in the 4th century Athanasian and Nicene Creeds which state that Jesus is both Son and God "only begotten,... of the Father before all the ages." The Westminster Confession (1648) likewise affirms, "In the unity of the Godhead, there be three persons, of one substance, power and eternity; God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Ghost. The Father is of none, neither begotten nor proceeding; the Son is eternally begotten of the Father; and the Holy Ghost eternally proceeding from the Father and the Son" (II:3).

Be warned that the New International Version (NIV) attacks the fundamental doctrine of the eternal Sonship of Christ by removing the God - inspired word "begotten" from the Bible. The NIV reads "one and only" instead of "only begotten." The Greek monogenes literally means "only begotten" (mono is "only," and genes is "begotten"). Jesus Christ is the eternal Son of God, begotten, not created. The NIV has no right to remove the divinely inspired word "begotten" from the Holy Scriptures. Beware of corrupt versions that attack the Written Word and the Living Word.

THOUGHT: Am I using the King James Bible?
PRAYER: Lord, guide me into all truth.

Christ Is Fully God

John 1:1-14, Philippians 2:5-11

"In the beginning was the Word."

This reminds us of Genesis 1:1, "In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth." Jesus was there "in the beginning." He is the Creator: "All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made" (Jn 1: 3).

"The Word was with God." The Word is distinguished from God. The distinction has nothing to do with Jesus' essence. Jesus is the same in essence with God. The distinction has to do with personality. The Word is a Person by Himself. He is "with" God in the sense that He is "in the presence" or "in the company" of God (cf: Matt 13: 56, Mk 6: 3, Lk 9: 41, 1 Thess 3: 4). Who is this God that Jesus was with? It has to be God the Father. John described Jesus as being "the only begotten of the Father" (Jn 1: 14, 18; 3: 16). The Father and the Son are distinguishable individuals. The Father is not the Son. (Note: Sabellianism is the heresy which says that God the Father, God the Son, and God the Spirit are all one and the same person but appearing in three different forms.)

"The Word was God." This statement declares that Jesus is Himself God. Jesus is Deity. The New World Translation of the Jehovah's Witnesses is absolutely wrong to translate this verse, "The Word was a god." That Jesus is only a lesser god (ie, not 100% God as Jehovah is, but only 50%) is a heresy called Arianism. The Council of Nicea (AD 325) condemned Arianism.

The deity of Christ is clearly stated in Colossians 2:9, "For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily." Jesus was 100% God before He became man. And when He became 100% man, He did not cease to be 100% God. He is fully God and fully Man in one perfect Person forever (cf Heb 7: 24).

THOUGHT: Does doctrine save? See: 1 Timothy 4: 16.
PRAYER: Lord, help me to interpret Thy Word correctly and accurately.

Christ Is Fully Man

Luke 1:1-4, 1 John 1:1-3

"Our hands have handled... the Word of life."

Jesus, when He was on earth, did not live in isolation. He did not station Himself in some desert place or high mountain, dispensing heavenly wisdom only to those who would take the trouble to come to Him. Jesus mingled with the people. He walked with them, ate with them, listened to them, talked to them, lived with them. His every movement was observed by a select group of 12 whom He chose to be His disciples. They were eyewitnesses to all the things that had happened. Jesus in living so closely with the people proved that He was totally human. They saw Him hungry, thirsty, and tired. He was no different from them except for the fact that He was without sin.

Interestingly, in Luke 1:2, the disciples of Christ were called "ministers of the word (logos)." Luke, like John, refers to Jesus as the Word. Luke is thus telling his readers that he is speaking of the same Jesus of whom John also speaks. Although both are speaking of the same Person, they present Him from their own distinctive angles. John for instance emphasizes the deity of Christ, while Luke stresses His humanity. Luke prefers calling Jesus "Son of Man" (26 times). John on the other hand is the only one who records the definitive "I am" statements of Jesus 7 times (Exod 3: 14; Jn 8: 58 cf 6: 35, 9: 5; 10: 7, 9, 11, 14, 11: 25, 14:6, 15:1,5). Seven in biblical numerology is the number of deity. Jesus is Jehovah. He is God.

Although Luke and John have their distinctive emphases on the two natures of Christ, both are nonetheless mindful that Jesus is both God and Man.

THOUGHT: Why must Jesus be both God and Man to save us from our sins?
PRAYER: "O Master let me walk with thee, in lowly paths of service free."

Royal Birth Announced

Luke 1:5-28, Isaiah 9:6-7

"For unto us a child is born."

The Lord Jesus Christ did not enter into the world unannounced. Kings have heralders or forerunners to announce their coming or arrival. Jesus as King had John as His forerunner to call the people to right themselves before God in preparation for His coming (Lk 1:17; 3: 4,5).

The angel Gabriel announced to Priest Zecharias that Elisabeth, his wife, would bear him a son who should be named John. Zecharias and Elisabeth had no children of their own because she was barren. Moreover, both of them were already very old. Humanly speaking, it was impossible for them to have any children. But nothing is impossible with God. He could make it happen. This was certainly good news.

God had a special purpose for their son, John. He was to be a Nazarite, consecrated to God for His service (Lk 1: 15 cf Num 6: 1-21). Though born to a priestly family, he was consecrated for the prophetic ministry (cf Matt 11: 9-10). Being filled with the Spirit of God, and imbued with the spirit and power of Prophet Elijah, he would cause many Israelites to turn away from their sins in repentance to God (Lk 1: 15-17).

The angel Gabriel told the virgin Mary that she would conceive in her womb the Son of God - - JESUS (ie, Saviour) by the power of the Holy Spirit (Lk 1: 31, 35; Matt 1: 18). She would be pregnant while still a virgin. It is a supernatural conception and birth. The birth has to be extraordinary and miraculous by virtue of the Person who is to be born. Gabriel told Mary not to be surprised by this for this Baby "shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David: And he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end" (Lk 1: 31-33).

It is important to note that Elisabeth who was already pregnant with John for 6 months was Mary's cousin (Lk 1: 36). John would thus be half a year older than Jesus.

THOUGHT: When was the last time I shared the Gospel?
PRAYER: Lord, lead me to some soul today.

Only One Virgin Birth

Matthew 1:18-25, Isaiah 7:1-14

"She was found with child of the Holy Ghost."

Mary did not tell Joseph about her pregnancy. She probably thought it wiser to let God tell it to Joseph since only God could make such an unbelievable story believable.

The signs of pregnancy soon became evident to Joseph. Since he knew that the pregnancy was not due to him, he must have concluded that Mary had been unfaithful, and had committed adultery. This sin was punishable by death (Deut 22: 23-24). Joseph being righteous would not marry an adulteress. But He loved Mary too much to see her punished. He had in mind to annul the relationship secretly. God had to intervene.

