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Friday, February 02, 2024

#025 Jesus and John Baptize Others (John 3:22-36) - Life of Christ = Week 05 - Friday

Jesus and John Baptize Others

Subtitle

John 3:22-24 (Judea) Jesus and John Baptize #Baptism

John 3:25-36 John Testifies About Jesus




Jesus and His Disciples in Judea

John 3:22–24

22After this Jesus and His disciples went to the Judean countryside†, where He spent time with them and baptized. 23John also was baptizing in Aenon near Salim, because there was plenty of water there. And people were coming and being baptized, 24since John had not yet been thrown into prison.

John the Baptizer Points People to Jesus

John 3:25–36

25Then a dispute arose between John’s disciples and a Jew about purification. 26So they came to John and told him, “Rabbi, the One you testified about, and who was with you across the Jordan, is baptizing—and everyone is flocking to Him.”

27John responded, “No one can receive a single thing unless it’s given to him from heaven. 28You yourselves can testify that I said, ‘I am not the Messiah, but I’ve been sent ahead of Him.’ 29He who has the bride is the groom. But the groom’s friend†, who stands by and listens for him, rejoices greatly at the groom’s voice. So this joy of mine is complete. 30He must increase, but I must decrease†.”

31The One who comes from above is above all. The one who is from the earth is earthly and speaks in earthly terms. The One who comes from heaven is above all. 32He testifies to what He has seen and heard, yet no one accepts His testimony. 33The one who has accepted His testimony has affirmed that God is true. 34For He whom God sent speaks God’s words, since He gives the Spirit without measure. 35The Father loves the Son and has given all things into His hands. 36The one who believes in the Son has eternal life, but the one who refuses to believe in the Son will not see life; instead, the wrath of God remains on him.[1]

[1] Knight, G. W. (2001). A simplified harmony of the Gospels (pp. 40–41). Holman Bible Publishers.




Matthew
Mark
Luke
John



John Testifies Again About Jesus

22 After this, Jesus and his disciples went out into the Judean countryside, where he spent some time with them, and baptized. 23 Now John also was baptizing at Aenon near Salim, because there was plenty of water, and people were coming and being baptized. 24 (This was before John was put in prison.) 25 An argument developed between some of John’s disciples and a certain Jew over the matter of ceremonial washing. 26 They came to John and said to him, “Rabbi, that man who was with you on the other side of the Jordan—the one you testified about—look, he is baptizing, and everyone is going to him.”

27 To this John replied, “A person can receive only what is given them from heaven. 28 You yourselves can testify that I said, ‘I am not the Messiah but am sent ahead of him.’ 29 The bride belongs to the bridegroom. The friend who attends the bridegroom waits and listens for him, and is full of joy when he hears the bridegroom’s voice. That joy is mine, and it is now complete. 30 He must become greater; I must become less.”

31 The one who comes from above is above all; the one who is from the earth belongs to the earth, and speaks as one from the earth. The one who comes from heaven is above all. 32 He testifies to what he has seen and heard, but no one accepts his testimony. 33 Whoever has accepted it has certified that God is truthful. 34 For the one whom God has sent speaks the words of God, for God gives the Spirit without limit. 35 The Father loves the Son and has placed everything in his hands. 36 Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life, but whoever rejects the Son will not see life, for God’s wrath remains on them.








Text with Highlights
#God =
#People =
#Time =
#Place =
#Obedient faith = 
#Sin = 
#Key Idea = 
#Themes = 
#Topics = 


Reminder: Pray to God to set your heart right as you engage His word. The text you are about to study was not written to you but is written for you. So, before applying we must ask the following questions:
  • What did it mean to the original reader or original audience?

VIDEO

 This blog is designed to be a harmony, and I provide links to other resources. 
Logos AI Sermon Summary



READ THE SCRIPTURE (Multiple times & translations and notice the words that standout)
Consider the harmonies of the gospel and its parallels. This blog is designed to be a harmony, and I provide links to other resources.

Biblegateway (NIV, ESV, NLT, CSB, LEB) (My choice of all-round site. It is a great app, better on computers or on a cellphone)


Summarize the main story: Describe the events of the scriptural story in your own words.

  • Review and retell the story.







Potential Sermon Titles: ??

