In the Life of Christ “The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, ‘Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!’” John 1:29 When John the Baptist saw Jesus approaching, he did not introduce Him merely as a teacher, prophet, miracle worker, or national deliverer. He announced,Continue reading “THE KING WHO TOOK MY PLACE”
Tag Archives: life of christ
When Eternity Stepped into Our Skin
In the Life of Christ “And the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us.” —John 1:14a John does not introduce Jesus by beginning with Bethlehem. He takes us beyond the manger, beyond Mary and Joseph, and beyond the opening pages of human history. He carries us into eternity: “In the beginning was the Word, andContinue reading “When Eternity Stepped into Our Skin”
Born From Above, Not Built From Below
In the Life of Christ “Who were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.” —John 1:13 When I read John 1:13, I am reminded that receiving Jesus is both a genuine human response and a gracious work of God. John has justContinue reading “Born From Above, Not Built From Below”
When the Heart Calls the Light Darkness
In the Life of Christ “But whoever blasphemes against the Holy Spirit never has forgiveness, but is guilty of an eternal sin—because they were saying, ‘He has an unclean spirit.’” Mark 3:29–30 Few teachings of Jesus create more anxiety than His warning about the unforgivable sin. Spiritually sensitive people sometimes fear that a careless sentence,Continue reading “When the Heart Calls the Light Darkness”
When Faithfulness Is Misunderstood
In the Life of Christ “Then Jesus entered a house, and the crowd gathered again, so that they were not even able to eat. When His family heard about this, they set out to restrain Him, because they said, ‘He’s out of His mind.’” Mark 3:20–21 There is a particular loneliness that comes when theContinue reading “When Faithfulness Is Misunderstood”
Called Close Before Being Sent Far
In the Life of Christ “Jesus went up on a mountainside and called to him those he wanted, and they came to him. He appointed twelve that they might be with him and that he might send them out to preach and to have authority to drive out demons.” Mark 3:13–15 When I read Mark’sContinue reading “Called Close Before Being Sent Far”
When Need Becomes Pressure
In the Life of Christ “Jesus withdrew with his disciples to the lake, and a large crowd from Galilee followed.” — Mark 3:7 When I walk beside Jesus through Mark 3:7–12, I am struck by how little His ministry resembles the peaceful religious scenes we sometimes imagine. Jesus is not sitting undisturbed beside the waterContinue reading “When Need Becomes Pressure”
When Doing Good Draws Fire
In the Life of Christ “Then the Pharisees went out and immediately plotted with the Herodians against Him, how they might destroy Him.” — Mark 3:6 When I read Mark 3:1–6, I am struck by how quickly a beautiful act of mercy becomes the occasion for hostile opposition. Jesus enters the synagogue and sees aContinue reading “When Doing Good Draws Fire”
The Quiet Grace of Being Made Low
As the Day Ends …He that humbles himself shall be exalted. Luke 14:11 As the day ends, Luke 14:11 invites me to lay down the exhausting burden of proving myself. Jesus spoke these words after observing people choosing places of honor at a meal. He knew how easily the human heart measures itself by recognition,Continue reading “The Quiet Grace of Being Made Low”
When Mercy Refuses to Wait
In the Life of Christ When I walk with Jesus into the synagogue in Mark 3, I can almost feel the room tightening. A man is there with a withered hand, but he is not the only one exposed. The Pharisees are watching Jesus closely, not to learn from Him, but to accuse Him. BibleRefContinue reading “When Mercy Refuses to Wait”