The Lord had to reveal the truth to Joseph in a dream. He told Joseph to take Mary as his wife. The baby in her womb was no ordinary child. Mary would give birth to a son - - JESUS - - "for he shall save his people from their sins" (Matt 1: 21). Joseph was told that all this was done so that the prophecy of Isaiah 7: 14 might be fulfilled. Joseph as a God - fearing Jew did not question nor doubt the words of the angel. He did as the angel had told him to do. Joseph did not touch Mary until after she gave birth to Jesus (Matt 1: 25). It was not only a virgin conception but also a virgin birth.

Only the Lord Jesus Christ could be and was virgin born. Many commentaries and Study Bibles today attack Isaiah 7: 14 by saying that it was not Christ alone who fulfilled this precious Messianic prophecy. They say there were two fulfilments, one in the time of Isaiah, and the other in the time of Christ. This double fulfilment view is a forked - - tongue attack on Christ and His Word. The Lord Jesus alone fulfilled the prophecy of the virgin birth. Amen.

THOUGHT: Beware the forked tongue of the snake !
PRAYER: Lord, help me to discern truth from error.

Jesus The Son Of David, Abraham And Adam

Matthew 1:1-17, Luke 3:23-38

"For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive."

A genealogy traces the ancestry of a person. It is important for a Jew to be able to trace his lineage. This is because to a Jew, his genealogy serves as his identity card. Israelites prove their racial identity by their genealogies (cf Phil 3: 5).

Jesus claimed to be the Son of David. Where is the proof? The proof is in His genealogy. Matthew, writing mainly to the Jews, proved that Jesus came from the line of Abraham and David. This is significant because it is prophesied in the Old Testament that the Messiah would be a descendent of Abraham (Gen 13: 15; cf Gal 3: 16; Jn 8: 56), and of David (2 Sam 7: 13b-14a).

Matthew's genealogy mentions two women (Matt 1: 5). Usually only the men are mentioned; but here we find two women: Rahab (Josh 2) and Ruth (Ruth 1,2,3,4;Both were Gentiles, not Jews. Rahab was a prostitute from Jericho, and Ruth was a Moabite. Why were they given such a place of honour? Is it not to teach the important lesson that God's grace is showered not only upon Jews but also Gentiles (Gal 3: 28-29) ? By grace through faith, Rahab was saved and later married Salmon, the "great grandson" of Judah. They gave birth to Boaz who married Ruth, the Moabitess who bore Obed, the father of Jesse, and grandfather of David, king of Israel. How we thank God that He did not count us, Gentiles, out of His grace and favour!

Luke's genealogy of Jesus goes right back to the first man: Adam (Luke 3: 38). Jesus is the Son of man. He is the greater Adam (Rom 5: 12-21).

THOUGHT: God loves all people, but loves His children especially.
PRAYER: Lord, help me to "do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith."

Marry The Sinner Needs Jesus The Saviour

Luke 1:39-56, Psalm 146:1-5

"And my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour."

On receiving word from the angel that Elisabeth was also pregnant (cf Lk 1: 36), Mary went to see her, to tell her what God had done for her as well. Not only Elisabeth, but also baby John, though still in his mother's womb, leaped for joy upon hearing the good news. Filled with the Spirit, Elisabeth blessed Mary, addressing her as "the mother of my Lord." Note that this is not the same as calling Mary the "Mother of God." Elisabeth in no way deified Mary, only Christ!

Mary did not think of herself as God's Mother either. She made clear that she was but a "handmaiden" of God. She readily admitted her sinfulness when she confessed that God was her Saviour."Holy is His name, " she said, not "holy is my name."

Calvin, against the deification of Mary by the Roman Church, commented, "Now observe, that Mary makes her happiness to consist in nothing else, but in what she acknowledges to have been bestowed upon her by God, and mentions as the gift of his grace. 'I shall be reckoned blessed,' she says, 'through all ages.' Was it because she sought this praise by her own power or exertion? On the contrary, she makes mention of nothing but of the work of God. Hence we see how widely the Papists differ from her, who idly adorn her with their empty devices, and reckon almost as nothing the benefits which she received from God. They heap up an abundance of magnificent and very presumptuous titles, such as, 'Queen of Heaven, Star of Salvation, Gate of Life, Sweetness, Hope, and Salvation.' Nay more, to such a pitch of insolence and fury have they been hurried by Satan, that they give her authority over Christ; for this is their pretty song, 'Beseech the Father, Order the Son.' None of these modes of expression, it is evident, proceeded from the Lord. All are disclaimed by the holy virgin in a single word, when she makes her whole glory to consist in acts of the divine kindness. If it was her duty to praise the name of God alone, who had done to her wonderful things, no room is left for the pretended titles, which come from another quarter. Besides, nothing could be more disrespectful to her, than to rob the Son of God of what is his own, to clothe her with the sacrilegious plunder."

THOUGHT: Mariolatry is idolatry.
PRAYER: Lord, keep me from idols.

The King's Heralder Is Born

Luke 1:57-80, Psalm 89:1-18

"For thou shalt go before the face of the Lord to prepare his ways."

After a full pregnancy term of 9 months, John was born to Elisabeth and Zecharias (Lk 1: 57). During all those months, Zecharias' mouth was shut. He was struck dumb because he doubted Gabriel's words. Through a chalkboard, he named his son "John" in obedience to God (Lk 1: 63-64).

After God lifted his dumbness, Zecharias announced to all what his son John would be to the glory of God. John was to become "the prophet of the Highest: for thou shalt go before the face of the Lord to prepare his ways; To give knowledge of salvation unto his people by the remission of their sins, Through the tender mercy of our God; whereby the dayspring from on high hath visited us, To give light to them that sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace" (Lk 1: 76-79).

All this happened because God is faithful. God remembered the covenant He made with Israel - - "the oath which he sware to our father Abraham, That he would grant unto us, that we being delivered out of the hand of our enemies might serve him without fear, In holiness and righteousness before him, all the days of our life" (Lk 1: 73-5; cf Gen 12: 1-3; 13: 14-17; 15: 4-5, 17-18; 17: 1-8; 22: 15-18).
The promise of deliverance is two - fold: it is both physical and spiritual. The Messiah has come to deliver us from our enemies. These enemies refer not only to rebellious men, but also to fallen angels. He will deliver us from the curse of sin which is death, and from the bondage of Satan and of sin (1 Cor 15: 26; Rom 16: 20; Col 1: 12-13). He will not only rule over the hearts of men, but also all the lands of the earth in holiness and righteousness (Isa 2: 1-5; 9: 6-7; 11: 1-9; Phil 2: 5-11; 1 Thess 3: 13; 2 Thess 1: 7-9; Rev 19: 11-21;20:1-6).

THOUGHT: "Remember now thy Creator in the days of thy youth" (Eccl 12: 1).
PRAYER: "Great is thy faithfulness, O God my Father."

Jesus Born To Save

Luke 2:1-7, Galatians 4:4-7

"Joy to the world! The Lord is come!"