Intro Questions to get us thinking:
  • What did you and your brother or sister fight about? How would you try to get your way? 
  • At family reunions, what subject (e.g., politics or religion) is bound to start an argument?







OBSERVATIONS (Reflect on the topic and build the concept the writer is trying to communicate to the original audience)
Thematic Bible (Books and Chapters Structure)



STUDY RESOURCES (This takes some work and here are more resources than you can go through completely)
ThomasTheologyHub.org (My friend Rhys N. Thomas's Site) has lessons that focus on the character of Jesus.
Through The Word (Audio Commentary)
Listeners Commentary (Audio Commentary)
NETBible (New English Translation) (Great for original text information)
BibleHub (HCSB) (Good on computer or app/phone with lots of well-organized information.)
BlueLetter  (King James Version) (A variety of resources and good on Phones / better on Computers)
StudyLight (Amplified Bible) (Great site with commentaries by Burton Coffman)
BibleRef.com (New King James Version) Basic able to compare core translations.
KnowingJesus (Phone / Computer and great for comparing translations)
  • God is ... What do we learn about God in this passage?
  • We are ... What do we learn about people in this passage?
  • Given the different ideas about baptism, what do you think happened at the river? What do you think the "certain Jew" had said (v. 25)? How would you have felt if you had been one of John's disciples at this point? 
  • How does John the Baptist respond (vv. 27-30)? What is the point of the allegory or story about the bride and bridegroom? What does John's response tell you about him? 
  • What facts about Jesus does John bring out in verses 31-36? 
  • How does the phrase "rejecting the Son" stand in contrast to what belief means?




APPLICATION (God wants us all to arrive at action, life-changing faith)
More Thought for Thought Translations (helps some with application)
  • Consider verse 27. What have you received from heaven? How do you use what you have received? 
  • How can you apply verse 30 in your own life?
  • I will ... What has the Holy Spirit revealed to us in this passage? How can I apply it to my life this week?
  • What transformative move needs to be made?
  • You can ... Who do you know who needs to hear this? Feel free to share with others by social media links at the bottom of this.


Take Away Challenges

  • What has the Holy Spirit revealed to you in this passage? How will you apply it to your life this week?

  • Whom do you know who needs to hear this?

  • What is God bringing to your attention in this discussion? What beliefs, thoughts, or actions need to be addressed or changed?


  • Other YouTube Videos
SearchTV




 This blog is designed to be a harmony, and I provide links to other resources. Some will place passages in different locations, so more links are below. 


    Please let me know if you find any broken links or corrections that need to be made. Thank you for the help to make this most useful.


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    Friday, January 05, 2024

    #005- An Angel Promises the Birth of Jesus to Mary (Luke 1:26-38) - Life of Christ = Week 01 - Friday

    An Angel Promises the Birth of Jesus to Mary

    The Unlikely Yes: Mary’s Response to God’s Call

    Luke 1:26-38



    Announcement of the Birth of Jesus

    Luke 1:26–38

    26In the sixth month, the angel Gabriel was sent by God to a town in Galilee called Nazareth†, 27to a virgin engaged to a man named Joseph, of the house of David. The virgin’s name was Mary. 28And he came to her and said, “Rejoice, favored woman! The Lord is with you.”

    29But she was deeply troubled by this statement and was wondering what kind of greeting this could be.

    30Then the angel told her: “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. 31Now listen: You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you will call His name JESUS. 32He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High, and the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David. 33He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and His kingdom will have no end.”

    34Mary asked the angel, “How can this be, since I have not been intimate with a man?”

    35The angel replied to her: “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. Therefore the holy child to be born will be called the Son of God. 36And consider Elizabeth your relativeeven she has conceived a son in her old age, and this is the sixth month for her who was called barren. 37For nothing will be impossible with God.”

    38“Consider me the Lord’s slave,” said Mary. “May it be done to me according to your word.” Then the angel left her.[1]


    [1] Knight, G. W. (2001). A simplified harmony of the Gospels (pp. 9–10). Holman Bible Publishers.



    Matthew
    		Mark
    		Luke
    		John


    The Birth of Jesus Foretold

    26 In the sixth month of Elizabeth’s pregnancy, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee, 27 to a virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David. The virgin’s name was Mary. 28 The angel went to her and said, “Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you.”

