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Christmas Day, Jesus, Savior— Luke 2:11-20
‘To you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign for you: you will find a child wrapped in bands of cloth and lying in a manger.’ And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host, praising God and saying,
‘Glory to God in the highest heaven,
and on earth peace among those whom he favors!’
When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, ‘Let us go now to Bethlehem and see this thing that has taken place, which the Lord has made known to us.’ So they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the child lying in the manger. When they saw this, they made known what had been told them about this child; and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds told them. But Mary treasured all these words and pondered them in her heart. The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them.
Matthew 1:21 ‘She will bear a son, and you are to name him Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.’
‘To you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign for you: you will find a child wrapped in bands of cloth and lying in a manger.’ And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host, praising God and saying,
‘Glory to God in the highest heaven,
and on earth peace among those whom he favors!’
When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, ‘Let us go now to Bethlehem and see this thing that has taken place, which the Lord has made known to us.’ So they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the child lying in the manger. When they saw this, they made known what had been told them about this child; and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds told them. But Mary treasured all these words and pondered them in her heart. The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them.
Matthew 1:21 ‘She will bear a son, and you are to name him Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.’
Reflect
The Hebrew name for Jesus is Yeshua, short for Yehoshua (or the English Joshua), meaning “Yahweh is salvation.” The name is derived from the same root word for “he saves, delivers.”
Matthew 1:21 not only reveals Jesus’ name but also makes clear what Jesus has done. He has saved us—rescued us from darkness and brought us into his marvelous light (1 Peter 2 9). Jesus, our Savior, has stepped in to do for us what we could not do for ourselves. “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and this is your own doing; it is a gift of God—not the result of works, so that no one can boast” (Ephesians 2:8-9). C. S. Lewis calls the incarnation the “The Grand Miracle.” He writes:
In the Christian story, God descends to re-ascend. He comes down; down from the heights of absolute being into time and space, down into humanity…down to the very roots and sea-bed of the Nature He has created. But He goes down to come up again and bring the whole ruined world up with Him. . . . One may think of a diver, first reducing himself to nakedness, then glancing in mid-air, then gone with a splash, vanished, rushing down through green and warm water into black and cold water, down through increasing pressure into the death-like region of ooze and slime and old decay; then up again, back to color and light, his lungs almost bursting, till suddenly he breaks surface again, holding in his hand the dripping, precious thing that he went down to recover. He and it are both colored now that they have come up into the light; down below, where it lay colorless in the dark, he lost his color too.
The message of the gospel is that God loves us. He loves us so much that he, the Creator of the Universe, stripped himself naked and emptied himself taking on our very nature and crashed into our dark, cold cruel, and sinful world to save us from sin and free us to live the abundant and eternal life we were created to live both now and forevermore.
This is the true gift of Christmas: that God has given us his one and only Son that we might have life in him—an abundant life that we can experience right here and now and that will never end. There is nothing we can do to earn or achieve it. All we can do is receive it.
We can rest in the truth that we belong to God, but becoming like Christ is a lifelong journey of transformation. As we give and exchange gifts today, remember the saying: “Your life is God’s gift to you; what you do with it is your gift to God.
The Hebrew name for Jesus is Yeshua, short for Yehoshua (or the English Joshua), meaning “Yahweh is salvation.” The name is derived from the same root word for “he saves, delivers.”
Matthew 1:21 not only reveals Jesus’ name but also makes clear what Jesus has done. He has saved us—rescued us from darkness and brought us into his marvelous light (1 Peter 2 9). Jesus, our Savior, has stepped in to do for us what we could not do for ourselves. “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and this is your own doing; it is a gift of God—not the result of works, so that no one can boast” (Ephesians 2:8-9). C. S. Lewis calls the incarnation the “The Grand Miracle.” He writes:
In the Christian story, God descends to re-ascend. He comes down; down from the heights of absolute being into time and space, down into humanity…down to the very roots and sea-bed of the Nature He has created. But He goes down to come up again and bring the whole ruined world up with Him. . . . One may think of a diver, first reducing himself to nakedness, then glancing in mid-air, then gone with a splash, vanished, rushing down through green and warm water into black and cold water, down through increasing pressure into the death-like region of ooze and slime and old decay; then up again, back to color and light, his lungs almost bursting, till suddenly he breaks surface again, holding in his hand the dripping, precious thing that he went down to recover. He and it are both colored now that they have come up into the light; down below, where it lay colorless in the dark, he lost his color too.
The message of the gospel is that God loves us. He loves us so much that he, the Creator of the Universe, stripped himself naked and emptied himself taking on our very nature and crashed into our dark, cold cruel, and sinful world to save us from sin and free us to live the abundant and eternal life we were created to live both now and forevermore.
This is the true gift of Christmas: that God has given us his one and only Son that we might have life in him—an abundant life that we can experience right here and now and that will never end. There is nothing we can do to earn or achieve it. All we can do is receive it.
We can rest in the truth that we belong to God, but becoming like Christ is a lifelong journey of transformation. As we give and exchange gifts today, remember the saying: “Your life is God’s gift to you; what you do with it is your gift to God.
Respond
Reflect on the gift of Jesus as a great gift of grace. Reflect on his incarnation and all that it cost to save, deliver, and rescue us. How does knowing and trusting the God who is revealed in Jesus Christ affect your everyday life—the way you think, speak, work, play; the way you relate to your family, friends, neighbors, work colleagues? Are there any changes you need to make? How will you make time this Christmas to worship Jesus the Savior and to thank him for his grace in accomplishing for us what we could not accomplish on our own?
Reflect on the gift of Jesus as a great gift of grace. Reflect on his incarnation and all that it cost to save, deliver, and rescue us. How does knowing and trusting the God who is revealed in Jesus Christ affect your everyday life—the way you think, speak, work, play; the way you relate to your family, friends, neighbors, work colleagues? Are there any changes you need to make? How will you make time this Christmas to worship Jesus the Savior and to thank him for his grace in accomplishing for us what we could not accomplish on our own?
December 26, Alpha and Omega—Revelation 1:8
‘I am the Alpha and the Omega,’ says the Lord God, who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty.
Revelation 21:5-7
And the one who was seated on the throne said, ‘See, I am making all things new.’ … Then he said to me, ‘It is done! I am the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end. To the thirsty I will give water as a gift from the spring of the water of life. Those who conquer will inherit these things, and I will be their God and they will be my children.
Revelation 22:12-13
‘See, I am coming soon; my reward is with me, to repay according to everyone’s work. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end.’
‘I am the Alpha and the Omega,’ says the Lord God, who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty.
Revelation 21:5-7
And the one who was seated on the throne said, ‘See, I am making all things new.’ … Then he said to me, ‘It is done! I am the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end. To the thirsty I will give water as a gift from the spring of the water of life. Those who conquer will inherit these things, and I will be their God and they will be my children.
Revelation 22:12-13
‘See, I am coming soon; my reward is with me, to repay according to everyone’s work. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end.’
