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December 14, Son of Mary—Luke 1:26-38
In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent by God to a town in Galilee called Nazareth, to a virgin engaged to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. The virgin’s name was Mary. And he came to her and said, ‘Greetings, favored one! The Lord is with you.’ But she was much perplexed by his words and pondered what sort of greeting this might be. The angel said to her, ‘Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. And now, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you will name him Jesus. He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Most High, and the Lord God will give to him the throne of his ancestor David. He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end.’ Mary said to the angel, ‘How can this be, since I am a virgin?’ The angel said to her, ‘The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore the child to be born will be holy; he will be called Son of God. And now, your relative Elizabeth in her old age has also conceived a son; and this is the sixth month for her who was said to be barren. For nothing will be impossible with God.’ Then Mary said, ‘Here am I, the servant of the Lord; let it be with me according to your word.’ Then the angel departed from her.
In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent by God to a town in Galilee called Nazareth, to a virgin engaged to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. The virgin’s name was Mary. And he came to her and said, ‘Greetings, favored one! The Lord is with you.’ But she was much perplexed by his words and pondered what sort of greeting this might be. The angel said to her, ‘Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. And now, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you will name him Jesus. He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Most High, and the Lord God will give to him the throne of his ancestor David. He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end.’ Mary said to the angel, ‘How can this be, since I am a virgin?’ The angel said to her, ‘The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore the child to be born will be holy; he will be called Son of God. And now, your relative Elizabeth in her old age has also conceived a son; and this is the sixth month for her who was said to be barren. For nothing will be impossible with God.’ Then Mary said, ‘Here am I, the servant of the Lord; let it be with me according to your word.’ Then the angel departed from her.
Reflect
As this passage opens, the angel Gabriel is sent to a woman of humble origins—Mary, who is engaged to Joseph. She lived in an insignificant town in an unimportant province of the Roman Empire. Nothing about her circumstances would have led anyone to suspect the role she would play in God’s plan. But Mary exemplifies the person whom God unexpectedly chooses to use. She brings no outstanding credentials to the task. She has no remarkable education or experience. She brings nothing on her resume other than her availability and willingness to serve. So God puts her to use in his plan, taking her through a process for which she has had no training or preparation. The passage reveals the kind of character God is looking for in his people in order to work out his will in the world
This is a very countercultural idea. We live in a highly competitive and sometimes even cutthroat culture. We are conditioned to think that what we need most is more education, experience, and financial security to get the best job or secure the best future. While that may be true in part, we must be careful that we do not allow ourselves to become compulsively driven or so conformed to the cultural expectation of comfort that we forget that what matters most to God is our character. What we do or accomplish in terms of worldly standards of success is not what matters most to God. What matters most is who we are and who we are becoming in Christ. God uses external struggles and success to conform our inner hearts and souls to the image of Christ.
Jesus was born to a human mother with a humble character, alerting us to the truth that God often works in strange ways. The fact that God became a little baby tells us a lot about his character and the kind of character he desires of us.
As this passage opens, the angel Gabriel is sent to a woman of humble origins—Mary, who is engaged to Joseph. She lived in an insignificant town in an unimportant province of the Roman Empire. Nothing about her circumstances would have led anyone to suspect the role she would play in God’s plan. But Mary exemplifies the person whom God unexpectedly chooses to use. She brings no outstanding credentials to the task. She has no remarkable education or experience. She brings nothing on her resume other than her availability and willingness to serve. So God puts her to use in his plan, taking her through a process for which she has had no training or preparation. The passage reveals the kind of character God is looking for in his people in order to work out his will in the world
This is a very countercultural idea. We live in a highly competitive and sometimes even cutthroat culture. We are conditioned to think that what we need most is more education, experience, and financial security to get the best job or secure the best future. While that may be true in part, we must be careful that we do not allow ourselves to become compulsively driven or so conformed to the cultural expectation of comfort that we forget that what matters most to God is our character. What we do or accomplish in terms of worldly standards of success is not what matters most to God. What matters most is who we are and who we are becoming in Christ. God uses external struggles and success to conform our inner hearts and souls to the image of Christ.
Jesus was born to a human mother with a humble character, alerting us to the truth that God often works in strange ways. The fact that God became a little baby tells us a lot about his character and the kind of character he desires of us.
Respond
How does this passage and the person and character of Mary speak to you? Think about your own life. How do you see God choosing you? How does your life reflect humility, trust, and surrender to say, “Here am I, the servant of the Lord; let it be with me according to your word”?