    29 Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be. 30 But the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favor with God. 31 You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus. 32 He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, 33 and he will reign over Jacob’s descendants forever; his kingdom will never end.”

    34 “How will this be,” Mary asked the angel, “since I am a virgin?”

    35 The angel answered, “The Holy Spirit will come on you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God. 36 Even Elizabeth your relative is going to have a child in her old age, and she who was said to be unable to conceive is in her sixth month. 37 For no word from God will ever fail.”

    38 “I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered. “May your word to me be fulfilled.” Then the angel left her.









    Quick Links

    Summary: This passage recounts the angel Gabriel's announcement to Mary that she would conceive Jesus, the Son of God. It highlights Mary's initial fear and confusion followed by her faithful acceptance of God's plan.

    Application: This message emphasizes that God often calls us to unexpected and challenging situations, but He equips us to respond in faith. Christians can learn to embrace the uncertainties in their own lives with trust, knowing that like Mary, God can use us for His divine purposes.

    Teaching: This message teaches the importance of faith and obedience in the face of uncertainty. It illustrates how God chooses ordinary people to fulfill His extraordinary plans, showcasing Mary's faith as a model for believers.

    How this passage could point to Christ: In this passage, Jesus is revealed as the Savior, foreshadowing His role in the redemptive narrative of Scripture. Mary’s acceptance signifies the coming of God's promise to humanity through Christ, linking to His birth and mission as the Messiah.

    Big Idea: God calls us to respond in faith to His plans, even when they seem impossible, exemplified in Mary’s acceptance of her role as the mother of Jesus.

    Recommended Study: As you prepare this message, consider diving into Mary’s cultural context and her reaction in light of Jewish expectations regarding the Messiah. Explore the original Greek terms used in the passage for deeper insights, such as the implications of 'favor' and 'power of the Most High'. Additionally, examine various commentaries that discuss the theological significance of the Annunciation and its effects on the narrative of Jesus’ life.

    1. Surprised by God's Favor

    Luke 1:26-30

    You could explore how Mary's initial reaction to the angel's greeting, likened to fear and confusion, mirrors our own responses to life's unexpected turns. By examining her humble and human response, this point highlights the initial shock and vulnerability we often feel. Yet, the promise of God's 'favor' invites us to lean into His grace, finding peace in His presence even when circumstances are uncertain.

    2. Skeptical of God's Plans

    Luke 1:31-34

    Perhaps you can emphasize the angel's revelation of Jesus' divine identity and mission, highlighting Mary's natural doubts about such an unbelievable plan. This point addresses the tension often felt between divine promises and human logic, encouraging believers to trust God's bigger picture, even when His plans seem impossible.

    3. Surrendered to God's Will

    Luke 1:35-38

    Maybe focus on the assurance given by the angel Gabriel, underscoring the role of the Holy Spirit and Mary's ultimate submission to God's will as a demonstration of ultimate faith. Here, Mary's words 'I am the Lord's servant' provide a model for us to surrender to God's will, embodying trust and obedience even in overwhelming situations.

     



    Luke 1:26-38 (Nazareth) Mary Told of Conception


    Topics:
    #Angels
    #Faith
    #Gabriel
    #God: Power
    #God: Sovereignty
    #God: Trinity
    #Holiness
    #Holy Spirit
    #Jesus: Birth
    #Jesus: Humanity
    #Kingdom of God
    #Marriage
    #Mary (mother of Jesus)
    #Miracles
    #Nazareth
    #Obedience and Disobedience
    #Prophecy: Jesus
    Potential Sermon Titles: ??

    Intro Questions to get us thinking:

    ESV Text with Highlights







    • God is ... What do we learn about God in this passage?
    • We are ... What do we learn about people in this passage?
    • How does Gabriel's word to Mary compare with His word to Zechariah (vv. 13-17)?
    • How does Mary (vv. 34 38) respond differently than Zechariah (vv. 12, 18)j?
    • What truths about Jesus are emphasized here? What expectations must have been raised in Mary?
    • Why is the virgin birth important to the Christian faith?




    • What would it mean to doubt and fear God? When were you recently fearful but believing? How did God meet you?
    • In what area of your life do you need to believe that nothing is impossible with God? What keeps you from believing this?
    • I will ... What has the Holy Spirit revealed to us in this passage? How can I apply it to my life this week?