Reflect
Greeks sometimes used letters to describe their deities, but John uses the first and last letters of the Greek alphabet to describe God as the “first” and the “last.” The title “the Alpha and Omega,” like the one “who is, and who was, and who is to come,” indicates Jesus’ eternal nature: he has always existed and will exist. As God incarnate, he has no beginning, nor will he have any end with respect to time; he is from everlasting to everlasting.
This title also identifies him as the God of the Old Testament. In Isaiah 44:6, we read, “Thus says the Lord, the King of Israel, and his Redeemer, the Lord of hosts: I am the first and I am the last; besides me there is no God.” (See also Isa. 41:4 and 48:12.)
As Alpha and Omega, Christ is first and last in many ways. He is the “author and finisher” of our faith (Hebrews 12:2), meaning he begins and carries it through to completion. He is the totality of scripture, being found in the first verse of Genesis and the last verse of Revelation and everywhere in between.
This title makes the unqualified claim that Jesus is Lord over time—past, present, and future. Whatever we may face, we need not fear that anything can happen to us apart from God. We belong to Christ, and nothing can separate us from his love and his Lordship. He is the all-in-all of salvation from creation to redemption to the consummation of his kingdom and our final homecoming.
Greeks sometimes used letters to describe their deities, but John uses the first and last letters of the Greek alphabet to describe God as the “first” and the “last.” The title “the Alpha and Omega,” like the one “who is, and who was, and who is to come,” indicates Jesus’ eternal nature: he has always existed and will exist. As God incarnate, he has no beginning, nor will he have any end with respect to time; he is from everlasting to everlasting.
This title also identifies him as the God of the Old Testament. In Isaiah 44:6, we read, “Thus says the Lord, the King of Israel, and his Redeemer, the Lord of hosts: I am the first and I am the last; besides me there is no God.” (See also Isa. 41:4 and 48:12.)
As Alpha and Omega, Christ is first and last in many ways. He is the “author and finisher” of our faith (Hebrews 12:2), meaning he begins and carries it through to completion. He is the totality of scripture, being found in the first verse of Genesis and the last verse of Revelation and everywhere in between.
This title makes the unqualified claim that Jesus is Lord over time—past, present, and future. Whatever we may face, we need not fear that anything can happen to us apart from God. We belong to Christ, and nothing can separate us from his love and his Lordship. He is the all-in-all of salvation from creation to redemption to the consummation of his kingdom and our final homecoming.
Respond
How does Jesus, as the Alpha and Omega, speak to you? As the New Year approaches, what circumstances are you facing, and what feelings are you experiencing? How does knowing that Jesus is “the Alpha and Omega” –the Lord of all time—give you comfort and hope? As you make plans for another year, how does Jesus’ Lordship over time and all circumstances challenge you to arrange your life—your time and schedule—“to live a life worthy of the Lord”?
How does Jesus, as the Alpha and Omega, speak to you? As the New Year approaches, what circumstances are you facing, and what feelings are you experiencing? How does knowing that Jesus is “the Alpha and Omega” –the Lord of all time—give you comfort and hope? As you make plans for another year, how does Jesus’ Lordship over time and all circumstances challenge you to arrange your life—your time and schedule—“to live a life worthy of the Lord”?
December 27, Lord of All--Romans 10:9-13
If you confess with your lips that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For one believes with the heart and so is justified, and one confesses with the mouth and so is saved. The scripture says, ‘No one who believes in him will be put to shame.’ For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; the same Lord is Lord of all and is generous to all who call on him. For, ‘Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.’
If you confess with your lips that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For one believes with the heart and so is justified, and one confesses with the mouth and so is saved. The scripture says, ‘No one who believes in him will be put to shame.’ For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; the same Lord is Lord of all and is generous to all who call on him. For, ‘Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.’
Reflect
Yesterday, we saw that Jesus is Lord of all time. Today’s passage reveals he is “Lord of all and generous to all who call on him.” In this season of Christmas and gift-giving, we have thought creatively and intentionally about what to give those near and dear to us to show them how much we love them. What are the gifts that you want to give to Jesus as Lord? Recognizing Jesus as Lord means seeing all we are and have as a gift of God’s grace. So we participate in his ongoing work in the world by sharing our time, talents, and financial resources—the life he gave us in loving others around us.
What gifts have you recently given, and what gifts might you still give? The best gifts are usually not material ones, but the time and attention we give to loving others. In fact, the greatest gift we can give is the good news of Jesus Christ. How might God have you share the gospel with a friend, a family member, or even someone you don’t know? The possibilities are limitless. People need to hear the good news—the reason for the season—and many are more open than you think and want to hear, especially at this time of year.
Yesterday, we saw that Jesus is Lord of all time. Today’s passage reveals he is “Lord of all and generous to all who call on him.” In this season of Christmas and gift-giving, we have thought creatively and intentionally about what to give those near and dear to us to show them how much we love them. What are the gifts that you want to give to Jesus as Lord? Recognizing Jesus as Lord means seeing all we are and have as a gift of God’s grace. So we participate in his ongoing work in the world by sharing our time, talents, and financial resources—the life he gave us in loving others around us.
What gifts have you recently given, and what gifts might you still give? The best gifts are usually not material ones, but the time and attention we give to loving others. In fact, the greatest gift we can give is the good news of Jesus Christ. How might God have you share the gospel with a friend, a family member, or even someone you don’t know? The possibilities are limitless. People need to hear the good news—the reason for the season—and many are more open than you think and want to hear, especially at this time of year.
Respond
In what ways do you recognize Jesus as Lord in your life? Take time to examine your calendar, contact list, and checkbook. How do these reflect what is most important to you? How might God call you in the coming year to live under his Lordship by sharing what you have with others? Whom could you begin to pray for and share the good news with in the coming year? How might you grow with others in your life of faith? How can you share your time, talent, and financial resources for the glory of God and the good of others?
In what ways do you recognize Jesus as Lord in your life? Take time to examine your calendar, contact list, and checkbook. How do these reflect what is most important to you? How might God call you in the coming year to live under his Lordship by sharing what you have with others? Whom could you begin to pray for and share the good news with in the coming year? How might you grow with others in your life of faith? How can you share your time, talent, and financial resources for the glory of God and the good of others?
December 28, Jesus Christ is Lord—Philippians 2:1-11
If then there is any encouragement in Christ, any consolation from love, any sharing in the Spirit, any compassion and sympathy, make my joy complete: be of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility regard others as better than yourselves. Let each of you look not to your own interests, but to the interests of others. Let the same mind be in you that was in Christ Jesus,
who, though he was in the form of God,
did not regard equality with God
as something to be exploited,
but emptied himself,
taking the form of a slave,
being born in human likeness.
And being found in human form,
he humbled himself
and became obedient to the point of death--
even death on a cross.
Therefore God also highly exalted him
and gave him the name
that is above every name,
so that at the name of Jesus
every knee should bend,
in heaven and on earth and under the earth,
and every tongue should confess
that Jesus Christ is Lord,
to the glory of God the Father.
