Tag: Jesus Christ

Saturday Morning, 17 Aug 2019 – Matthew 4:12-25 ~ Jesus announces the Good News about the Kingdom.

Saturday Morning

+ In the Name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Opening:  (A Collect for Sabbath Rest – Saturday)

Almighty God, who after the creation of the world rested from all your works and set aside a day of rest for all your creatures: Grant that we, putting away all earthly anxieties, may be duly prepared to meet you in worship, and that our rest here upon earth may be a preparation for the eternal rest promised to your people in heaven; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
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Morning Reading: Matthew 4:12-25 (NLT)

The Ministry of Jesus Begins

When Jesus heard that John had been arrested, he left Judea and returned to Galilee. He went first to Nazareth, then left there and moved to Capernaum, beside the Sea of Galilee, in the region of Zebulun and Naphtali. This fulfilled what God said through the prophet Isaiah:

“In the land of Zebulun and of Naphtali, beside the sea, beyond the Jordan River,
in Galilee where so many Gentiles live, the people who sat in darkness have seen a great light. And for those who lived in the land where death casts its shadow, a light has shined.”

From then on Jesus began to preach, “Repent of your sins and turn to God, for the Kingdom of Heaven is near.”

The First Disciples

One day as Jesus was walking along the shore of the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers—Simon, also called Peter, and Andrew—throwing a net into the water, for they fished for a living. Jesus called out to them, “Come, follow me, and I will show you how to fish for people!” And they left their nets at once and followed him.

A little farther up the shore he saw two other brothers, James and John, sitting in a boat with their father, Zebedee, repairing their nets. And he called them to come, too. They immediately followed him, leaving the boat and their father behind.

Crowds Follow Jesus

Jesus traveled throughout the region of Galilee, teaching in the synagogues and announcing the Good News about the Kingdom. And he healed every kind of disease and illness. News about him spread as far as Syria, and people soon began bringing to him all who were sick. And whatever their sickness or disease, or if they were demon possessed or epileptic or paralyzed—he healed them all. Large crowds followed him wherever he went—people from Galilee, the Ten Towns, Jerusalem, from all over Judea, and from east of the Jordan River.
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Morning Reflection:

Jesus announces the Good News about the Kingdom.

Jesus traveled throughout the region of Galilee,
teaching in the synagogues and announcing the Good News about the Kingdom.
And he healed every kind of disease and illness.
– Matthew 4:23 –

As an itinerant preacher, Jesus engaged in three primary activities: teaching His disciples, preaching good news to the multitudes, and healing the sick.

His ministry began with the Jewish people of northern Galilee: teaching in synagogues, preaching about the messianic Kingdom, and healing diseased people. Jesus’ miracles dealt with “incurable” afflictions and attracted a large following. Jesus’ message of Good News was God’s pledge to end the grief and deal with the suffering of our fallen, sin-filled world.

Questions for consideration:

  • Jesus’ began his ministry with a call to repentance. Does that resonate with you? Is there sin in your life that you need to reject and turn instead to God for help and redirection? Please explain.
  • Jesus invited people to leave what they were doing and follow him; and they did. Have you heard Jesus’ call to follow him? What had to be left behind? How did you respond? Please explain.
  • Jesus healed the sick and suffering. Have you, or someone you know, been healed by Jesus? Do you need healing now? Please explain.

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Morning Prayer: Prayer for Thy Kingdom Come

God of our salvation, hope of all the ends of the earth, we pray: Your kingdom come.

  • That the world may know Jesus Christ as the Prince of Peace, we pray: Your kingdom come.
  • That all who are estranged and without hope may be brought near in the blood of Christ, we pray: Your kingdom come.
  • That we may be one in serving and proclaiming the gospel, we pray: Your kingdom come.
  • That we may be bold to speak Your word while You stretch out Your healing hand to save, we pray: Your kingdom come.
  • That we may be generous in giving, faithful in serving, bold in proclaiming, we pray: Your kingdom come.
  • That we may welcome and support all whom You call to faith, we pray: Your kingdom come.
  • That all who serve the gospel may be kept in safety while Your word accomplishes its purpose, we pray: Your kingdom come.
  • That all who suffer for the gospel may know the comfort and glory of Christ, we pray: Your kingdom come.
  • That the day may come when every knee shall bow and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, we pray: Your kingdom come.