How does this passage and the person and character of Mary speak to you? Think about your own life. How do you see God choosing you? How does your life reflect humility, trust, and surrender to say, “Here am I, the servant of the Lord; let it be with me according to your word”?
December 15, Son of God—Romans 1:1-6
Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, set apart for the gospel of God, which he promised beforehand through his prophets in the holy scriptures, the gospel concerning his Son, who was descended from David according to the flesh and was declared to be Son of God with power according to the spirit of holiness by resurrection from the dead, Jesus Christ our Lord, through whom we have received grace and apostleship to bring about the obedience of faith among all the Gentiles for the sake of his name, including yourselves who are called to belong to Jesus Christ.
Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, set apart for the gospel of God, which he promised beforehand through his prophets in the holy scriptures, the gospel concerning his Son, who was descended from David according to the flesh and was declared to be Son of God with power according to the spirit of holiness by resurrection from the dead, Jesus Christ our Lord, through whom we have received grace and apostleship to bring about the obedience of faith among all the Gentiles for the sake of his name, including yourselves who are called to belong to Jesus Christ.
Reflect
Yesterday, we saw how Jesus was born to Mary—his human mother. But we also read how the angel said to her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore the child to be born will be holy; he will be called Son of God” (Luke 1: 35).
In the Romans passage, the Apostle Paul drives home the point that Jesus was human (descended from David and Mary—according to the flesh) and divine (declared to be the Son of God with power according to the spirit). This is good news indeed. Jesus identifies with us in our humanity, but as God, he can accomplish what we nor any mortal could for us. Jesus overcame sin and death through his life, death, resurrection, and ascension, restoring the relationship with God and life in the kingdom we were meant to have.
Yesterday, we saw how Jesus was born to Mary—his human mother. But we also read how the angel said to her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore the child to be born will be holy; he will be called Son of God” (Luke 1: 35).
In the Romans passage, the Apostle Paul drives home the point that Jesus was human (descended from David and Mary—according to the flesh) and divine (declared to be the Son of God with power according to the spirit). This is good news indeed. Jesus identifies with us in our humanity, but as God, he can accomplish what we nor any mortal could for us. Jesus overcame sin and death through his life, death, resurrection, and ascension, restoring the relationship with God and life in the kingdom we were meant to have.
Respond
What does it mean to you that Jesus is the Son of God? How have your beliefs about Jesus Christ changed during the various stages of your life? In what ways would remembering in prayer each day who Jesus is and God’s calling on and plan for your life affect your daily walk with Christ? What do you want to say to the Son of God right now?
What does it mean to you that Jesus is the Son of God? How have your beliefs about Jesus Christ changed during the various stages of your life? In what ways would remembering in prayer each day who Jesus is and God’s calling on and plan for your life affect your daily walk with Christ? What do you want to say to the Son of God right now?
December 16, Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace—Isaiah 9:2, 6-7
The people who walked in darkness
have seen a great light;
those who lived in a land of deep darkness--
on them light has shined….
For a child has been born for us,
a son given to us;
authority rests upon his shoulders;
and he is named
Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
His authority shall grow continually,
and there shall be endless peace
for the throne of David and his kingdom.
He will establish and uphold it
with justice and with righteousness
from this time onwards and for evermore.
The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this.
The people who walked in darkness
have seen a great light;
those who lived in a land of deep darkness--
on them light has shined….
For a child has been born for us,
a son given to us;
authority rests upon his shoulders;
and he is named
Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
His authority shall grow continually,
and there shall be endless peace
for the throne of David and his kingdom.
He will establish and uphold it
with justice and with righteousness
from this time onwards and for evermore.
The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this.
Reflect
The Isaiah passage declares that this child, this son, is a wonderful counselor. He is a wonder in his very person and being. In him, all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge reside. He knows all things, including what is best for us, and he is ready to lead, guide, and counsel his people. If we lack wisdom, he is ready to give it. He is a wonderful counselor.
He is the mighty God. Not only is he all-knowing and wise, but he is also all-powerful. He is God himself. He not only knows what needs to be done, but he is able to do it. He is our hero—the one who creates, redeems, and sustains life. He is able to accomplish what no one else can. He is our mighty God.
He is the eternal Father who guards his people and supplies their needs. With tenderness and love, he cares for and comforts his children. By God’s decisive action in Jesus Christ, those who receive him become the children of God. As a forever father, he protects and provides for us as only a truly loving and caring parent can. He is our Eternal Father.