Jesus saved us by His obedient life and sacrificial death. Philippians 2: 8 says that the Lord Jesus took the form of a man in order to die for our sins:" And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross." Galatians 4: 4 to 5 sheds additional light that Jesus became man not only to die but also to live for us: "But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law, To redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons." Jesus, as the greater Adam, kept the Ten Commandments perfectly, and as the sinless Lamb of God, gave His life vicariously to save us from our sins.

Christ was born in 5 BC in a little town called Bethlehem (cf Mic 5: 2). He was born not in a palace but in a stable, and His bed was not a cradle of silk but a manger of straw. It was a very lowly and humble birth for One who is Himself the Son of God and King over all. The Apostle Paul drew from the incarnation of Christ an important lesson on humility: "Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others. Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: Who being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross" (Phil 2: 3-8). His lowly birth reveals the life He was going to live - - the life of a lowly servant. Jesus Himself said, "For even the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many" (Mk 10: 45). He came not to be served, but to serve. For our sake He came. He was born to die, to save us from our sins.

THOUGHT: No Virgin Birth, no Salvation.
PRAYER: "Come, Thou long expected Jesus, Born to set Thy people free."

Angels We Have Heard On High

Luke 2:8-20, Romans 5:1-10

"Peace on earth, and mercy mild. God and sinners reconciled!"

"Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace, good will toward men" (Lk 2: 14). What is this "peace" and "good will"? This peace is the special, inward peace that comes when man is reconciled to God through Christ. Paul spoke of this in Romans 5: 1, "Therefore being justified by faith we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ:... being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him. For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life" (Rom 5: 1, 9-10). Christ earned the righteousness of God for us when He lived a perfect life on earth in fulfilment of the Law (Matt 5: 17-18). The peace of God that comes from Christ is the result of Christ clothing us with His righteousness when we accept Him as our Lord and Saviour.

The "good will" that the angels referred to is not man's but God's good will. It is because of God's will that we can receive His peace. The KJV rightly translates it as "good will toward men." It originates from God. God is the source of peace. God's peace is a free gift. It is purely by His mercy that sinful men are bestowed His peace. Since salvation is purely by His grace, only He can boast when sinners are saved, and that is why to Him and Him alone the glory belongs."For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. For scarcely for a righteous man will one die: yet peradventure for a good man some would even dare to die. But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us" (Rom 5: 6-8).

The birth of Christ was not witnessed by the high and mighty, but the lowly and humble. The angels brought the wonderful news of the birth of Jesus not to the kings, but to the shepherds. The Lord Himself was born not in a palace, but in a stable, and laid in a manger. Why such an ignominious entrance and visitation? God intended right from the start to have all know that His good will and peace are received only by those who humble themselves before Him who has humbled Himself for them.

THOUGHT: "God's mere goodwill reconciles him to us" (Calvin).
PRAYER: Lord, grant me Thy peace.

Jesus, Keeper Of The Law

Luke 2:21-24, Leviticus 12:1-8

"For the promise is unto you, and to your children."

Why must Jesus be circumcised? He was circumcised not just because He was Jewish (Gen 17:10, Lev 12:3), but more importantly because He had to keep the Law in every aspect for our salvation. Calvin commented, "God appointed that his Son should be circumcised, in order to subject him to the law; for circumcision was a solemn rite, by which the Jews were initiated into the observance of the law. Paul explains the design, when he says, that Christ was 'made under the law, to redeem them that were under the law' (Gal 4:4-5). By undergoing circumcision, Christ acknowledged himself to be the slave of the law, that he might procure our freedom."

The name "JESUS" means "Saviour." True to His name, the Lord Jesus even as an infant worked for our salvation right from the start. Christ's circumcision was not the first and only instance of His obedience to the Law. The Lord's keeping of the Law can also be seen in His participation of the following rituals though as an infant:

1. Mary's rite of purification (Lev 12:1-8), and
2. the dedication of the first - born (Num 3:13).
It is important to understand that these ceremonies involve not just the individual, but also the family by virtue of the Law's covenantal nature (Deut 6:1-3).

Although Mary alone went through the purification, Jesus had to participate in that ritual because Mary's purification was required on account of His birth. This must not be taken to mean that Jesus had to be cleansed from sin as well. Jesus had no sin. He went through the purification in identification with sinners since He was going to be their Representative as their Guilt - Bearer. Jesus is our Fountain of purity and life.

THOUGHT: Not circumcision of the flesh, but of the heart that saves.
PRAYER: "Search me, O God, and know my heart today."

Christ The Saviour Of Israel

Luke 2:25-38, Psalm 122

"For mine eyes have seen thy salvation."

At least two in Israel, Simeon and Anna, were eagerly awaiting the coming of Israel's Messiah in light of Old Testament Scripture. In honour of their faith, the Lord granted them the privilege of seeing their Messiah before they died.

God had promised Simeon that before he died he would see Christ. The Greek "Christ" is equivalent to the Hebrew "Messiah," meaning "the Anointed One." When he laid eyes on Jesus, he rightly said that he was beholding the Lord's salvation. Jesus Christ was to be the Saviour of all people, both Jew and Gentile. He also spoke of the agony Jesus had to suffer on the cross, and how Mary herself would grieve because of it.

The KJV accurately reads "Joseph and his mother" (over against the NIV's erroneous "The child's father and mother" which attacks the virgin birth of Christ). It is important to note that Jesus has only one Father - - the first Person of the Holy Trinity. Jesus only addressed one Person as Father in the Scriptures, and that was His Father in heaven. Joseph was not His father; God alone was His Father. And Jesus would call no one "Father" but Him. The inspired writer carefully distinguished between Joseph's actual relationship to Jesus by the words "Joseph and his mother, " not only in verse 33 but also 43, again purposely avoiding the title "father" for Joseph.

Anna, the prophetess, understood the Old Testament well when she said that Jesus was Jerusalem's redemption. Jerusalem, as the capital of Israel, represents the nation as a whole. Anna's "redemption of Jerusalem" is similar to Simeon's "consolation of Israel" (Lk 2:25). Israel's hope and glory rest on her Messiah - - the Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of David (Isa 52:9; cf 2 Sam 7:12-13). Born in the city of David (Lk 2:11), He will one day rule over the whole earth from a restored Jerusalem (Rev 5:10; 20:6).

THOUGHT: The nation of Israel is the key to understanding prophecy.
PRAYER: "Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: they shall prosper that love thee."

Follow The Guiding Star

Matthew 2:1-12, Jude 1:1-13

"We have seen his star in the east."

Who were these wise men? These "wise men" called "magi" in the original, were probably Persian priests who were skilled in the study of the stars (cf Dan 1:20). The text tells us that they came from the land east of Israel. If they were indeed from Persia, how did they come to know about the "King of the Jews" (Matt 2:2) ? It is possible that the Jews while in exile in Babylon preached to the Persians the coming of their Messiah. It is difficult to see how the wise men could have come to a conclusion simply from astronomy that a great Jewish King was going to be born. This Messianic notion of theirs probably stemmed not just from their knowledge of the stars but also their knowledge of Old Testament prophecy, perhaps Daniel's (Dan 9:24-26; cf Num 24:17; Matt 2:16). The supernatural appearance of an extraordinary star led them to conclude that the time had arrived, the Holy Spirit guiding them in their determination of the timing of both prophecy and phenomenon.