Almighty God, by Your Holy Spirit You have made us one with Your saints in heaven and on earth: grant that in our earthly pilgrimage we may ever be supported by this fellowship of love and prayer, and know ourselves surrounded by their witness to Your power and mercy; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
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“Thy Kingdom Come” – Reba Rambo, Dony McGuire

Every path you walk, My feet have been there long before you
Every tear you cry, My eyes have already known
I’ve reached the highest hill, I see you struggling up the mountain
My voice can be your guide, will you trust Me with your life

Lord, Thy Kingdom come, Thy will be done I pray
Forgive me when I fall, forgive me when I fail
Lord I do believe, but help my unbelief
‘Til heaven and earth unite, It’s not my will but Thine

I know every way you can be tempted to stop trying
The world was offered Me, if I misused My power
I’ve reached a higher goal, I became Lord of all creation
You can live in paradise, if you’ll trust Me with your life

Lord, it gets so dark I just can’t see the right way
My word will be a lamp unto your feet

Lord, I get so tired I just can’t keep on traveling
My joy will be your strength, you can do all things
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Closing:

May the peace of the Lord Christ go with you, wherever He may send you. May He guide you through the wilderness, and protect you through the storm. May He bring you home rejoicing at the wonders He has shown you. May He bring you home rejoicing once again into our doors.

+ In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen

Friday Morning: 16 Aug 2019 – Matthew 4:1-11 ~ Jesus overcomes temptation.

Friday Morning

+ In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen

Opening (A Collect for Endurance – Friday)

Almighty God, whose beloved Son first suffered pain and crucifixion before entering into glory: Mercifully grant that we, walking in his footsteps, may find it none other than the way of life and peace; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord. Amen.
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Morning Reading – Matthew 4:1-11 (NLT)

The Temptation of Jesus

Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted there by the devil. For forty days and forty nights he fasted and became very hungry.

During that time the devil came and said to him, “If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become loaves of bread.”

But Jesus told him, “No! The Scriptures say, ‘People do not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.’”

Then the devil took him to the holy city, Jerusalem, to the highest point of the Temple, and said, “If you are the Son of God, jump off! For the Scriptures say,

‘He will order his angels to protect you. And they will hold you up with their hands so you won’t even hurt your foot on a stone.’”

Jesus responded, “The Scriptures also say, ‘You must not test the Lord your God.’”

Next the devil took him to the peak of a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory. “I will give it all to you,” he said, “if you will kneel down and worship me.”

“Get out of here, Satan,” Jesus told him. “For the Scriptures say, ‘You must worship the Lord your God and serve only him.’”

Then the devil went away, and angels came and took care of Jesus.
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Morning Reflection:

Jesus overcomes temptation.

Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted there by the devil.
– Matthew 4:1 –

Jesus’ genealogy and virgin birth prove His legal human qualification as Israel’s King. His baptism was the occasion of His divine approval. His temptation demonstrated His moral fitness to reign.

The substance of each temptation has to do with Jesus’ devotion, or obedience, to God. The intent of Satan in each test is to entice Jesus to break faith with God, his Father, and thus disavow his divine Sonship.

Jesus faced Satan as a man, not as God. He did not use His own divine powers to overcome the enemy, which is just what Satan tempted Him to do. Rather He used the spiritual resources that are available to all people, including us, namely, the Word of God and the power of the Holy Spirit. It is for this reason that He is an example for us of one who successfully endured temptation, and it is this victory that qualified Him to become both our King and our Great High Priest.

Questions for consideration:

  • What forms of temptation have you personally experienced? Please explain.
  • What forms of temptation have you resisted? Please explain.
  • To what forms of temptation have you succumbed? Have you asked for and received God’s forgiveness? Please explain.
  • Where do you need God’s help to overcome the temptations you are currently facing? What does God’s Word say about your temptations? Please explain.

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Morning Prayer: – For Overcoming Temptations

Heavenly Father, I can no longer make it alone in this world. Lord, I need you each and every second, every minute, every hour of my life.

+ Holy Spirit, come alongside me and mold me in my journey to become more like Christ Jesus. Guide my thoughts, my words, my deeds. Empower me to resist temptation.