If then there is any encouragement in Christ, any consolation from love, any sharing in the Spirit, any compassion and sympathy, make my joy complete: be of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility regard others as better than yourselves. Let each of you look not to your own interests, but to the interests of others. Let the same mind be in you that was in Christ Jesus,
who, though he was in the form of God,
did not regard equality with God
as something to be exploited,
but emptied himself,
taking the form of a slave,
being born in human likeness.
And being found in human form,
he humbled himself
and became obedient to the point of death--
even death on a cross.
Therefore God also highly exalted him
and gave him the name
that is above every name,
so that at the name of Jesus
every knee should bend,
in heaven and on earth and under the earth,
and every tongue should confess
that Jesus Christ is Lord,
to the glory of God the Father.
Reflect
Philippians 2 is another beautiful picture of the upside-down nature of the kingdom of God. As God, Jesus has all authority and power. Still, he chose to let go of what was rightfully his to humble himself in becoming a human being and then suffering and dying on a cross so that we could be drawn into a relationship with him and experience his love and life as it was meant to be lived.
Life in the world is very different. We are daily bombarded with messages at work, in school, and in the media that the way to get ahead in life is to accumulate possessions and wealth, acquire power and position, and achieve earthly success. But Jesus shows us another way—the way of humility, faithfulness, and obedience to God’s will and ways. On the other side of the cross and death is resurrection to new life—life in the kingdom of God now and forever.
In this passage, there is both a sober warning and a challenge. The warning is that while not everyone recognizes Jesus as Lord here and now, one day, every person will bow in submission and recognition to who he is as Lord. As followers of Jesus, we must ask ourselves if our lives reflect Christ’s lordship. If someone closely examined your life, would there be enough evidence to convince them that you are indeed a follower of Christ?
Philippians 2 is another beautiful picture of the upside-down nature of the kingdom of God. As God, Jesus has all authority and power. Still, he chose to let go of what was rightfully his to humble himself in becoming a human being and then suffering and dying on a cross so that we could be drawn into a relationship with him and experience his love and life as it was meant to be lived.
Life in the world is very different. We are daily bombarded with messages at work, in school, and in the media that the way to get ahead in life is to accumulate possessions and wealth, acquire power and position, and achieve earthly success. But Jesus shows us another way—the way of humility, faithfulness, and obedience to God’s will and ways. On the other side of the cross and death is resurrection to new life—life in the kingdom of God now and forever.
In this passage, there is both a sober warning and a challenge. The warning is that while not everyone recognizes Jesus as Lord here and now, one day, every person will bow in submission and recognition to who he is as Lord. As followers of Jesus, we must ask ourselves if our lives reflect Christ’s lordship. If someone closely examined your life, would there be enough evidence to convince them that you are indeed a follower of Christ?
Respond
Does your life reflect the love, humility, and obedience of Jesus as Lord? Do you live your life for the glory of God and the good of others? Why or why not? What adjustments must you make in the New Year to allow Christ to truly be Lord?
Does your life reflect the love, humility, and obedience of Jesus as Lord? Do you live your life for the glory of God and the good of others? Why or why not? What adjustments must you make in the New Year to allow Christ to truly be Lord?
December 29, I Am --Exodus 3:14-15
God appears in a burning bush and instructs Moses to bring his people out of Egypt. Moses wonders what to say about who sent him.
“God said to Moses, ‘I am who I am.’ He said further, ‘Thus you shall say to the Israelites, “I am has sent me to you.” God also said to Moses, “Thus you shall say to the Israelites, ‘The Lord, the God of your ancestors, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, has sent me to you’: This is my name forever, and this my title for all generations.”
John 8:58
Jesus said to them, ‘Very truly, I tell you, before Abraham was, I am.’
God introduces himself to Moses by saying “I am who I am,” or “I will be who I will be.” This word “YHWH” (Yahweh) is found more than 6,000 times in the Old Testament. Jesus clearly identifies himself as “the Lord” by using this phrase. This week, we will explore the seven “I am” statements of Jesus found in John’s gospel.
God appears in a burning bush and instructs Moses to bring his people out of Egypt. Moses wonders what to say about who sent him.
“God said to Moses, ‘I am who I am.’ He said further, ‘Thus you shall say to the Israelites, “I am has sent me to you.” God also said to Moses, “Thus you shall say to the Israelites, ‘The Lord, the God of your ancestors, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, has sent me to you’: This is my name forever, and this my title for all generations.”
John 8:58
Jesus said to them, ‘Very truly, I tell you, before Abraham was, I am.’
God introduces himself to Moses by saying “I am who I am,” or “I will be who I will be.” This word “YHWH” (Yahweh) is found more than 6,000 times in the Old Testament. Jesus clearly identifies himself as “the Lord” by using this phrase. This week, we will explore the seven “I am” statements of Jesus found in John’s gospel.
December 30, I Am the Bread of Life—John 6:35-51
Jesus said to them, ‘I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never be hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty…. But I said to you that you have seen me and yet do not believe. Everything that the Father gives me will come to me, and anyone who comes to me I will never drive away; for I have come down from heaven, not to do my own will, but the will of him who sent me. And this is the will of him who sent me, that I should lose nothing of all that he has given me, but raise it up on the last day. This is indeed the will of my Father, that all who see the Son and believe in him may have eternal life; and I will raise them up on the last day.’ Then the Jews began to complain about him because he said, ‘I am the bread that came down from heaven.’ They were saying, ‘Is not this Jesus, the son of Joseph, whose father and mother we know? How can he now say, “I have come down from heaven”?’ Jesus answered them, ‘Do not complain among yourselves. No one can come to me unless drawn by the Father who sent me; and I will raise that person up on the last day. It is written in the prophets, “And they shall all be taught by God.” Everyone who has heard and learned from the Father comes to me. Not that anyone has seen the Father except the one who is from God; he has seen the Father. Very truly, I tell you, whoever believes has eternal life. I am the bread of life. Your ancestors ate the manna in the wilderness, and they died. This is the bread that comes down from heaven, so that one may eat of it and not die. I am the living bread that came down from heaven. Whoever eats of this bread will live for ever; and the bread that I will give for the life of the world is my flesh.’
Jesus said to them, ‘I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never be hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty…. But I said to you that you have seen me and yet do not believe. Everything that the Father gives me will come to me, and anyone who comes to me I will never drive away; for I have come down from heaven, not to do my own will, but the will of him who sent me. And this is the will of him who sent me, that I should lose nothing of all that he has given me, but raise it up on the last day. This is indeed the will of my Father, that all who see the Son and believe in him may have eternal life; and I will raise them up on the last day.’ Then the Jews began to complain about him because he said, ‘I am the bread that came down from heaven.’ They were saying, ‘Is not this Jesus, the son of Joseph, whose father and mother we know? How can he now say, “I have come down from heaven”?’ Jesus answered them, ‘Do not complain among yourselves. No one can come to me unless drawn by the Father who sent me; and I will raise that person up on the last day. It is written in the prophets, “And they shall all be taught by God.” Everyone who has heard and learned from the Father comes to me. Not that anyone has seen the Father except the one who is from God; he has seen the Father. Very truly, I tell you, whoever believes has eternal life. I am the bread of life. Your ancestors ate the manna in the wilderness, and they died. This is the bread that comes down from heaven, so that one may eat of it and not die. I am the living bread that came down from heaven. Whoever eats of this bread will live for ever; and the bread that I will give for the life of the world is my flesh.’