Herod the Great demanded to know exactly where Christ would be born. The Jewish clerics on the basis of Micah 5:2 rightly answered, "in Bethlehem of Judea."

Given the location, the wise men set off to find the infant King. Note that they found Him in a house. Jesus was no longer in the stable. Evidently, the wise men did not arrive on his birthday, but shortly after that. Some time must have passed, and Joseph and Mary must have found proper accommodation by then. Jesus was also described as a "young child, " perhaps a year old (cf Lk 2:22; Matt 2:16).

When the wise men found Jesus, they rejoiced greatly at the sight, and prostrated themselves on the ground in worship of Him. In acknowledgment of His Kingship, they presented to Him gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh.

After being warned by God not to report to Herod, they obediently returned to their home country via another route.

THOUGHT: Follow God's Guiding Star, and not Satan's wandering stars.
PRAYER: "Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power."

The Son Called Out Of Egypt

Matthew 2:13-23, Psalm 91

"Out of Egypt have I called my son."

Herod the Great wanted to kill the infant King. Joseph was instructed by the Lord's angel to take little Jesus and Mary to Egypt for safety. It is rather paradoxical that Jesus should flee to Egypt - - the place from which God through Moses led His people out. God rescued His people out of Egypt - - a land of bondage and slavery, into Israel - - the promised land of milk and honey. The land of Israel should be the safest place for the infant Messiah - - the land He Himself had given to His people; yet it had become a land most dangerous, and now Egypt a country most safe ! It is no wonder John indicted His fellow countrymen in John 1:1l, "He came unto his own, and his own received him not."

Did Jesus come at the right time? Indeed, He did. The Apostle Paul said that He came in "the fulness of time" (Gal 4:4). He came at a time when the Israelites and the world needed Him most; a time when the unbelief of Israel and the wickedness of the world were at their height:"He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not" (Jn 1:10)."But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name" (Jn 1:12). The advent of Christ at such an evil time underscores the grace and mercy of God. Is there in this world a king that would seek such a humbling and humiliating entrance? We can be quite sure there is none but Jesus.

Jesus' sojourn in Egypt fulfilled Hosea's prophecy (Hos 11:1-3). Israel, a nation beloved of God, is a type of Christ. Just as God had saved Israel by calling her out of Egypt, so God will save His Church through His beloved Son whom He calls out of Egypt.

Herod died in 4 BC. His crime against Christ no doubt called for God's swift judgement. He died of a terrible disease. Archelaus, Herod's worst son, took his father's place (cf Matt 2:22). The new Herod was equally evil, and Judea was still not safe for baby Jesus. The Lord's angel thus led Joseph to Galilee. Jesus grew up in Nazareth in fulfilment of prophecy (Isa 11:1; Jer 23:5; 33:15; Zech 6:12).

THOUGHT: God is our best Protector.
PRAYER: Lord, send Your angels to keep me from all harm and danger.

Jesus Grew In Body, Mind And Spirit

Luke 2:40-52, Ephesians 6;1-4

"And the child grew, and waxed strong in spirit."

Jesus grew up like any normal child (cf Lk 1:80), but with one exception. He was perfect, without sin (Heb 4:15). He was perfect right from the start. As such He was man's perfect Representative in God's redemptive plan. Jewish boys when they reach the age of 12 become a bar mitzvah (" a son of the law"). As a bar mitzvah, they assumed personal responsibility in keeping the Law. So to inaugurate this important stage of His life, Jesus when He was 12 years old accompanied Joseph and Mary to Jerusalem to keep the Passover. The Passover festival commemorates the "passing over" of the children of Israel when God slew the first born of Egypt (Exod 12:11-28; 23:14-17). Jesus made sure He kept the Passover Law for our sake.

In Jerusalem, Jesus revealed His Messianic awareness. By this time, His knowledge and understanding of the Old Testament had surpassed even those of the doctors of theology in the temple. Jesus, like a model student, heard their lectures and asked questions. We can be sure there were questions He asked that stumped the learned rabbis. And when a theological problem was raised, He was able to offer an authoritative answer. This we know from Luke who reported, "and all that heard him were astonished at his understanding and answers."

Jesus, as a young boy, knew the reason why He was on earth. He told Joseph and Mary, "I must be about my Father's business." As God the Son, Jesus knew very well the mission God the Father wanted Him to accomplish. He stayed on in the temple because He was obedient to His Father's will. Jesus not only perfectly obeyed His Father in heaven and His parents on earth, in terms of His reputation among the neighbours, He was undoubtedly well - liked - - He increased "in favour with... man." Jesus was a most lovely and lovable child. None had trouble with Him.

THOUGHT: " Read your Bible, pray every day, and you'll grow, grow, grow."
PRAYER: Lord, I do not want to remain a baby Christian; make me to grow in Christ.

Repent!

Mark 1:1-8, Malachi 4:5-6

"Behold I send my messenger before thy face."

Mark begins his account of Christ's life with these words:"The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God." This is a good introduction to what the gospel is all about. The term "gospel" (Greek: euangelion) literally means "good news." The gospel is all about Jesus Christ, and the good news that He brings. The good news is about Jesus Christ who died, was buried, and on the third day rose from the dead according to the Scriptures (1 Cor 15:1-4). Mark (and all the other Gospel writers) elaborates on what actually happened in the life of Christ which led to His death, burial, and resurrection for the salvation of His people. John the Baptist began his ministry as the Messiah's heralder at the age of 30 (AD 26). In the wilderness of Judea, he preached "the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins; and saying, Repent ye:for the kingdom of heaven is at hand."

Would anyone listen to such an unpopular message in such a sparsely populated place? This surely goes against the worldly church growth techniques taught today. There is no doubt that John had a nation - wide ministry for we are told that the people went out to him from "Jerusalem, and all Judea, and all the region round about." The people came to him. Surely there must have been a thirst for the Word of God for there were no prophets in Israel since Malachi. There was no prophetic voice for 400 years. However, Malachi did prophesy that a prophet in the spirit and power of Elijah would one day appear (Mal 4:5-6).

Four hundred years had already passed. Could John be Elijah? John certainly looked like Elijah in the way he dressed. He "was clothed with camel's hair, and with a girdle of a skin about his loins." His camel fur robe and leather belt bore similarities to Elijah's outward appearance (2 Kgs 1:8). His diet consisted only of locusts and wild honey. John's appearance and conduct stood out prominently. His message was all the more striking. He denounced the sins of the people, and called on them to repent. This kind of preaching had probably not been heard since the time of Malachi. It had a familiar prophetic ring. Finally, God had sent a prophet.