+ Lord Jesus, the battle against temptations is so strong, I struggle at times to fight it. Give me strength, Oh Lord, to walk away from the evil that tries to lure me in.

+ Father, cleanse my mind, body and soul of anything that is not pleasing to You. Help me to follow in the footsteps of Christ Jesus and remain pure and holy, for my body is the temple of the Holy Spirit.

+ Lead me to the cross, Oh gentle Savior. Rid me of myself because I belong to You. In Your presence is where I want to be.

Heavenly Father, lead me to victory as I overcome the battle of sin and become a mighty, righteous warrior for You. In Jesus mighty name I pray, Amen!
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“Lead Us Not Into Temptation” – Reba Rambo, Dony McGuire

Lead us not into temptation
Keep us from the snare of that wicked one
Lead us not into temptation
Deliver us from evil for your Name’s sake

Satan’s like a roaring lion
Seeking whom he may devour
Lord let your Spirit be a hedge about us
Protect us with your supernatural power

We fight not with flesh and blood
But with spiritual wickedness
The great red dragon and his army’s making war
Clothe us with armor, we’ll come forth victorious
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Closing:

May the peace of the Lord Christ go with you, wherever He may send you. May He guide you through the wilderness, and protect you through the storm. May He bring you home rejoicing at the wonders He has shown you. May He bring you home rejoicing once again into our doors.

+ In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen

Thursday Morning: 15 Aug 2019 – Matthew 3:1-17 ~ Baptism with Water, the Holy Spirit, and Fire.

Thursday Morning

+ In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen

Opening (A Collect for Guidance – Thursday)

Heavenly Father, in you we live and move and have our being: Guide and govern us by your Holy Spirit, that in all the cares and occupations of our lives we may not forget you, but may remember that we are ever walking in your sight; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
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Morning Reading – Matthew 3:1-17 (NLT)

John the Baptist Prepares the Way

In those days John the Baptist came to the Judean wilderness and began preaching. His message was, “Repent of your sins and turn to God, for the Kingdom of Heaven is near.” The prophet Isaiah was speaking about John when he said,

“He is a voice shouting in the wilderness, ‘Prepare the way for the Lord’s coming! Clear the road for him!’”

John’s clothes were woven from coarse camel hair, and he wore a leather belt around his waist. For food he ate locusts and wild honey. People from Jerusalem and from all of Judea and all over the Jordan Valley went out to see and hear John. And when they confessed their sins, he baptized them in the Jordan River.

But when he saw many Pharisees and Sadducee coming to watch him baptize, he denounced them. “You brood of snakes!” he exclaimed. “Who warned you to flee the coming wrath? Prove by the way you live that you have repented of your sins and turned to God. Don’t just say to each other, ‘We’re safe, for we are descendants of Abraham.’ That means nothing, for I tell you, God can create children of Abraham from these very stones. Even now the ax of God’s judgment is poised, ready to sever the roots of the trees. Yes, every tree that does not produce good fruit will be chopped down and thrown into the fire.

“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. He is ready to separate the chaff from the wheat with his winnowing fork. Then he will clean up the threshing area, gathering the wheat into his barn but burning the chaff with never-ending fire.”

The Baptism of Jesus

Then Jesus went from Galilee to the Jordan River to be baptized by John. But John tried to talk him out of it. “I am the one who needs to be baptized by you,” he said, “so why are you coming to me?”

But Jesus said, “It should be done, for we must carry out all that God requires.” So John agreed to baptize him.

After his baptism, as Jesus came up out of the water, the heavens were opened and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and settling on him. And a voice from heaven said, “This is my dearly loved Son, who brings me great joy.”
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Morning Reflection:

Baptism with Water, the Holy Spirit, and Fire.
“I baptize you with water for repentance,
but he who is coming after me is mightier than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry.
He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.”
– Matthew 3:11 –

In today’s Gospel account, Matthew introduces three baptisms – with water, the Holy Spirit, and fire – all in support of presenting Jesus as the Messiah and King of the Jews who will usher in the Kingdom of God. The high point is Jesus’ own baptism in which the Son receives the Father’s blessing (dearly loved, brings me great joy), and the Holy Spirit’s seal of approval (descending like a dove). The theophany displayed at Jesus’ baptism expressed the trinitarian presence and character of God.

But what of the three baptisms that John introduced?