He is a prince. Unlike ordinary rulers, this prince seeks the greatness of his kingdom and of himself not in war but in peace. He establishes peace; he seeks it and pursues it. He not only causes war to end but also removes the cause of war—namely, human sin. The Prince of Peace is the One who embodies peace. He is the Prince who has brought us peace by his own death and resurrection. His death and resurrection have brought shalom—wholeness, well-being, and contentment. He is the Prince of Peace.
This child, the son, will establish an eternal kingdom that will be upheld by justice and righteousness. The passage makes it clear that this will not happen by human wisdom, power, or action. Instead, the zeal of the Lord Almighty will accomplish this.
What these names are meant to convey is who Christ is to us. He is the one who can break through the darkness of our sin and brokenness to bring forgiveness, healing, and wholeness. Jesus Christ is the true source of light and life and the only one who brings us joy, peace, and contentment in the midst of the disappointment, discouragement, and even despair that we sometimes experience as broken, sinful humans living in a fallen world. John 19 says, “The true light, which enlightens everyone, was coming into the world.” Jesus Christ is that child, that son, the wonderful life that has brought life and light to all people.
The Isaiah passage declares that this child, this son, is a wonderful counselor. He is a wonder in his very person and being. In him, all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge reside. He knows all things, including what is best for us, and he is ready to lead, guide, and counsel his people. If we lack wisdom, he is ready to give it. He is a wonderful counselor.
He is the mighty God. Not only is he all-knowing and wise, but he is also all-powerful. He is God himself. He not only knows what needs to be done, but he is able to do it. He is our hero—the one who creates, redeems, and sustains life. He is able to accomplish what no one else can. He is our mighty God.
He is the eternal Father who guards his people and supplies their needs. With tenderness and love, he cares for and comforts his children. By God’s decisive action in Jesus Christ, those who receive him become the children of God. As a forever father, he protects and provides for us as only a truly loving and caring parent can. He is our Eternal Father.
He is a prince. Unlike ordinary rulers, this prince seeks the greatness of his kingdom and of himself not in war but in peace. He establishes peace; he seeks it and pursues it. He not only causes war to end but also removes the cause of war—namely, human sin. The Prince of Peace is the One who embodies peace. He is the Prince who has brought us peace by his own death and resurrection. His death and resurrection have brought shalom—wholeness, well-being, and contentment. He is the Prince of Peace.
This child, the son, will establish an eternal kingdom that will be upheld by justice and righteousness. The passage makes it clear that this will not happen by human wisdom, power, or action. Instead, the zeal of the Lord Almighty will accomplish this.
What these names are meant to convey is who Christ is to us. He is the one who can break through the darkness of our sin and brokenness to bring forgiveness, healing, and wholeness. Jesus Christ is the true source of light and life and the only one who brings us joy, peace, and contentment in the midst of the disappointment, discouragement, and even despair that we sometimes experience as broken, sinful humans living in a fallen world. John 19 says, “The true light, which enlightens everyone, was coming into the world.” Jesus Christ is that child, that son, the wonderful life that has brought life and light to all people.
Respond
What are the circumstances of your life? What do you need? How do these names of Christ speak to you? Which one speaks to you most, and why? Whom do you know who might be encouraged by these names of Christ?
What are the circumstances of your life? What do you need? How do these names of Christ speak to you? Which one speaks to you most, and why? Whom do you know who might be encouraged by these names of Christ?
December 17, Word—John 1:1-5
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things came into being through him, and without him not one thing came into being. What has come into being in him was life, and the life was the light of all people. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it.
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things came into being through him, and without him not one thing came into being. What has come into being in him was life, and the life was the light of all people. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it.
Reflect
The first chapter of the Gospel of John is one of my favorite Christmas texts. The other gospels give a historical account of Jesus’ birth. John, the last gospel written, records the theological implications. Nowhere in the New Testament is the nature and meaning of Jesus’ divine Sonship so clearly explained as here.
When John spoke of the Word, Old Testament readers would have picked up the reference immediately. God’s Word in the Old Testament is connected with God’s powerful activity in creation, revelation, and deliverance. The Word is God's outward expression, speech, or message. The Word of God is God at work. The first few phrases convey fundamental truths about Jesus, the Word.
First, the Word is eternal—before the beginning of creation, the Word was.
The Word is also personal and relational, as an intimate relationship exists between the Father and the Son. The statement “the Word was God” is one of the boldest and most direct assertions of Christ's deity in the scriptures.