THOUGHT: "Every chastisement is a call to repentance" (Calvin).
PRAYER: Lord, I repent of my sins.

Walk Your Talk

Luke 3:1-18, James 2:14-26

"The crooked shall be made straight."

Crowds of Jews came to hear John, but with a certain group he was not well - pleased. Among those who came to see and hear John were the Pharisees and Sadducees. Who were these people? The Pharisees were teachers of the Torah (" Law"). They were the religious "policemen" of Israel. They were keepers and enforcers of the Torah. At the time of the New Testament, there were about 6, 000 of them. The Sadducees, on the other hand, were fewer, and more entrenched in the temple system. The high priests for example were all Sadducees. The Pharisees and Sadducees did not like each other. They were opposites in terms of doctrine. One was traditional, the other liberal. The Pharisees believed in life after death, the Sadducees did not. Both however had one thing in common. They hated Jesus. In their conspiracy to kill Jesus, they cooperated very well. Suddenly, enemies became buddies !
When these Pharisees and Sadducees came to John for baptism, he denounced them, calling them a "generation of vipers." They were coming to him for baptism without truly repenting of their sins. It is not enough for a person to say he has faith. It is vital that he evinces true faith by producing good works. That was why John warned them, "Who hath warned you to flee from the wrath to come? Bring forth therefore fruits worthy of repentance, and begin not to say within yourselves, We have Abraham to our father: for I say unto you, That God is able of these stones to raise up children unto Abraham. And now also the axe is laid unto the root of the trees:every tree therefore which bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire" (cf Jas 2:21-24).

These self - righteous Pharisees and Sadducees were hypocrites. Their walk did not match their talk."Faith without works is dead" (Jas 2:20, 26). John was the first to expose their faithless faith, and Jesus in His ministry did not fail to condemn their hypocrisy either with equal severity.

THOUGHT: Is my faith dead or alive?
PRAYER: "Lord, I want to be a Christian in my heart."

Fulfilling All Righteousness

Matthew 3:13-17, Romans 5:12-21

"Thus it becometh us to fulfil all righteousness."

We find the Lord Jesus Christ doing a most remarkable thing here:He went to John for baptism. We know that John's baptism was a baptism "unto repentance." Jesus was sinless. There was nothing for Him to repent of. John himself was puzzled as to why the Lord would seek baptism from him.
John was simply a baptiser and not the Messiah. Jesus was infinitely greater and mightier. John said that he was not worthy even to unloose the lachet of His sandals. John baptised only with water, but Jesus would baptise them with the Holy Spirit and with fire. This fire is a chastitive fire that purifies all believers ("whose fan is in his hand, and he will throughly purge his floor, and will gather the wheat into his barn"), as well as a punitive fire that destroys all unbelievers on the day of His wrath ("but the chaff he will burn with fire unquenchable").

The Lord Jesus told John the reason why He had to be baptised. Jesus said that He needed to be baptised in order "to fulfil all righteousness." What does this mean? Calvin insightfully commented, "The word righteousness frequently signifies, in Scripture, the observation of the law:and in that sense we may explain this passage to mean that, since Christ had voluntarily subjected Himself to the law, it was necessary that He should keep it in every part." Calvin also said that Jesus had "to offer His Father full obedience, while the particular reason was to consecrate baptism in His own body, that it might be common between Him and us."

God the Father required God the Son to do His bidding as man's perfect Representative. The Son obeyed the Father and humbly submitted Himself to do His will. That is why after Jesus went through the waters of baptism, we hear the Father's commendation:"Thou art my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased." Herein is another instance of the obedience of Christ. Christ obeyed this ceremonial law of water baptism in order to earn the righteousness we need for salvation. Jesus achieved this through the power of the Spirit which was given to Him without measure.

THOUGHT: "Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice" (1 Sam 15:22).
PRAYER: Lord, help me obey Your Word.

God's Beloved Son

Luke 3:21,23, John 1:15-18, Psalm 19

"For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ."

In the baptism of Jesus, we have a clear display of the Holy Trinity. We have God the Father in heaven, God the Son on earth, and God the Spirit coming down from heaven to earth. We find all three Persons of the Godhead in action in a single event. This surely argues against the heresy of Sabellianism or Modalism which teaches that God is not three Persons but just one, and that He sometimes appears as the Father, sometimes as the Son, and sometimes as the Spirit.

Jesus is God's beloved Son who has existed since eternity past. He came to reveal the immeasurable grace of God."For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ." Does this mean that with the entrance of Christ, the Ten Commandments are no longer necessary? Surely not ! The Law was on no account abrogated by Grace. For if there were no Law, there would be no need of Grace. It is because we stand condemned by the Law in our sin and guilt that we need the Grace of God. The Law drives us to Christ for the Grace He bestows. It is when we receive Grace that the Law becomes our light and our delight: "O how love I thy law ! It is my meditation all the day. Thou through thy commandments hast made me wiser than mine enemies:for they are ever with me" (Ps 119:97-98).
Till today, the Law functions in three ways. As:1. a sword to slay us in our sins (Rom 3:19), 2. a rod to lead us to Christ (Gal 3:24), and 3. a torch to light up our paths (Ps 119:105).

Augustine says, "The law was given that grace might be sought; grace was given that the law might be fulfilled."

THOUGHT: "The Law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul" (Ps 19:7).
PRAYER: "O how love I thy law ! It is my meditation all the day."

Yield Not To Temptation

Luke 4:1-13, 1 John 2:15-17

"Being forty days tempted of the devil."

Satan tempted Jesus for 40 days and nights. During this time, Jesus fasted. This made Him all the more physically vulnerable to the devil's temptations. Why did Jesus have to go through this time of temptation or testing? It was because He had to earn the righteousness His people needed to enter the kingdom of heaven. It is part of His redemptive obedience. Just as Adam had to be tested in the Garden of Eden in order to secure life eternal through obedience, Christ as the greater Adam had to go through such a test to secure our salvation (Rom 5:12-21).

In the garden, Adam failed to obey God's commandment by yielding to Satan's threefold temptation (Gen 3:6; 1 Jn 2:16). The threefold temptation consists of (1) the lust of the flesh, (2) the lust of the eyes, and (3) the pride of life. Having been tempted by Satan, Eve partook of the fruit because it was (1) "good for food, " (lust of the flesh), (2) "pleasant to the eyes" (lust of the eyes), and (3) "to be desired to make one wise" (pride of life). By so disobeying God, Adam and Eve plunged not only themselves, but the whole human race, into the condemnation of sin.

But Jesus, in the desert, successfully resisted the same threefold temptation. He was tempted (1) to turn stones into bread (the lust of the flesh), (2) with the kingdoms of the world (lust of the eyes), and (3) to jump from the pinnacle of the temple (the pride of life). Jesus was victorious. He defeated Satan with the Word of God quoting (1) Deut 8:3, "Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God; " (2) Deut 6:13, "Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve; " and (3) Deut 6:16, "Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God." The Word of God is the Sword of the Spirit (Eph 6:17). It is a very effective weapon against Satan's fiery darts of temptation. Jesus conquered Satan. By perfectly resisting temptation and obeying the commands of God, Jesus secured "righteousness to every one that believeth" (Rom 10:4). Therefore, we are not only saved by Jesus' death; we are also "saved by His life" (Rom 5:10).