Reflect
Just before this passage, Jesus does a miracle in feeding 5,000 people with just two fish and five loaves of bread. People were amazed by his miraculous power and flocked to see and hear him, and benefit from his ability to supply “wonder bread.” But Jesus wants to make clear who he is and why he came.
Food is an essential element for life; no one can live without it. And in many places around the world, including ancient Israel, bread was the primary source of food. So Jesus wants to make plain that spiritual hunger can only be met and spiritual life can only be found in him. When Jesus says, “I am the bread of life,” he is inviting all those who will hear to come to him and find life in him.
But here is the thing about food: you can have it in your cupboard or your refrigerator, but unless you put that food in your mouth, chew, and swallow it, you will not be strengthened and sustained for your physical life in this world. Just as we need food daily to live, so we need to invite Jesus to strengthen and sustain us daily for our spiritual lives in him.
Just before this passage, Jesus does a miracle in feeding 5,000 people with just two fish and five loaves of bread. People were amazed by his miraculous power and flocked to see and hear him, and benefit from his ability to supply “wonder bread.” But Jesus wants to make clear who he is and why he came.
Food is an essential element for life; no one can live without it. And in many places around the world, including ancient Israel, bread was the primary source of food. So Jesus wants to make plain that spiritual hunger can only be met and spiritual life can only be found in him. When Jesus says, “I am the bread of life,” he is inviting all those who will hear to come to him and find life in him.
But here is the thing about food: you can have it in your cupboard or your refrigerator, but unless you put that food in your mouth, chew, and swallow it, you will not be strengthened and sustained for your physical life in this world. Just as we need food daily to live, so we need to invite Jesus to strengthen and sustain us daily for our spiritual lives in him.
Respond
How will you arrange your life in the coming year so Jesus can feed and nourish you? Just as you have rhythms for eating alone and together with others, when will you set aside time to be fed spiritually by spending time with Jesus—alone and with others? What will you do to ensure you become more like Jesus, such as reading his word, praying, worshiping, having family devotions, and participating in a growth group and/or service opportunity?
How will you arrange your life in the coming year so Jesus can feed and nourish you? Just as you have rhythms for eating alone and together with others, when will you set aside time to be fed spiritually by spending time with Jesus—alone and with others? What will you do to ensure you become more like Jesus, such as reading his word, praying, worshiping, having family devotions, and participating in a growth group and/or service opportunity?
December 31, I Am the Light of the World—John 8:12
Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, ‘I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness but will have the light of life.’
Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, ‘I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness but will have the light of life.’
Reflect
Do you ever feel afraid of the dark? In the midst of whatever darkness we may face, Jesus asserts, “I am the light of the world.” The true light reveals that we are sinners in need of a savior. Just as turning on a light switch drives away darkness, so accepting Jesus into our lives frees us from the darkness of sin and makes us children of God. Though we are already forgiven, we still need to allow Jesus to transform our sinful attitudes, words, and behaviors in light of his presence.
Following Jesus and becoming more like him is an ongoing, intentional, life-long journey of letting go of the darkness of our sinful, false selves and letting God’s light shine through us to bring our truest and best selves to everyone we meet and all we do. This doesn’t mean bad things will never happen or that we will never suffer pain. What it does mean is that Jesus’ constant presence in our lives continues to bring love, comfort, and hope in the midst of whatever darkness we may encounter—in ourselves or in the world.
Do you ever feel afraid of the dark? In the midst of whatever darkness we may face, Jesus asserts, “I am the light of the world.” The true light reveals that we are sinners in need of a savior. Just as turning on a light switch drives away darkness, so accepting Jesus into our lives frees us from the darkness of sin and makes us children of God. Though we are already forgiven, we still need to allow Jesus to transform our sinful attitudes, words, and behaviors in light of his presence.
Following Jesus and becoming more like him is an ongoing, intentional, life-long journey of letting go of the darkness of our sinful, false selves and letting God’s light shine through us to bring our truest and best selves to everyone we meet and all we do. This doesn’t mean bad things will never happen or that we will never suffer pain. What it does mean is that Jesus’ constant presence in our lives continues to bring love, comfort, and hope in the midst of whatever darkness we may encounter—in ourselves or in the world.
Respond
Take time to name the reality of your life right now. Think about the ways you need the light of Christ’s presence. How is God inviting you to allow him to transform your darkness into light? What sinful attitude or behavior are you struggling with? How might you offer yourself to Jesus, the light of the world, for him to do in and through and for you what you cannot do for yourself? Whom might you ask to help you or hold you accountable?
If you are in a season of darkness (such as experiencing illness, grief, or relational or financial stress), how might you arrange your life in the coming year to allow the light of Christ’s presence to bring you comfort and hope? Who might support you in this effort (such as a friend, counselor, or support group)?
Take time to name the reality of your life right now. Think about the ways you need the light of Christ’s presence. How is God inviting you to allow him to transform your darkness into light? What sinful attitude or behavior are you struggling with? How might you offer yourself to Jesus, the light of the world, for him to do in and through and for you what you cannot do for yourself? Whom might you ask to help you or hold you accountable?
If you are in a season of darkness (such as experiencing illness, grief, or relational or financial stress), how might you arrange your life in the coming year to allow the light of Christ’s presence to bring you comfort and hope? Who might support you in this effort (such as a friend, counselor, or support group)?
January 1, I Am the Gate—John 10:1-10
‘Very truly, I tell you, anyone who does not enter the sheepfold by the gate but climbs in by another way is a thief and a bandit. The one who enters by the gate is the shepherd of the sheep. The gatekeeper opens the gate for him, and the sheep hear his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. When he has brought out all his own, he goes ahead of them, and the sheep follow him because they know his voice. They will not follow a stranger, but they will run from him because they do not know the voice of strangers.’ Jesus used this figure of speech with them, but they did not understand what he was saying to them.
So again Jesus said to them, ‘Very truly, I tell you, I am the gate for the sheep. All who came before me are thieves and bandits; but the sheep did not listen to them. I am the gate. Whoever enters by me will be saved, and will come in and go out and find pasture. The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly.’
‘Very truly, I tell you, anyone who does not enter the sheepfold by the gate but climbs in by another way is a thief and a bandit. The one who enters by the gate is the shepherd of the sheep. The gatekeeper opens the gate for him, and the sheep hear his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. When he has brought out all his own, he goes ahead of them, and the sheep follow him because they know his voice. They will not follow a stranger, but they will run from him because they do not know the voice of strangers.’ Jesus used this figure of speech with them, but they did not understand what he was saying to them.
So again Jesus said to them, ‘Very truly, I tell you, I am the gate for the sheep. All who came before me are thieves and bandits; but the sheep did not listen to them. I am the gate. Whoever enters by me will be saved, and will come in and go out and find pasture. The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly.’