The Word is also the Creator—all that was made was made through Him. And the Word is the giver of life; he did not merely bring the world into existence but brought forth life. And the Word is the Revealer who made himself known to all people through conscience and in creation; he leaves us without excuse.
The first chapter of the Gospel of John is one of my favorite Christmas texts. The other gospels give a historical account of Jesus’ birth. John, the last gospel written, records the theological implications. Nowhere in the New Testament is the nature and meaning of Jesus’ divine Sonship so clearly explained as here.
When John spoke of the Word, Old Testament readers would have picked up the reference immediately. God’s Word in the Old Testament is connected with God’s powerful activity in creation, revelation, and deliverance. The Word is God's outward expression, speech, or message. The Word of God is God at work. The first few phrases convey fundamental truths about Jesus, the Word.
First, the Word is eternal—before the beginning of creation, the Word was.
The Word is also personal and relational, as an intimate relationship exists between the Father and the Son. The statement “the Word was God” is one of the boldest and most direct assertions of Christ's deity in the scriptures.
The Word is also the Creator—all that was made was made through Him. And the Word is the giver of life; he did not merely bring the world into existence but brought forth life. And the Word is the Revealer who made himself known to all people through conscience and in creation; he leaves us without excuse.
Respond
Words are meant to be heard, read, received, and then responded to. Every day, we are bombarded by words that seek to persuade, influence, or even manipulate us into doing something. Jesus is God’s living Word. How attentive and aware are you of God’s presence and activity in your life and in the world? How are you responding to Jesus and participating with Christ in his work in the world through the power of the Spirit? Take time to meditate on and even memorize this portion of scripture.
Words are meant to be heard, read, received, and then responded to. Every day, we are bombarded by words that seek to persuade, influence, or even manipulate us into doing something. Jesus is God’s living Word. How attentive and aware are you of God’s presence and activity in your life and in the world? How are you responding to Jesus and participating with Christ in his work in the world through the power of the Spirit? Take time to meditate on and even memorize this portion of scripture.
December 18, The Glory of God—John 1:10-14
He was in the world, and the world came into being through him; yet the world did not know him. He came to what was his own, and his own people did not accept him. But to all who received him, who believed in his name, he gave power to become children of God, who were born, not of blood or of the will of the flesh or of the will of man, but of God.
And the Word became flesh and lived among us, and we have seen his glory, the glory as of a father’s only son, full of grace and truth.
He was in the world, and the world came into being through him; yet the world did not know him. He came to what was his own, and his own people did not accept him. But to all who received him, who believed in his name, he gave power to become children of God, who were born, not of blood or of the will of the flesh or of the will of man, but of God.
And the Word became flesh and lived among us, and we have seen his glory, the glory as of a father’s only son, full of grace and truth.
Reflect
There can be no mistake that Christ was God, but John wants us to know that Christ, the Word, was also human. Intriguingly, John uses the word “flesh,” as it tells us the extent to which God went to identify with us. God takes our very nature and shares our human weaknesses, struggles, and suffering. I like how Eugene Peterson puts this in The Message: “The Word became flesh and blood, and moved into the neighborhood. We saw the glory with our own eyes, the one-of-a-kind glory, like Father, like Son, Generous inside and out, true from start to finish.”
This is a huge confession: the Word doesn’t just come to the world; he lives with us--abides with us. I think two of the happiest days of my life were the two days we brought our sons home from the adoption agency. We had waited so long and gone through so much to have a family, and the day had finally arrived. There was such joy that these two little people would now be a part of our family and live with us. When I look at the pictures, I remember how much my face hurt from smiling. And now we have pictures from many years of life together, and we can witness the reality of what it means to be parents and a family.
This is the incredible truth about God’s coming to us in Jesus. God has taken on a human form to be with us, abide with us, and draw us—adopt us—into his family now and forever. This is the God who has chosen to dwell among his people and reveal his glory in a very personal and intimate way—through the Son, full of grace and truth.
There can be no mistake that Christ was God, but John wants us to know that Christ, the Word, was also human. Intriguingly, John uses the word “flesh,” as it tells us the extent to which God went to identify with us. God takes our very nature and shares our human weaknesses, struggles, and suffering. I like how Eugene Peterson puts this in The Message: “The Word became flesh and blood, and moved into the neighborhood. We saw the glory with our own eyes, the one-of-a-kind glory, like Father, like Son, Generous inside and out, true from start to finish.”
