Matthew 3
July Memory Verse: But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Matthew 6:33 (NIV)
Read: Matthew 3
John the Baptist is one of the most colorful characters in the Bible. Several years ago, we taught a series about him at Center Point. As you may know, He is Jesus’ cousin, born six months ahead of Jesus, sent to prepare the way for the Messiah to come. Isaiah told us he would come…
He was a snappy dresser – clothed in camel skin with a leather belt as the accessory. His diet was interesting too… it consisted of locusts (yes, the insect!) and wild honey. You should try that tonight for dinner.
But people swarmed to Him and were convicted by what he taught. They confessed their sinful ways and were baptized to show their repentance.
John was a forerunner for Jesus – he always pointed to Him.
Our lives and words should point others to Jesus too! Run a summary of the words you spoke last week. Did they point others to Jesus or from Jesus? We live to reflect Him!
John was given the incredible privilege of baptizing the Son of God. When Jesus told him to do it, he tried to talk his cousin out if it…
Jesus was baptized as an example for us – by immersion (going under the water) for the world to see. God affirmed Him as His Son through the Holy Spirit descending as a dove and by His voice from heaven saying, “This is my dearly loved Son, who brings me great joy.”
How could you better reflect and point to Jesus today? With your words? With your life?
Take a few minutes and ask God to help you do just that today…
By: Tim Parsons
Read: Matthew 3
John the Baptist is one of the most colorful characters in the Bible. Several years ago, we taught a series about him at Center Point. As you may know, He is Jesus’ cousin, born six months ahead of Jesus, sent to prepare the way for the Messiah to come. Isaiah told us he would come…
“He is a voice shouting in the wilderness, ‘Prepare the way for the Lord’s coming! Clear the road for him!’” (v.3)
He was a snappy dresser – clothed in camel skin with a leather belt as the accessory. His diet was interesting too… it consisted of locusts (yes, the insect!) and wild honey. You should try that tonight for dinner.
But people swarmed to Him and were convicted by what he taught. They confessed their sinful ways and were baptized to show their repentance.
And when they confessed their sins, he baptized them in the Jordan River. (v.6)
John was a forerunner for Jesus – he always pointed to Him.
“I baptize with water those who repent of their sins and turn to God. But someone is coming soon who is greater than I am—so much greater that I’m not worthy even to be his slave and carry his sandals. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire. (v. 11)
Our lives and words should point others to Jesus too! Run a summary of the words you spoke last week. Did they point others to Jesus or from Jesus? We live to reflect Him!
John was given the incredible privilege of baptizing the Son of God. When Jesus told him to do it, he tried to talk his cousin out if it…
“I am the one who needs to be baptized by you,” he said, “so why are you coming to me?” (v.13b)
Jesus was baptized as an example for us – by immersion (going under the water) for the world to see. God affirmed Him as His Son through the Holy Spirit descending as a dove and by His voice from heaven saying, “This is my dearly loved Son, who brings me great joy.”
How could you better reflect and point to Jesus today? With your words? With your life?
Take a few minutes and ask God to help you do just that today…
By: Tim Parsons
4 Comments
And so Jesus comes on to the scene. And of course John would not be who man would chose for the important job of introducing Jesus' to the world, but that's God's way. I am more and more in awe of how God chooses to work. As I watch events unfolding today I am stuck over and over again by God's hand in everything.
Was so touched yesterday by the beautiful dedication of that precious little girl. What an amazing story. So very grateful for you, Pastor Tim.
Thank you Lindsay - and thanks for being a faithful JumpStart reader!
Such great words and reminder that ALL that we do and say will point others to Jesus. I’m not always the best in my task oriented mind at doing this. Grateful for God’s word to consistently remind me. And for our staff doing the same. Thanks for the challenge today Tim.
Thanks Tina! So grateful for you and Mike!