Reflect
One of the most beloved images we have of Jesus is that of a shepherd. Sheep are not very bright, rather prone to wander, and somewhat directionally challenged. They are vulnerable creatures who need to be watched over, protected, provided for, and guided. Sheep were often gathered into pens at night to protect them from the weather, wild animals, and even thieves. These pens were caves or open areas surrounded by walls made of stones or branches, but the openings had no gate. The shepherd would position himself at the opening and serve as the gate, letting in the sheep and keeping out anything that would harm them
When Jesus proclaims, “I am the gate,” he is making clear that he is the way and the very source of life itself. There is life in no one else. And the life he gives is abundantly richer, fuller, and more meaningful than could ever be gained apart from him. This life begins now but goes forever. As the gateway to life, Jesus alone loves, cares for, protects, provides for, and leads us in the way to go.
The imagery of Jesus as the shepherd who serves as the gate to us, his sheep, conveys a tender, sweet, intimate relationship. Jesus, our shepherd, knows each of us by name and calls us in and out. The metaphor invites us, as his sheep, to know his voice and to trust him, understanding that he alone is the one looking out for our interests and welfare.
One of the most beloved images we have of Jesus is that of a shepherd. Sheep are not very bright, rather prone to wander, and somewhat directionally challenged. They are vulnerable creatures who need to be watched over, protected, provided for, and guided. Sheep were often gathered into pens at night to protect them from the weather, wild animals, and even thieves. These pens were caves or open areas surrounded by walls made of stones or branches, but the openings had no gate. The shepherd would position himself at the opening and serve as the gate, letting in the sheep and keeping out anything that would harm them
When Jesus proclaims, “I am the gate,” he is making clear that he is the way and the very source of life itself. There is life in no one else. And the life he gives is abundantly richer, fuller, and more meaningful than could ever be gained apart from him. This life begins now but goes forever. As the gateway to life, Jesus alone loves, cares for, protects, provides for, and leads us in the way to go.
The imagery of Jesus as the shepherd who serves as the gate to us, his sheep, conveys a tender, sweet, intimate relationship. Jesus, our shepherd, knows each of us by name and calls us in and out. The metaphor invites us, as his sheep, to know his voice and to trust him, understanding that he alone is the one looking out for our interests and welfare.
Respond
This passage makes clear that the sheep are intimately connected to the shepherd and are understood to be a part of the flock of God. What voices are you tempted to listen to rather than the voice of Jesus? How do you make time to listen to the shepherd's voice, be led by him, and experience the joy of an intimate relationship with him? On this first day of the New Year, consider how you want to arrange your life in this new year to become more like Jesus as you love him and love others.
This passage makes clear that the sheep are intimately connected to the shepherd and are understood to be a part of the flock of God. What voices are you tempted to listen to rather than the voice of Jesus? How do you make time to listen to the shepherd's voice, be led by him, and experience the joy of an intimate relationship with him? On this first day of the New Year, consider how you want to arrange your life in this new year to become more like Jesus as you love him and love others.
January 2, I Am the Good Shepherd—John 10:11-18
“I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. The hired hand, who is not the shepherd and does not own the sheep, sees the wolf coming and leaves the sheep and runs away—and the wolf snatches them and scatters them. The hired hand runs away because a hired hand does not care for the sheep. I am the good shepherd. I know my own and my own know me, just as the Father knows me and I know the Father. And I lay down my life for the sheep. I have other sheep that do not belong to this fold. I must bring them also, and they will listen to my voice. So there will be one flock, one shepherd. For this reason the Father loves me, because I lay down my life in order to take it up again. No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord.
I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it up again. I have received this command from my Father.”
“I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. The hired hand, who is not the shepherd and does not own the sheep, sees the wolf coming and leaves the sheep and runs away—and the wolf snatches them and scatters them. The hired hand runs away because a hired hand does not care for the sheep. I am the good shepherd. I know my own and my own know me, just as the Father knows me and I know the Father. And I lay down my life for the sheep. I have other sheep that do not belong to this fold. I must bring them also, and they will listen to my voice. So there will be one flock, one shepherd. For this reason the Father loves me, because I lay down my life in order to take it up again. No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord.
I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it up again. I have received this command from my Father.”
Reflect
Jesus continues to clarify his identity and the identity of those who follow him. Not only is he the way to life (the Gate), but he is the one who leads the way to life (the Good Shepherd). He is not like someone paid to care for sheep who will flee when the going gets tough. He is “the Good Shepherd” who loves, values, and knows us as his sheep—in fact, is intimately acquainted with our ways—because we belong to him. Jesus conveys the depth of his love by willingly laying down his life for us.
In this passage, Jesus clarifies that there are “other sheep.” Here, he is speaking to a Jewish audience and declaring that Gentiles (non-Jews) will also be saved and become part of God's flock. This is an important word for every follower to hear. Jesus died for the sins of the world—not just people like us.
We must be careful not to see ourselves merely as individuals or only as members of a nuclear family. We belong to Jesus and are a part of God’s one flock—“the holy Catholic (universal) church” and “the communion of saints,” as the Apostle’s Creed states. As a part of the flock following Jesus as our Good Shepherd, we accept our Lord’s mission and mandate to proclaim the good news to the world and make disciples of all nations.
Jesus continues to clarify his identity and the identity of those who follow him. Not only is he the way to life (the Gate), but he is the one who leads the way to life (the Good Shepherd). He is not like someone paid to care for sheep who will flee when the going gets tough. He is “the Good Shepherd” who loves, values, and knows us as his sheep—in fact, is intimately acquainted with our ways—because we belong to him. Jesus conveys the depth of his love by willingly laying down his life for us.
In this passage, Jesus clarifies that there are “other sheep.” Here, he is speaking to a Jewish audience and declaring that Gentiles (non-Jews) will also be saved and become part of God's flock. This is an important word for every follower to hear. Jesus died for the sins of the world—not just people like us.
We must be careful not to see ourselves merely as individuals or only as members of a nuclear family. We belong to Jesus and are a part of God’s one flock—“the holy Catholic (universal) church” and “the communion of saints,” as the Apostle’s Creed states. As a part of the flock following Jesus as our Good Shepherd, we accept our Lord’s mission and mandate to proclaim the good news to the world and make disciples of all nations.
Respond
How well do you know your Good Shepherd? What might you do in this New Year to know him better? How does your life reflect an awareness of being connected to the flock of God (e.g., regular participation in corporate worship, small group, and ministry)? Ask God to give you the courage to share the good news about Jesus with someone who does not know him. How might God use you (with your resources of time, spiritual gifts, talent, experience, and money) to participate with Jesus in serving the body of Christ and reaching others who do not know Christ? Take the time to intentionally plan how you will follow and become more like Jesus in the coming year.
How well do you know your Good Shepherd? What might you do in this New Year to know him better? How does your life reflect an awareness of being connected to the flock of God (e.g., regular participation in corporate worship, small group, and ministry)? Ask God to give you the courage to share the good news about Jesus with someone who does not know him. How might God use you (with your resources of time, spiritual gifts, talent, experience, and money) to participate with Jesus in serving the body of Christ and reaching others who do not know Christ? Take the time to intentionally plan how you will follow and become more like Jesus in the coming year.