THOUGHT: "Flee also youthful lusts" (2 Tim 2:22).
PRAYER: "Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil" (Matt 6:13).

Jesus The Messianic Lamb Of God

John 1:19-34, 1 John 2:15-17

"Behold the Lamb of God."

Jesus is "the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world." The lamb sacrifices of the Old Testament were never able to take away sins."For the law having a shadow of good things to come, and not the very image of the things, can never with those sacrifices which they offered year by year continually make the comers thereunto perfect.... For it is not possible that the blood of bulls and of goats should take away sins" (Heb 10:1, 4). All the Old Testament animal sacrifices merely foreshadow the Real Sacrifice to come, namely, the Messianic Lamb of God - - the Lord Jesus Christ Himself.

The believers of old were saved not by the blood of the many lambs they had sacrificed, but by the blood of the Lamb of God alone which effectively takes away the sin of the world. Abel, for instance, was saved not because He trusted in the lamb he offered, but in that Lamb he saw by faith, the Lamb God Himself would provide. This Lamb is Christ - - the Seed of the woman - - who will crush the head of Satan - - the serpent (Gen 3:15). That is why it is recorded, "By faith Abel offered unto God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, by which he obtained witness that he was righteous, God testifying of his gifts:and by it he being dead yet speaketh" (Heb 11:4). Peter likewise wrote, "Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers; But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot" (1 Pet 1:18-19).

Jesus saved us by His perfect obedience as the Lamb of God. His obedience is seen in His willingness to offer Himself as a Sacrifice to appease God's wrath against sinners. His obedience is also seen in His being without spot and blemish, absolutely sinless under the Law's holy demands.

THOUGHT: The Lamb is also our Shepherd.
PRAYER: "To Thee whose blood can cleanse each spot, O Lamb of God, I come, I come."

Preach Not Self But Christ

John 1:35-51, 2 Corinthians 4:1-5

"We have found the Messias."

Now that the Messiah has arrived, John was ready to take a back seat. He directed his personal disciples to the Lord Himself. Andrew was a disciple of John, but now followed Jesus. Andrew then brought Simon his brother to see the Lord. Even before Andrew could introduce his brother, Jesus already knew his name, and identified him as Simon, Son of Jona. This is one proof of Jesus' omniscience. The Lord took a special interest in Simon, and gave him a new name, Cephas (Aramaic) or Peter (Greek), meaning "a stone."

Next in line was Philip. Jesus enlisted him as one of His disciples. Philip then found Nathanael and told him, "We have found him, of whom Moses in the law, and the prophets did write." Philip recognised Jesus as the Messiah foretold by Moses and the Prophets (ie, the Old Testament). Jesus is the Moses - like Prophet of Deuteronomy 18:15, and the Suffering Saviour of Isaiah 53. Jesus again displayed His omniscience in His conversation with Nathanael. He knew all about Nathanael when He saw him under the fig tree even before Philip called him. This led Nathanael to confess Jesus as the promised Messiah - - "the Son of God" (cf Dan 3:25), and "King of Israel" (Isa 44:6).

While all the disciples wondered at the greatness of their Messiah, Jesus told them that they could expect to see greater things from Him:"Verily, verily, I say unto you, Hereafter ye shall see heaven open, and the angels of God ascending and descending upon the Son of man." There are several episodes in Jesus' life where we are afforded a glimpse of His glory. On such occasions the heavens opened, and the angels descended to minister unto Him. One such event had already taken place, namely, His baptism and subsequent temptation experience (Matt 3:13-17;4:1-11). Others to come would be His transfiguration (Matt 17:1-9), His agony in the Garden of Gethsemane (Lk 22:39-46), His resurrection (Matt 28:1-7), and His ascension (Acts 1:1-11).

THOUGHT: Not self - esteem, but Christ - esteem.
PRAYER: Lord, my only purpose in life is to glorify You and enjoy You forever.

Jesus The Wine Of Life

John 2:1-12, Proverbs 23:29-35

"Jesus was called... to the marriage."

In Cana of Galilee, a neighbouring city of Nazareth, Jesus performed His first miracle. It was at a wedding. When the host ran out of wine, Mary requested Jesus for help. But Jesus answered, "Woman, what have I to do with thee? Mine hour is not yet come." What did Jesus mean when He said, "Mine hour is not yet come?" What is this "hour?" Out of the 26 times the word "hour" is used in the Gospel of John, 9 of them refer to the hour of Jesus (2:4; 7:30; 8:20; 12:23, 27; 13:1; 16:32; 17:1). The "hour" is described variously as "mine" (2:4), "the" (5:28, 12:23, 16:32, 17:1), "his" (7:30, 8:20), and "this" (12:27).

When Jesus said, "mine hour is not yet come," He was clearly referring to the future. Jesus said His hour had arrived for the first time in John 12:23, "The hour is come, that the Son of man should be glorified." From then onwards, Jesus consistently referred to the hour as having arrived. It is significant to note that these words were spoken at the beginning of the week of Suffering prior to His Crucifixion. Clearly, Jesus saw His hour to be His time of suffering leading up to His death on the cross, His burial, and subsequent resurrection. It was only at the beginning of the passion week that Jesus began to fully reveal His identity as the Messiah in very clear terms. So when Jesus told Mary that His hour had not come, He was saying that the public revelation of His Messiahship was not decided by man (cf Mk 1:44), nor by demons (cf Mk 1:24-25, 34; Lk 4:34-35), but by God alone (cf Matt 16:16-17). Mary at the wedding dinner, thus overstepped her prerogative by telling Jesus to perform a sign. But Jesus in filial piety honoured Mary's request.

In making wine, Jesus was not advocating drinking. Jesus is "the Wine of life, not the whisky of death." The wine that Jesus made was safe. There is a vast difference in alcoholic content between biblical wine and modern liquor. The Bible clearly warns against drinking and drunkenness (Prov 23:31-33; Eph 5:18). Be teetotalers!

THOUGHT: "Be not drunk with wine... but be filled with the Spirit" (Eph 5:18).
PRAYER: Lord, help me to bear a good Christian testimony by not drinking.

Holy Anger

John 2:13-22, Ezekiel 22:23-31

"Make not my Father's house an house of merchandise."