This is a huge confession: the Word doesn’t just come to the world; he lives with us--abides with us. I think two of the happiest days of my life were the two days we brought our sons home from the adoption agency. We had waited so long and gone through so much to have a family, and the day had finally arrived. There was such joy that these two little people would now be a part of our family and live with us. When I look at the pictures, I remember how much my face hurt from smiling. And now we have pictures from many years of life together, and we can witness the reality of what it means to be parents and a family.
This is the incredible truth about God’s coming to us in Jesus. God has taken on a human form to be with us, abide with us, and draw us—adopt us—into his family now and forever. This is the God who has chosen to dwell among his people and reveal his glory in a very personal and intimate way—through the Son, full of grace and truth.
Respond
How does it make you feel that God has chosen to make his home with you—to dwell with you? Think about how Jesus is with you throughout the day—as you eat breakfast, drive to work, interact with family or others at work. How does this impact what you think and do?
How does it make you feel that God has chosen to make his home with you—to dwell with you? Think about how Jesus is with you throughout the day—as you eat breakfast, drive to work, interact with family or others at work. How does this impact what you think and do?
December 19, The Only Begotten Son—John 1:15-18
(John testified to him and cried out, ‘This was he of whom I said, “He who comes after me ranks ahead of me because he was before me.”) From his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace. The law indeed was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. No one has ever seen God. It is God, the only Son, who is close to the Father’s heart, who has made him known.
(John testified to him and cried out, ‘This was he of whom I said, “He who comes after me ranks ahead of me because he was before me.”) From his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace. The law indeed was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. No one has ever seen God. It is God, the only Son, who is close to the Father’s heart, who has made him known.
Reflect
Over twenty years ago, I visited Yosemite National Park for the first time. I had seen pictures, slides, and postcards for years and knew I wanted to visit someday. I still remember the excitement as my friend and I drove into the park late on a Friday afternoon in November. The sun was beginning to set, and the valley was already getting dark, but the sun shone like a spotlight on El Capitan in the distance—an enormous rock like a wall. I could only see shadows of some other familiar scenes in the pictures and slides, and I thought I couldn’t wait until daylight.
The next morning, we began a hike up Vernal Falls. It was in the afternoon before the sunlight actually shone in the valley, reflecting off the ponds and bouncing off these gorgeous rock formations. I have never seen anything so spectacular in my life. All the descriptions I had heard and all the pictures I had seen did not compare to the glory and magnitude of the real thing. I felt like I was standing in a postcard, swallowed by beauty. Like many other beautiful places, you must experience Yosemite first-hand to appreciate it fully.
God wanted us to know and appreciate him for who he is so much that he went to great lengths to show us. Though God had revealed himself in the past, they were just pictures and postcards of what was to come in his Son. Hebrews 1:1-3 says,
In the past, God spoke to our forefathers through the prophets at many times and in various ways, but in these last days, he has spoken to us by his Son, who he appointed heir of all things, and through whom he
made the universe. The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word.
The only way we could know God is if he chose to reveal himself to us, and he has: “No one has ever seen God. It is God the only Son, who is close to the Father’s ear, who has made him known.” In Jesus Christ, the only begotten Son of God, has come to live among us that we might know him better, truly understand his nature and will for our lives, and experience the abundance of his gifts of grace now and forevermore.
Over twenty years ago, I visited Yosemite National Park for the first time. I had seen pictures, slides, and postcards for years and knew I wanted to visit someday. I still remember the excitement as my friend and I drove into the park late on a Friday afternoon in November. The sun was beginning to set, and the valley was already getting dark, but the sun shone like a spotlight on El Capitan in the distance—an enormous rock like a wall. I could only see shadows of some other familiar scenes in the pictures and slides, and I thought I couldn’t wait until daylight.
The next morning, we began a hike up Vernal Falls. It was in the afternoon before the sunlight actually shone in the valley, reflecting off the ponds and bouncing off these gorgeous rock formations. I have never seen anything so spectacular in my life. All the descriptions I had heard and all the pictures I had seen did not compare to the glory and magnitude of the real thing. I felt like I was standing in a postcard, swallowed by beauty. Like many other beautiful places, you must experience Yosemite first-hand to appreciate it fully.
God wanted us to know and appreciate him for who he is so much that he went to great lengths to show us. Though God had revealed himself in the past, they were just pictures and postcards of what was to come in his Son. Hebrews 1:1-3 says,
In the past, God spoke to our forefathers through the prophets at many times and in various ways, but in these last days, he has spoken to us by his Son, who he appointed heir of all things, and through whom he
made the universe. The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word.