January 3, I Am the Resurrection and Life—John 11:17-27
When Jesus arrived, he found that Lazarus had already been in the tomb for four days. Now Bethany was near Jerusalem, some two miles away, and many of the Jews had come to Martha and Mary to console them about their brother. When Martha heard that Jesus was coming, she went and met him, while Mary stayed at home. Martha said to Jesus, ‘Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died. But even now I know that God will give you whatever you ask of him.’ Jesus said to her, ‘Your brother will rise again.’ Martha said to him, ‘I know that he will rise again in the resurrection on the last day.’ Jesus said to her, ‘I am the resurrection and the life. Those who believe in me, even though they die, will live, and everyone who lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?’ She said to him, ‘Yes, Lord, I believe that you are the Messiah, the Son of God, the one coming into the world.’
When Jesus arrived, he found that Lazarus had already been in the tomb for four days. Now Bethany was near Jerusalem, some two miles away, and many of the Jews had come to Martha and Mary to console them about their brother. When Martha heard that Jesus was coming, she went and met him, while Mary stayed at home. Martha said to Jesus, ‘Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died. But even now I know that God will give you whatever you ask of him.’ Jesus said to her, ‘Your brother will rise again.’ Martha said to him, ‘I know that he will rise again in the resurrection on the last day.’ Jesus said to her, ‘I am the resurrection and the life. Those who believe in me, even though they die, will live, and everyone who lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?’ She said to him, ‘Yes, Lord, I believe that you are the Messiah, the Son of God, the one coming into the world.’
Reflect
Things we can’t control can unsettle us, and perhaps death is the greatest fear of people at every time and place. Jesus confronts that fear head-on as he proclaims, “I am the Resurrection and the Life,” making clear that he has power that only God can have—the power to overcome death, the greatest of human problems. Not only that, he promises resurrection and eternal life to all who believe. This is not merely a ticket to heaven or something we get when we die; it is a present and permanent reality. This life is a quality of life wrapped up in an interactive relationship with God that begins when we trust Christ and never ends.
Jesus’ words give us a vision for life for those who believe. Our lives do not need to be dictated or determined by the inevitable power of death but instead by the unchangeable promise of life with God. As believers, we remain in the presence of God during life and after death. One of my favorite verses is Romans 14:8: “If we live, we live to the Lord, and if we die, we die to the Lord; so then, whether we live or whether we die, we are the Lord’s.”
Faith is key to experiencing this reality. Faith is not an assent to a series of faith statements. It is the embrace of Jesus for who he is as the Messiah, the Son of God, and the willingness to see ourselves in light of who he is and in relationship to him. Only in our relationship with Jesus will we receive the gift of eternal life and the promise of resurrection.
Things we can’t control can unsettle us, and perhaps death is the greatest fear of people at every time and place. Jesus confronts that fear head-on as he proclaims, “I am the Resurrection and the Life,” making clear that he has power that only God can have—the power to overcome death, the greatest of human problems. Not only that, he promises resurrection and eternal life to all who believe. This is not merely a ticket to heaven or something we get when we die; it is a present and permanent reality. This life is a quality of life wrapped up in an interactive relationship with God that begins when we trust Christ and never ends.
Jesus’ words give us a vision for life for those who believe. Our lives do not need to be dictated or determined by the inevitable power of death but instead by the unchangeable promise of life with God. As believers, we remain in the presence of God during life and after death. One of my favorite verses is Romans 14:8: “If we live, we live to the Lord, and if we die, we die to the Lord; so then, whether we live or whether we die, we are the Lord’s.”
Faith is key to experiencing this reality. Faith is not an assent to a series of faith statements. It is the embrace of Jesus for who he is as the Messiah, the Son of God, and the willingness to see ourselves in light of who he is and in relationship to him. Only in our relationship with Jesus will we receive the gift of eternal life and the promise of resurrection.
Respond
Does your life reflect concern about or even fear of death? Why or why not? What difference does Jesus’ claim to be the Resurrection and the Life make to you? How does knowing Christ as the Life give you joy, peace, and hope? Is there anyone you know who is struggling and who might be encouraged by the good news that Jesus is the Resurrection and the Life? Please make time to meet with them soon to share this good news. Continue to consider how you want to arrange your life this year to become more like Jesus.
Does your life reflect concern about or even fear of death? Why or why not? What difference does Jesus’ claim to be the Resurrection and the Life make to you? How does knowing Christ as the Life give you joy, peace, and hope? Is there anyone you know who is struggling and who might be encouraged by the good news that Jesus is the Resurrection and the Life? Please make time to meet with them soon to share this good news. Continue to consider how you want to arrange your life this year to become more like Jesus.
January 4 I Am the Way, Truth, and Life—John 14:1-7
‘Do not let your hearts be troubled. Believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father’s house, there are many dwelling-places. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, so that where I am, there you may be also. And you know the way to the place where I am going.’ Thomas said to him, ‘Lord, we do not know where you are going. How can we know the way?’ Jesus said to him, ‘I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. If you know me, you will know my Father also. From now on you do know him and have seen him.’
‘Do not let your hearts be troubled. Believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father’s house, there are many dwelling-places. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, so that where I am, there you may be also. And you know the way to the place where I am going.’ Thomas said to him, ‘Lord, we do not know where you are going. How can we know the way?’ Jesus said to him, ‘I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. If you know me, you will know my Father also. From now on you do know him and have seen him.’
Reflect
Some years ago, a friend told me of her visit back to the Chicago area with her son. As they were driving along, her son suddenly said, “We have been on the same road with the same name going in the same direction for eight miles. That would never happen in Northern Virginia.” So true. Since I am directionally challenged and easily get lost, I need help knowing where I am, where I want to go, and how to get there.
On the night before his death, Jesus’ disciples were confused and disoriented, so he sought to reassure and prepare them for his departure. He wants them to understand that he is returning to the Father and to assure them that there is a place for them—not a house but a home or residence—that they will experience as they are drawn into the life and love found in the relationship of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
Thomas is still thinking in terms of location and wants to know where he is going and how to get there, but Jesus’ response reveals the extent of the misunderstanding. In the Psalms (see Psalm 1), “the way” is used as a metaphor to describe a life lived in accordance with the law or the will and desire of God. Jesus doesn’t point to the ways other great religious leaders do; he makes clear that he is “the way” to a life in God. Think of being in a growing, interactive relationship with Jesus as the only road that leads to life in the kingdom as it was meant to be lived.
Many have told the truth, but Jesus declares that he is “the truth.” As the Word made flesh, Jesus is God’s truth available to the world, setting us free to live life as it was meant to be lived. Think of Jesus like the map freeing us from being lost. As we orient our lives to “the truth,” we are oriented to life as it was meant to be lived.
And finally, Jesus doesn’t just tell about life, he is “the life.” As we have seen already, Jesus claims God’s life-giving power and brings this life to the world—to us who were once separated from God but have now been drawn into his very life and love. Think of
Jesus, like that GPS voice who is ever-present—guiding, directing, and drawing us into life in the kingdom now and forever. Only Jesus—fully human and fully divine—bridges the gap between God and us. God has revealed his kingdom, his character, his will, and his work of salvation in Jesus—“the way, the truth, and the life.”