The Jerusalem Temple which was meant to be a worship centre had by this time been turned into a market place. The corrupt priests had converted the temple into a shopping centre. As Jesus said, they had turned His Father's house into a house of merchandise. A lucrative cut - throat trade was going on. The priests and the traders were in cahoots. The former would only accept animals for sacrifice bought within the temple compound. Now the Old Testament law allowed for poor Jews to offer a couple of young pigeons (Lev 12:8; cf Lk 2:24) in place of the usual sheep or ox which were more expensive to buy. But instead of selling these pigeons cheaply, those merchants inflated their prices. The worshippers were also exploited by the money - changers. The priests would only accept tribute money that was Jewish. Foreign currency was unacceptable. The priests granted licences to certain money - changers who exchanged temple approved coins for foreign money. A high fee was charged for every transaction. It was a money-spinner. These merchants and money - changers in turn paid handsome commissions to the priests.

One can imagine the noisy and unruly atmosphere such activities must have created in the temple. The temple grounds must have become very dirty with all the animal excrement. The constant din of haggling and bargaining between sellers and buyers must have made the place impossible for worship. According to Alfred Edersheim, "The whole of this traffic - - money - changing, selling of doves, and market for sheep and oxen - - was in itself, and from its attendant circumstances, a terrible desecration."

How could Jesus not do anything about it? Fired with holy indignation, Jesus as the only begotten Son of God had every right to purge His Father's temple of all the filth that had invaded His house. He made a whip from the pieces of rope He found, and chased all the wicked traffickers including their animals out of the temple. The money - changers had their coins scattered, and tables overturned. What a lesson He taught by action!

THOUGHT: Beware of rice - bowl pastors.
PRAYER: Lord, I am angry at my sins. I want to purge them all out.

Jesus The Refiner's Fire

John 2:13-22, Malachi 3:2-3

"The zeal of thine house hath eaten me up."

Jesus in cleansing the temple with intense zeal fulfilled Psalm 69:9, "For the zeal of thine house hath eaten me up; and the reproaches of them that reproached thee are fallen upon me." What Jesus did in the temple was already predicted in Malachi 3:2-3, "But who may abide the day of his coming? and who shall stand when he appeareth? for he is like a refiner's fire, and like fullers' soap:And he shall sit as a refiner and purifier of silver:and he shall purify the sons of Levi, and purge them as gold and silver, that they may offer unto the LORD an offering in righteousness."

Only the Messiah had the authority to override the authority of the high priest, and set the temple in order. The Jews thus demanded a sign from Jesus to authenticate His Messiahship. They were asking for a miraculous act. No sign was given to these unbelieving men, but the sign of the resurrection, "Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up... But he spake of the temple of his body." His bodily resurrection would be the surest sign that He is the Messiah.

Jesus at this time kept the Passover, an important national religious feast of the Jewish people. Jehovah commanded the Israelites to remember the great Egyptian Exodus by observing the Passover on a yearly basis (Exod 12). The Passover was kept on the 14 th day of the month of Nisan. Every male Jew 12 years old and above was expected to participate in this memorial festival in Jersualem. We have seen how Jesus had taken part in the Passover since He turned 12. He did not fail to keep it even during His public ministry, a most hectic period of His life. This in order to fulfil all righteousness, to keep every aspect of the ceremonial law for our salvation.

THOUGHT: Is there such a thing as righteous anger? See: Eph 4:26.
PRAYER: "Do not I hate them O LORD, that hate thee? and am not I grieved with those that rise up against thee? I hate them with perfect hatred:I count them mine enemies" (Ps 139:21-22).

Regeneration Not Reincarnation

John 2:23 to 3:1-21, Romans 8:1-16

"Ye must be born again."

Before a person can enter into the kingdom of God, He must be "born again" or "born from above." Nicodemus wrongly thought that to be born again meant to go back into his mother's womb and be born physically a second time. As a Pharisee - - a doctor of theology - - Nicodemus should have known what Jesus meant when He said, "You must be born again." What Jesus propounded was not new. It is as old as the Old Testament. To become a citizen of God's heavenly kingdom, one must be born from heaven, born spiritually (Jn 3:31; 8:23; 19:11). Jesus explained, "Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God." The water refers to the regenerative water of the Spirit that cleanses a soul from sin. Titus 3:5 makes clear, "Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost."

Nicodemus as a Pharisee had always thought that salvation came by way of keeping the Law and doing good works. In order to be saved a person must be indwelt by the Holy Spirit received at the moment of faith applied by the grace of God."That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.... Ye must be born again.... born of the Spirit." Since "faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God" (Rom 10:17), Jesus preached to Nicodemus the good news of salvation in Himself; "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life" (Jn 3:16)."And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up:That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life" (Jn 3:14). Obviously Jesus was alluding to His death on the cross. On that cruel tree, Jesus was made a curse for us. He as our Substitute bore the penalty of our sins. He took our place, and did all that had to be done to redeem us. Now it is only a matter of simply believing in Him if we want to be saved.

THOUGHT: Am I born again?
PRAYER: Lord Jesus, please save me.

Not I But Christ

John 3:22-36, Proverbs 18:12

"He must increase, but I must decrease."

John 3:22 says Jesus baptised. John 4:2 however clarifies that Jesus did not personally baptise but left the work to His disciples who baptised on His behalf. The fact that Jesus did not Himself baptise but got His disciples to do it reveals that He was greater than John. In other words, John was a disciple of Jesus just like the other disciples who baptised under His supervision. By baptising those who came to Him, Jesus showed that water baptism is important. However it must be noted that water baptism is necessary for obedience, but not necessary for salvation. Baptism does not save. The water has no power. The water symbolises the cleansing power of the Word of God (Jn 15:3) and of the blood of Christ (1 Jn 1:7). The power is in the Word and the Blood.

John was a most humble man. He rejoiced over the fact that more people were going to Jesus for baptism instead of him. He knew his position in relation to His Lord. He realised that his ministry came from God in the first place. His ministry and the success that followed came from God Himself. There was nothing for him to boast about. All credit should go to God alone. John reminded the people that he was not the Christ, just His forerunner. Christ is the Bridegroom. The Church which is His Bride belongs to Him (2 Cor 11:2). John was but a "friend of the bridegroom" or the bridegroom's best man. The bridegroom is the centre of attention at a wedding, not the best man. He is there only to assist the groom. That was why John said, "He must increase, but I must decrease." This ought to be the motto of every minister of the Gospel. John exalts Jesus by telling the people who Jesus really is. Jesus is God Himself. He comes from heaven. He speaks the Word of God infallibly and authoritatively. He is filled with the Spirit without limit. The Father loves Him and has given Him all things. All of mankind is accountable to Him. He is both Saviour and Judge.

THOUGHT: "Obedience is the mistress of humility" (Calvin).
PRAYER: Lord, make me humble be.

Jesus The Water Of Life

John 4:1-26, Psalm 42

"He would have given thee living water."

The Jews and the Samaritans were mutual enemies. This can be seen in the woman's response to Jesus when He asked for water, "How is it that thou, being a Jew, askest drink of me, which am a woman of Samaria? for the Jews have no dealings with the Samaritans." This animosity between Jew and Samaritan arose after the destruction of the northern kingdom of Ephraim by Assyria in 721 BC. The Assyrians re-populated the land with captives from other countries (2 Kgs 17:24). Not all the Israelites were taken captive into Assyria. Some were left behind. Intermarriages between those Israelites and foreigners resulted in a mongrel Samarian race.