    • You can ... Who do you know who needs to hear this? Feel free to share with others by social media links at the bottom of this.


    Other YouTube Videos

    Articles


    Devotions

    The Virgin Birth of Jesus

    The miraculous conception of Jesus and His birth to a virgin mother was just as puzzling for Mary as it is for most of us today (see Luke 1:34). But God did not give Mary—or us—a medical explanation. In some strange and mysterious way, God would “overshadow” Mary by His Spirit to bring about a miraculous conception. Once formed in Mary’s womb, Jesus was born through the normal process that brings children into the world.

    Thus, from the beginning Jesus had two natures. His divine nature as God’s Son was joined with a human nature, in Mary’s womb, by a direct act of the Author of all creation. God is not limited in His work by our human understanding.



    Feeling Inadequate
    Mary was young, poor, and female—all characteristics that, to the people of her day, would make her seem unusable by God for any major task. But God chose Mary for one of the most important acts of obedience he has ever demanded of anyone. You may feel that your ability, experience, or education make you an unlikely candidate for God's service. Don't limit God's choices. He can use you if you trust him.

     Nazareth, Joseph's and Mary's hometown, was a long way from Jerusalem, the center of Jewish life and worship. Located on a major trade route, Nazareth was frequently visited by Gentile merchants and Roman soldiers. Jesus was born in Bethlehem but grew up in Nazareth. Nevertheless, the people of Nazareth would reject him as the Messiah (Luke 4:22-30).


     Willing Obedience
    A young unmarried girl who became pregnant risked disaster. Unless the father of the child agreed to marry her, she would probably remain unmarried for life. If her own father rejected her, she could be forced into begging or prostitution in order to earn her living. Mary, with her story about being made pregnant by the Holy Spirit, also risked being considered crazy. Still Mary said, despite the possible risks, "May everything you said come true." When Mary made that statement, she didn't know about the tremendous opportunity she would have. She only knew that God was asking her to serve him, and she willingly obeyed. Don't wait to see the bottom line before offering your life to God. Offer yourself willingly, even when the outcome seems difficult.


    Jesus was born without the sin that entered the world through Adam. He was born holy, just as Adam was created sinless. In contrast to Adam, who disobeyed God, Jesus obeyed God and was thus able to face sin's consequences in our place and make us acceptable to God (Romans 5:14-19).


    ==========

     

    Document for DBS

    Series: King Jesus “Submitting to the Reign of Christ”

    The circumstances surrounding the birth of Jesus do not seem consistent with that of royalty, and the kingdom he described does not sound like an empire of politics and power. Perhaps Jesus is a different kind of king and his kingdom is not of this world. What does it mean to let King Jesus reign in your life?

    Title: “Long-Awaited King” (Luke 1:26-38)

    Bookmark: Click Here

    Opening Thoughts: Prophecy pointed to the one who would occupy the throne of David, but the coming King received a mixed reception by the people. What is your response to the long-awaited King of Kings?

    v  Who is the King?

    o   Is it okay to listen to Christmas before Thanksgiving?

    §  Joy to the World Song Background

    v  Expectations of Jesus

    o   Matthew 21:1-11 Jesus Comes to Jerusalem as King

    21 As they approached Jerusalem and came to Bethphage on the Mount of Olives, Jesus sent two disciples, 2 saying to them, “Go to the village ahead of you, and at once you will find a donkey tied there, with her colt by her. Untie them and bring them to me. 3 If anyone says anything to you, say that the Lord needs them, and he will send them right away.”

    4 This took place to fulfill what was spoken through the prophet:

    5 “Say to Daughter Zion,

        ‘See, your king comes to you,

    gentle and riding on a donkey,

        and on a colt, the foal of a donkey.’”

    6 The disciples went and did as Jesus had instructed them. 7 They brought the donkey and the colt and placed their cloaks on them for Jesus to sit on. 8 A very large crowd spread their cloaks on the road, while others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road. 9 The crowds that went ahead of him and those that followed shouted,

    “Hosanna to the Son of David!”

    “Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!”

    “Hosanna in the highest heaven!”

    10 When Jesus entered Jerusalem, the whole city was stirred and asked, “Who is this?”

    11 The crowds answered, “This is Jesus, the prophet from Nazareth in Galilee.”

    ·         Matthew 2:1-3 The Magi Visit the Messiah

    2 After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem 2 and asked, “Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.”