Some years ago, a friend told me of her visit back to the Chicago area with her son. As they were driving along, her son suddenly said, “We have been on the same road with the same name going in the same direction for eight miles. That would never happen in Northern Virginia.” So true. Since I am directionally challenged and easily get lost, I need help knowing where I am, where I want to go, and how to get there.
On the night before his death, Jesus’ disciples were confused and disoriented, so he sought to reassure and prepare them for his departure. He wants them to understand that he is returning to the Father and to assure them that there is a place for them—not a house but a home or residence—that they will experience as they are drawn into the life and love found in the relationship of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
Thomas is still thinking in terms of location and wants to know where he is going and how to get there, but Jesus’ response reveals the extent of the misunderstanding. In the Psalms (see Psalm 1), “the way” is used as a metaphor to describe a life lived in accordance with the law or the will and desire of God. Jesus doesn’t point to the ways other great religious leaders do; he makes clear that he is “the way” to a life in God. Think of being in a growing, interactive relationship with Jesus as the only road that leads to life in the kingdom as it was meant to be lived.
Many have told the truth, but Jesus declares that he is “the truth.” As the Word made flesh, Jesus is God’s truth available to the world, setting us free to live life as it was meant to be lived. Think of Jesus like the map freeing us from being lost. As we orient our lives to “the truth,” we are oriented to life as it was meant to be lived.
And finally, Jesus doesn’t just tell about life, he is “the life.” As we have seen already, Jesus claims God’s life-giving power and brings this life to the world—to us who were once separated from God but have now been drawn into his very life and love. Think of
Jesus, like that GPS voice who is ever-present—guiding, directing, and drawing us into life in the kingdom now and forever. Only Jesus—fully human and fully divine—bridges the gap between God and us. God has revealed his kingdom, his character, his will, and his work of salvation in Jesus—“the way, the truth, and the life.”
Respond
Do you share the disciples’ misunderstandings about Jesus? What are the implications of Jesus’ astounding statement? How does your life reflect that you are trusting Jesus as “the way, the truth, and the life”? Are there any adjustments you need to make? How do you want to arrange your life in the coming year to become like Christ together for the world?
Do you share the disciples’ misunderstandings about Jesus? What are the implications of Jesus’ astounding statement? How does your life reflect that you are trusting Jesus as “the way, the truth, and the life”? Are there any adjustments you need to make? How do you want to arrange your life in the coming year to become like Christ together for the world?
January 5, I Am the True Vine—John 15:1-17
‘I am the true vine, and my Father is the vine-grower. He removes every branch in me that bears no fruit. Every branch that bears fruit he prunes to make it bear more fruit. You have already been cleansed by the word that I have spoken to you. Abide in me as I abide in you. Just as the branch cannot bear fruit by itself unless it abides in the vine, neither can you unless you abide in me. I am the vine, you are the branches. Those who abide in me and I in them bear much fruit, because apart from me you can do nothing. Whoever does not abide in me is thrown away like a branch and withers; such branches are gathered, thrown into the fire, and burned. If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask for whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. My Father is glorified by this, that you bear much fruit and become my disciples. As the Father has loved me, so I have loved you; abide in my love. If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commandments and abide in his love. I have said these things to you so that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be complete.
‘This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. No one has greater love than this, to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. You are my friends if you do what I command you. I do not call you servants any longer, because the servant does not know what the master is doing; but I have called you friends, because I have made known to you everything that I have heard from my Father. You did not choose me but I chose you. And I appointed you to go and bear fruit, fruit that will last, so that the Father will give you whatever you ask him in my name. I am giving you these commands so that you may love one another.’
‘I am the true vine, and my Father is the vine-grower. He removes every branch in me that bears no fruit. Every branch that bears fruit he prunes to make it bear more fruit. You have already been cleansed by the word that I have spoken to you. Abide in me as I abide in you. Just as the branch cannot bear fruit by itself unless it abides in the vine, neither can you unless you abide in me. I am the vine, you are the branches. Those who abide in me and I in them bear much fruit, because apart from me you can do nothing. Whoever does not abide in me is thrown away like a branch and withers; such branches are gathered, thrown into the fire, and burned. If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask for whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. My Father is glorified by this, that you bear much fruit and become my disciples. As the Father has loved me, so I have loved you; abide in my love. If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commandments and abide in his love. I have said these things to you so that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be complete.
‘This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. No one has greater love than this, to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. You are my friends if you do what I command you. I do not call you servants any longer, because the servant does not know what the master is doing; but I have called you friends, because I have made known to you everything that I have heard from my Father. You did not choose me but I chose you. And I appointed you to go and bear fruit, fruit that will last, so that the Father will give you whatever you ask him in my name. I am giving you these commands so that you may love one another.’
Reflect
Sometimes our spiritual life can feel like a burden, as if it is up to us to make it happen. This passage is a great encouragement because it reminds us that our spiritual life depends entirely on God’s grace. When Jesus says, “I am the vine; you are the branches,” he states an obvious truth: branches cannot produce fruit by themselves; they must stay connected to the vine. So we, as Jesus’ followers, must abide in or stay connected to Christ, “the true vine.”
In our highly independent, individualistic culture, it is sometimes hard to accept, believe, and live the truth that apart from Jesus, we can do nothing. But this is really good news. We are free from trying to earn our way, prove ourselves, or make it happen. Life, love, joy, and peace are gifts of grace that naturally flow in and through us as we abide in Christ.
But that doesn’t mean we do nothing. Spiritual disciplines are ways to abide in Christ as we offer ourselves to God to do what only he can do. As we choose to read, study, or memorize God’s word, we open ourselves to hear God’s eternal word speaking to us. As we pray to the Lord, we intentionally turn our hearts and minds toward him, become attentive to his presence, and experience his peace. As we step out to love our neighbor as ourselves, we often experience the deep and abiding truth that God has gone out of his way to love us.
Again, spiritual disciplines don’t earn us brownie points with God or change us. Instead, they are a means of grace, ways we open ourselves to the Holy Spirit, who uses these practices to transform us into the image of Christ so we can experience more and more the abundant life of love, joy, and peace.
Sometimes our spiritual life can feel like a burden, as if it is up to us to make it happen. This passage is a great encouragement because it reminds us that our spiritual life depends entirely on God’s grace. When Jesus says, “I am the vine; you are the branches,” he states an obvious truth: branches cannot produce fruit by themselves; they must stay connected to the vine. So we, as Jesus’ followers, must abide in or stay connected to Christ, “the true vine.”
In our highly independent, individualistic culture, it is sometimes hard to accept, believe, and live the truth that apart from Jesus, we can do nothing. But this is really good news. We are free from trying to earn our way, prove ourselves, or make it happen. Life, love, joy, and peace are gifts of grace that naturally flow in and through us as we abide in Christ.
