What significance does the humble birth of Jesus have for us today? Luke 2:7 tells us, “She gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling cloths and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn.” Jesus, the Savior of the world, was born in the most humble of circumstances. That aspect of Jesus’ life highlights His humility and accessibility. His birth in a manger reminds us that God came to earth in a relatable and approachable way. Do you ever feel like...
Jun 28, 2024
1 min
What are you willing to sacrifice to obey God’s plan? Joseph’s obedience to God meant sacrificing his personal pride, privacy, and priorities. After learning that Mary’s child was conceived by the Holy Spirit, Joseph took her as his wife. That would have created all kinds of public scandal. Mary was pregnant and Joseph was not the father. The angel told him, “[Mary] will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins”. Joseph’s response was immediat...
Jun 25, 2024
1 min
How would you react if your fiancé turned out to be pregnant? Joseph faced this situation. Engaged to Mary, he discovered she was pregnant before they came together. Matthew 1:18 tells us, “She was found to be with child from the Holy Spirit.” Joseph, a just man, planned to divorce her quietly to avoid public disgrace. But an angel appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not fear to take Mary as your wife, for that which is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit” (Matt...
Jun 21, 2024
1 min
How did Zechariah react to the angel's message about his son's birth? In Luke's Gospel, the angel Gabriel appeared to Zechariah, announcing that his wife Elizabeth would bear a son named John, who would prepare the way for the Lord. Zechariah doubted, asking for proof, and Gabriel declared he would be silent until the prophecy was fulfilled. When John was born, Zechariah wrote, “His name is John”, and his speech returned. Zechariah praised God, singing of salvation and the coming Messiah, say...
Jun 18, 2024
1 min
What did Mary do after hearing she would bear the Messiah? Mary, engaged to Joseph, heard from the angel Gabriel that she, a virgin, would conceive miraculously and bear the long-awaited Messiah. Gabriel also informed her that her elderly relative Elizabeth was six months pregnant. Seeking understanding, Mary traveled to Elizabeth's home, a three-day journey. Upon arrival, Elizabeth's unborn son leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth blessed Mary. Mary responded with a song of praise, saying, “My ...
Jun 14, 2024
1 min
How did God use Caesar Augustus to fulfill prophecy? Well, Luke 2:1-2 tells us that Caesar Augustus issued a decree for a census. This required everyone to return to their ancestral homes. That of course including Joseph and Mary. Although they lived in Nazareth, they had to travel to Bethlehem. That journey fulfilled the prophecy of Micah 5:2 that the Messiah would be born in Bethlehem. God used the decree of a Roman emperor to bring about His perfect plan. Even when life seems confusing, Go...
Jun 11, 2024
1 min
Have you ever wondered about Jesus’ family tree? Why did God want us to have long lists of names in Jesus’ genealogy? Matthew 1:1-17 and Luke 3:23-38 give us a glimpse. Matthew’s genealogy highlights Jesus as the Messiah. It demonstrated that Jesus descended from David and Abraham. That’s significant because it helps establish Jesus as fulfilling Jewish prophecy. Luke’s genealogy traces Jesus' lineage back to Adam. That emphasized His connection to all humanity. These genealogies reveal Jesus...
Jun 7, 2024
1 min
What did Jesus bring when He came to earth? I don’t mean what was he carrying with Him. I mean, what do we have now that we didn’t have before He came? John 1:14 says, "The Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth." Jesus brought His divine nature, power, and purpose. He came to reveal God’s glory and grace, providing salvation for all who believe. John 1:18 explains that Jesus made known the reality of...
Jun 4, 2024
1 min
How does the world react to Jesus being the light of the world? John 1:10-11 says, "He was in the world, and the world was made through him, yet the world did not know him. He came to his own, and his own people did not receive him." Most people don’t recognize Jesus as light. In fact most people flat out reject Jesus. But there's hope! John 1:12-13 tells us, "But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God." Believing in Jesus' name means...
May 31, 2024
1 min
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