The Samaritan woman was reluctant to offer a drink to Jesus, a Jew. But Jesus told her that if she knew who He truly was, she would have asked for the living water only He could provide, and He would have given her that water willingly and freely. When she argued that the water from Jacob's well was better than any water Jesus could give, the Lord replied, "Whosoever drinketh of this water shall thirst again:But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life." She superstitiously thought that Jesus had magical water. She asked for this water so that she could save herself the trouble of drawing water from the well again. She did not understand Jesus' words and her real need. So the Lord told her to call her husband. She lied that she had none. Jesus then revealed His omniscience by telling her that she had not one but five husbands. After Jesus exposed her sin, she realised that He was Someone extraordinary, and said, "Sir, I perceive that thou art a prophet. I know that Messias cometh, which is called Christ:when he is come, he will tell us all things." Like the Jews, the Samaritans were expecting a Messiah to come based on Moses' prophecy in Deuteronomy 18:15. Jesus revealed His identity and told her, "I that speak unto thee am he."

THOUGHT: Jesus is the true Jacob's well that never dries up.
PRAYER: "For Thee, my God, the living God, My thirsty soul doth pine."

True Worship

John 4:23-42, Revelation 4:8-11

"I have meat to eat that ye know not of."

The Samaritans were waiting for their Messiah to come, who would teach them what is true worship. Jesus did just that when He told her, "God is a Spirit:and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth." God demands worship that is "in spirit and in truth." Biblically acceptable worship requires :

1. the Spirit: True worshippers must be spiritually reborn and indwelt by the Holy Spirit - - "be born of water and of the Spirit" (Jn 3:5); and

2. the Truth: True worshippers must worship God in accordance to His way as taught in His Truth - - His Word is Truth (Jn 17:17).

Almost convinced that Jesus is the promised Messiah, the Samaritan woman became evangelistic. She went straight to the city centre and told the people, "Come, see... is not this the Christ?" What was the result? "And many of the Samaritans of that city believed on him." The Samaritans pleaded with Jesus to remain with them, and He stayed there for a couple of days. During this time, many more believed "because of his own word." Surely, "faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God" (Rom 10:17). It was not the Samaritan woman alone who believed in Christ, but the rest of the people too, for they told her, "Now we believe, not because of thy saying:for we have heard him ourselves, and know that this is indeed the Christ, the Saviour of the world."

Jesus knew very well that He had to obey His Father's will if His redemptive mission was to be successful. This is revealed in His words, "My meat is to do the will of him that sent me, and to finish his work." Jesus went about accomplishing His Father's commission to Him with absolute single - mindedness and great zeal. He did not allow hunger and thirst to distract Him from the urgent task of reaping precious souls for God's kingdom in the already ripe harvest fields; another example of His perfect obedience.

THOUGHT: "Worship is the mother of all virtues."
PRAYER: "Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty."

By Faith Or By Sight?

John 4:43-54, Romans 1:8-16

"Except ye see signs and wonders, ye will not believe."

Earlier on in Samaria, Jesus said that "salvation is of the Jews." Paul similarly said that the Gospel of Christ "is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek" (Rom 1:16). As a prophet, Jesus was generally despised by His own people. Yet He cannot neglect His duty to preach the Gospel of the kingdom of God to them.

Up till this point in time, Jesus performed no miracle (at least none was recorded) except in Cana of Galilee where He turned water into wine. Now we have a record of a second miracle He performed. This time again in Cana. A "nobleman" (basilikos, "a king's officer" or "a small king"), probably from Herod's court, sought help from Jesus to save his son from death. He knew Jesus could work miracles. It is possible that he was one of those at the wedding dinner who saw Jesus turning water into wine.
Jesus rebuked the nobleman, "Except ye see signs and wonders, ye will not believe." The Lord knew what was in his heart. He was not truly believing. He would believe only if Jesus could miraculously raise his son. This rebuke was not leveled at the nobleman alone, but at all the villagers (note the plural "ye"). The nobleman humbly accepted the Lord's rebuke. He responded well by not arguing with Jesus. He knew Jesus' appraisal of him was correct.

The nobleman was hoping that Jesus would come down to his house to heal his son. But Jesus sent him home with the words "thy son liveth." He believed in Jesus' words, and went his way. His faith had matured ! He no longer needed a miracle. He took Christ at His Word. That is the kind of faith God desires from His people."Blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed" (Jn 20:29). The nobleman's son was healed that very hour.

THOUGHT: Do I need a miracle to believe in Christ?
PRAYER: Lord, I want to love by faith and not by sight.

Familiarity Breeds Contempt

Luke 4:16-30, 1 Timothy 5:17

"No prophet is accepted in his own country."

"A prophet has no honour in his own country" (Jn 4:44). As the saying goes, "Familiarity breeds contempt." Jesus experienced such contempt in his own hometown, Nazareth, where He grew up. Nazareth should be delighted over her own son - - Jesus - - who was already famous throughout the region, and all were speaking very highly of Him (Lk 4:14-15). Cana, a nearby city, for instance, had received Jesus warmly, but sadly His very own from Nazareth rejected Him.

It was customary for Jesus to go to the synagogue on the sabbath day, keeping the sabbath law to fulfil all righteousness. On this occasion, the Lord graciously identified Himself as the Messiah to the Nazarenes. He read the Messianic prophecy of Isaiah 61:1 to 2 and with authority said, "This day is this scripture fulfilled in your ears." Surely Jesus is the promised Messiah. The Holy Spirit is upon Him (Lk 3:22). He is the Anointed Evangelist (Mk 1:14). The Messianic Age has arrived (Mk 1:15; cf Gal 4:4).

What was the Nazarenes' response to this good news? They dishonoured Him by a cynical question: "Is this not Joseph's son?" In other words, "He is but a carpenter! How can He be Messiah?" And they despised Him by this insult: "Physician, heal thyself." In other words, "We want to see in order to believe ! " They viewed Christ with great skepticism and unbelief (cf Matt 13:58).

A prophet is usually received with respect and honour in foreign places, but in his own hometown, he is despised and treated with contempt. For this reason, God withheld His blessings from them. Instead, He showered His blessings upon the Gentiles. The widow of Sarepta showed kind hospitality to Elijah, and was wonderfully supplied throughout the famine (1 Kgs 17:1-24). Naaman the Syrian showed great respect for Elisha, and was miraculously healed of leprosy (2 Kgs 5:1-14). In contrast, the Nazarenes, instead of humbling themselves before God, became very angry, and wanted to kill Jesus. But it was not yet time for Jesus to die. They thus could not lay a finger on Him. God froze them on the spot. Jesus calmly walked right past them, and went on His way.

THOUGHT: Do I treat my own pastor with contempt?
PRAYER: Lord, help me appreciate my own local pastor(s).

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