The only way we could know God is if he chose to reveal himself to us, and he has: “No one has ever seen God. It is God the only Son, who is close to the Father’s ear, who has made him known.” In Jesus Christ, the only begotten Son of God, has come to live among us that we might know him better, truly understand his nature and will for our lives, and experience the abundance of his gifts of grace now and forevermore.
Respond
How would you describe your relationship with Jesus? Is your relationship more detached and informational or intimate and experiential? Have you received and are you experiencing the “fullness of grace upon grace”—the superabundance of gifts available to you as a believer in the Incarnate Word? What does this look like in your life, or what might it look like? How might you arrange your life to spend time with Jesus—the Living Word—and even put yourself in a place where you can experience that grace more fully—a small group, a Bible study, a Great Banquet weekend, a ministry team, a Summer Mission Project? Pray about this.
How would you describe your relationship with Jesus? Is your relationship more detached and informational or intimate and experiential? Have you received and are you experiencing the “fullness of grace upon grace”—the superabundance of gifts available to you as a believer in the Incarnate Word? What does this look like in your life, or what might it look like? How might you arrange your life to spend time with Jesus—the Living Word—and even put yourself in a place where you can experience that grace more fully—a small group, a Bible study, a Great Banquet weekend, a ministry team, a Summer Mission Project? Pray about this.
December 20 Lamb of God—John 1:29
The next day, he (John the Baptist) saw Jesus coming towards him and declared, ‘Here is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!’
Revelation 5:12
‘Worthy is the Lamb that was slaughtered
to receive power and wealth and wisdom and might
and honor and glory and blessing!’
Revelation 21:22
I saw no temple in the city, for its temple is the Lord God the Almighty and the Lamb.
Revelation 22:3
Nothing accursed will be found there anymore. But the throne of God and of the Lamb will be in it, and his servants will worship him.
The next day, he (John the Baptist) saw Jesus coming towards him and declared, ‘Here is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!’
Revelation 5:12
‘Worthy is the Lamb that was slaughtered
to receive power and wealth and wisdom and might
and honor and glory and blessing!’
Revelation 21:22
I saw no temple in the city, for its temple is the Lord God the Almighty and the Lamb.
Revelation 22:3
Nothing accursed will be found there anymore. But the throne of God and of the Lamb will be in it, and his servants will worship him.
Reflect
What does it mean for Jesus to be the Lamb of God? In the Gospel of John, Jesus is a gift God gave to take away sin. Like a sacrificial animal in Old Testament rituals, Jesus’ death “carries away” the condition of sin that is prohibited in the presence of God. God has provided a sacrificial lamb to take away our sin and restore us to a right relationship with him. We do not need to carry the weight of guilt or shame for our sin. In Jesus Christ, we are forgiven.
In Revelation, Jesus is referred to as the Lamb who is worthy to be worshipped. This vision of the New Jerusalem reminds us that, for all eternity, we will see Jesus and praise him for who he is, remembering with gratitude what he has done to draw us into our eternal life with God. Jesus now and always is the one who, by his grace and power, has accomplished what we could not accomplish for ourselves.
Respond
Do you see your life as your achievement, or do you see your life as a gift from God? What can you do to keep before you the reality of God’s gift to you in Jesus? How can you arrange your life to worship and praise Jesus for who he is and what he has done?
What does it mean for Jesus to be the Lamb of God? In the Gospel of John, Jesus is a gift God gave to take away sin. Like a sacrificial animal in Old Testament rituals, Jesus’ death “carries away” the condition of sin that is prohibited in the presence of God. God has provided a sacrificial lamb to take away our sin and restore us to a right relationship with him. We do not need to carry the weight of guilt or shame for our sin. In Jesus Christ, we are forgiven.
In Revelation, Jesus is referred to as the Lamb who is worthy to be worshipped. This vision of the New Jerusalem reminds us that, for all eternity, we will see Jesus and praise him for who he is, remembering with gratitude what he has done to draw us into our eternal life with God. Jesus now and always is the one who, by his grace and power, has accomplished what we could not accomplish for ourselves.
Respond
Do you see your life as your achievement, or do you see your life as a gift from God? What can you do to keep before you the reality of God’s gift to you in Jesus? How can you arrange your life to worship and praise Jesus for who he is and what he has done?