But that doesn’t mean we do nothing. Spiritual disciplines are ways to abide in Christ as we offer ourselves to God to do what only he can do. As we choose to read, study, or memorize God’s word, we open ourselves to hear God’s eternal word speaking to us. As we pray to the Lord, we intentionally turn our hearts and minds toward him, become attentive to his presence, and experience his peace. As we step out to love our neighbor as ourselves, we often experience the deep and abiding truth that God has gone out of his way to love us.
Again, spiritual disciplines don’t earn us brownie points with God or change us. Instead, they are a means of grace, ways we open ourselves to the Holy Spirit, who uses these practices to transform us into the image of Christ so we can experience more and more the abundant life of love, joy, and peace.
Respond
What does it mean for you, a branch, to stay connected to Christ? What is helping, and what is hindering your abiding in Christ? What practices are mentioned in John 15? What are the practices, relationships, and experiences that enable you to abide in Christ? How is Christ inviting you to abide in him and to obey him? What does that look like in your real, everyday, ordinary life? How do you want to arrange your life to become more like Jesus in the coming year?
What does it mean for you, a branch, to stay connected to Christ? What is helping, and what is hindering your abiding in Christ? What practices are mentioned in John 15? What are the practices, relationships, and experiences that enable you to abide in Christ? How is Christ inviting you to abide in him and to obey him? What does that look like in your real, everyday, ordinary life? How do you want to arrange your life to become more like Jesus in the coming year?
January 6, Epiphany —Matthew 2:1-12
In the time of King Herod, after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, asking, “Where is the child who has been born king of the Jews? For we observed his star at its rising, and have come to pay him homage.” When King Herod heard this, he was frightened, and all Jerusalem with him; and calling together all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Messiah was to be born. They told him, “In Bethlehem of Judea; for so it has been written by the prophet:
‘And you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah,
are by no means least among the rulers of Judah;
for from you shall come a ruler
who is to shepherd my people Israel.’”
Then Herod secretly called for the wise men and learned from them the exact time when the star had appeared. Then he sent them to Bethlehem, saying, “Go and search diligently for the child; and when you have found him, bring me word so that I may also go and pay him homage.” When they had heard the king, they set out; and there, ahead of them, went the star that they had seen at its rising, until it stopped over the place where the child was. When they saw that the star had stopped, they were overwhelmed with joy. On entering the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother; and they knelt down and paid him homage. Then, opening their treasure chests, they offered him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. And having been warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they left for their own country by another road.
In the time of King Herod, after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, asking, “Where is the child who has been born king of the Jews? For we observed his star at its rising, and have come to pay him homage.” When King Herod heard this, he was frightened, and all Jerusalem with him; and calling together all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Messiah was to be born. They told him, “In Bethlehem of Judea; for so it has been written by the prophet:
‘And you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah,
are by no means least among the rulers of Judah;
for from you shall come a ruler
who is to shepherd my people Israel.’”
Then Herod secretly called for the wise men and learned from them the exact time when the star had appeared. Then he sent them to Bethlehem, saying, “Go and search diligently for the child; and when you have found him, bring me word so that I may also go and pay him homage.” When they had heard the king, they set out; and there, ahead of them, went the star that they had seen at its rising, until it stopped over the place where the child was. When they saw that the star had stopped, they were overwhelmed with joy. On entering the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother; and they knelt down and paid him homage. Then, opening their treasure chests, they offered him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. And having been warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they left for their own country by another road.
Reflect
We may be more familiar with Luke’s account of the Christmas story, but Matthew writes his gospel with a Jewish audience in mind, wanting to make clear that Jesus is the long-awaited Messiah, the true king of Israel. And Matthew is not really interested in Herod as a historical figure but as a foil for the kingdom of God. In his book Desiring God’s Will, David Benner provides a helpful contrast of the two kingdoms represented in this passage:
The Kingdom of Self The Kingdom of God
Willfulness Willingness
Ruled by self-interest Ruled by love
Grasping Releasing
Achievement Gift
Effort Consent
Independence Interdependence
Holding Releasing
Clenched fists Open hands
Closed heart Open heart
Hard and brittle Soft and malleable
Determination Transformation
Herod represents the kingdom of self. He is willful and definitely ruled by self-interest. He attained his position by grasping for power, achieving military success, and making every effort to hold on to it with a clenched fist and a closed heart. He is a hard and brittle man with utter determination to do whatever it takes to remain king.
The wise men serve as a true contrast, illustrating the kingdom of God. They willingly follow a star with a desire to show homage to the newborn king—an act of love and consent. They bring gifts, releasing the best that they have to offer with open hands and hearts. They don’t understand all the implications of these events. Still, they know something significant has happened, and they want to be a part of what really matters in the world, demonstrating softness of spirit and transformation.
As Benner says in his book, there are really only two prayers in life: “My will be done or thy will be done.” A new year is an opportunity to reflect on our lives and reset as needed, ensuring they are aligned with Jesus and his kingdom. Thy will and not mine be done, Lord.
Respond
What is your intention for this new year? How are you asking God to help you let go of the kingdom of self so that you can let God have his way in your life? Take time to pray the Lord’s Prayer, pausing to reflect on the phrase “Thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.” What does that really look like in your life? What do you want to say to God right now? Consider praying this prayer regularly throughout the new year.
We may be more familiar with Luke’s account of the Christmas story, but Matthew writes his gospel with a Jewish audience in mind, wanting to make clear that Jesus is the long-awaited Messiah, the true king of Israel. And Matthew is not really interested in Herod as a historical figure but as a foil for the kingdom of God. In his book Desiring God’s Will, David Benner provides a helpful contrast of the two kingdoms represented in this passage:
The Kingdom of Self The Kingdom of God
Willfulness Willingness
Ruled by self-interest Ruled by love
Grasping Releasing
Achievement Gift
Effort Consent
Independence Interdependence
Holding Releasing
Clenched fists Open hands
Closed heart Open heart
Hard and brittle Soft and malleable
Determination Transformation
Herod represents the kingdom of self. He is willful and definitely ruled by self-interest. He attained his position by grasping for power, achieving military success, and making every effort to hold on to it with a clenched fist and a closed heart. He is a hard and brittle man with utter determination to do whatever it takes to remain king.
The wise men serve as a true contrast, illustrating the kingdom of God. They willingly follow a star with a desire to show homage to the newborn king—an act of love and consent. They bring gifts, releasing the best that they have to offer with open hands and hearts. They don’t understand all the implications of these events. Still, they know something significant has happened, and they want to be a part of what really matters in the world, demonstrating softness of spirit and transformation.
As Benner says in his book, there are really only two prayers in life: “My will be done or thy will be done.” A new year is an opportunity to reflect on our lives and reset as needed, ensuring they are aligned with Jesus and his kingdom. Thy will and not mine be done, Lord.
Respond
What is your intention for this new year? How are you asking God to help you let go of the kingdom of self so that you can let God have his way in your life? Take time to pray the Lord’s Prayer, pausing to reflect on the phrase “Thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.” What does that really look like in your life? What do you want to say to God right now? Consider praying this prayer regularly throughout the new year.