    3 When King Herod heard this he was disturbed, and all Jerusalem with him.

    o   Earth struggles to receive her true King when there’s someone else occupying the throne.

    ===============================================================

    Text: Luke 1:26-38

    The Birth of Jesus Foretold

    26 In the sixth month of Elizabeth’s pregnancy, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee, 27 to a virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David. The virgin’s name was Mary. 28 The angel went to her and said, “Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you.”

    29 Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be. 30 But the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favor with God. 31 You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus. 32 He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, 33 and he will reign over Jacob’s descendants forever; his kingdom will never end.”

    34 “How will this be,” Mary asked the angel, “since I am a virgin?”

    35 The angel answered, “The Holy Spirit will come on you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God. 36 Even Elizabeth your relative is going to have a child in her old age, and she who was said to be unable to conceive is in her sixth month. 37 For no word from God will ever fail.”

    38 “I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered. “May your word to me be fulfilled.” Then the angel left her.

     

    ===============================================================

    Summarize the main story: Describe the events of the story in your own words.

    v  Review and retell the story.

    Reflections for applications:

    v  Isaiah 9:1-7

    o   The prophecy of the King

    o   The birth of the King

    o   The arrival of the King

    §  But how did earth receive her King?

    §  Have you received your King?

    ·         Prepare your heart for the King

    o   The long-awaited King will have one more arrival

     

    ==============================

    Digging Questions:

    ·         How will you respond to God “As King Jesus”? What transformative move needs to be made?

    ·         What do these biblical texts tell you about God and His nature?

    ·         What is God calling us (me and you individually) to do?

    Take Away Challenges

    ·         What has the Holy Spirit revealed to you in this passage? How will you apply it to your life this week?

    ·         Whom do you know who needs to hear this?

    ·         What is God bringing to your attention in this discussion? What beliefs, thoughts or actions need to be addressed or changed?

    Hashtags #KingJesus #Await

    Sunday sermon link https://youtu.be/LZJRywAIxO4

    Kevin’s Blog Link to more resources:       Click here for Kevin’s Blog Notes

    Comments and resources with some more resources:

    https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke+1%3A26-38&version=NIV

    ==========

    “GROWING IN CHRIST” WEEKLY DEVOTIONAL THOUGHT

    Live the Impossible!

    Luke 1:29‐30, 34, 35, 37 ‐‐ “‘Do not be afraid, Mary, you have found favor with God. You will be with child and give birth to a son.’ ‘How will this be,’ Mary asked the angel, ‘since I am a virgin?’ The angel answered, ‘The Holy Spirit will come upon you. Even Elizabeth your relative is going to have a child in her old age, and she who was said to be barren is in her sixth month. For nothing is impossible with God.’"

    There is no more wonderful experience than living in the presence and purpose of God. No matter how much you desire and believe this truth, you can still fall short of what God has for you. Mary questioned God as she was being filled with a revelation from Him. She even gets a double confirmation with the news about her cousin, Elizabeth, and her pregnancy. Mary finds herself faced with the overwhelming challenge of believing that God is on the verge of doing what sounds impossible.

    You too will often be faced with stretches of your faith. These stretches expose a gap between where God is calling you and where your physical world/reality is. This gap becomes the divide between your ability to experience God or to live and be controlled by the world. God does not want you to live to the edge of your world – He wants you to live the impossible by stepping out in faith to experience what He has for you.

    Abraham did this in Hebrews 11:19 ‐‐ “Abraham reasoned that God could raise the dead, and figuratively speaking, he did receive Isaac back from death.” Living the impossible with Christ fills your life with His presence, power, and love. Do not allow your life of faith to be restricted by the limitations of this world – allow it to be filled with the presence and work of Christ in you!

    Mark 9:23‐24 (NEB) ‐‐ “‘If it is possible,’ said Jesus. ‘Everything is possible to one who has faith.’ ‘I have faith,’ cried the boy’s father, ‘help me where my faith falls short.’” Matthew 17:20 (NIV) ‐‐ “He replied, ‘Because you have so little faith. I tell you the truth, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, “Move from here to there” and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.’"

    ===========


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