+ Baptism of repentance with water – turn away from your sins and turn to God in preparation for the coming of God’s Kingdom. John’s baptism of repentance was a public sign that marked a a new direction, a new reason for living, in people’s lives

+ Baptism of power with the Holy Spirit – the descent of the Holy Spirit upon Jesus was a display of God’s empowerment to accomplish the Messianic ministry he was about to begin. This empowerment was given to Jesus to speak and act with the authority of God. It is an authority that would be given later (after Pentecost) to all believers

+ Baptism of purification with fire – repentance and empowerment eventually lead every believe to confrontation with “the world, the flesh, and the devil” – the source of all temptation and the enemies of our souls. It’s in this baptism of fire that believers are purified and unbelievers are exposed.

Baptismal Questions for consideration:

  • Do you renounce the devil and all the spiritual forces of wickedness that rebel against God?
  • Do you renounce the empty promises and deadly deceits of this world that corrupt and destroy the creatures of God?
  • Do you renounce the sinful desires of the flesh that draw you from the love of God?
  • Do you turn to Jesus Christ and confess him as your Lord and Savior?
  • Do you joyfully receive the Christian Faith, as revealed in the Holy Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments?
  • Will you obediently keep God’s holy will and commandments, and walk in them all the days of your life?

Answer: I will, the Lord being my helper.
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Morning Prayer – Baptismal Prayer

Heavenly Father, we thank you that by water and the Holy Spirit you have bestowed upon these your servants the forgiveness of sin, received them as your own children by adoption, made them members of your holy Church, and raised them to the new life of grace. Sustain them, O Lord, in your Holy Spirit, that they may enjoy everlasting salvation through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

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“Holy Spirit Rain Down” – Hillsong Worship

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Closing:

May the peace of the Lord Christ go with you, wherever He may send you. May He guide you through the wilderness, and protect you through the storm. May He bring you home rejoicing at the wonders He has shown you. May He bring you home rejoicing once again into our doors.

+ In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen

Wednesday Morning: 14 Aug 2019 – Matthew 2:16-23 ~ The Slaughter of the Innocents.

Wednesday Morning

+ In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen

Opening (A Collect for Grace – Wednesday)

O Lord, our heavenly Father, almighty and everlasting God, you have brought us safely to the beginning of this day: Defend us by your mighty power, that we may not fall into sin nor run into any danger; and that guided by your Spirit, we may do what is righteous in your sight; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
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Morning Reading – Matthew 2:16-23 (NLT)

Herod was furious when he realized that the wise men had outwitted him. He sent soldiers to kill all the boys in and around Bethlehem who were two years old and under, based on the wise men’s report of the star’s first appearance. Herod’s brutal action fulfilled what God had spoken through the prophet Jeremiah:

“A cry was heard in Ramah—weeping and great mourning. Rachel weeps for her children, refusing to be comforted, for they are dead.”

The Return to Nazareth

When Herod died, an angel of the Lord appeared in a dream to Joseph in Egypt. “Get up!” the angel said. “Take the child and his mother back to the land of Israel, because those who were trying to kill the child are dead.”

So Joseph got up and returned to the land of Israel with Jesus and his mother. But when he learned that the new ruler of Judea was Herod’s son Archelaus, he was afraid to go there. Then, after being warned in a dream, he left for the region of Galilee. So the family went and lived in a town called Nazareth. This fulfilled what the prophets had said: “He will be called a Nazarene.”
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Morning Reflection:

The Slaughter of the Innocents

Herod was furious when he realized that the wise men had outwitted him.
He sent soldiers to kill all the boys in and around Bethlehem
who were two years old and under,
based on the wise men’s report of the star’s first appearance.
– Matthew 2:16 –

What prompts a person to do such a thing, even a despot like Herod? What prompts anyone to commit such an evil act – to kill children? Spiritual blindness? Fear? Paranoia? Deceit? Cruelty? Anger? Anxiety All of these were certainly true of Herod, but what of those who kill children today?

“We must not be surprised when we hear of murders, of killings, of war, of hatred.
If a mother can kill her own child, what is left but for us to kill each other?”
– Mother Teresa

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Morning Prayer

Almighty God, out of the mouths of children you manifest your truth, and by the death of the Holy Innocents at the hands of evil tyrants you show your strength in our weakness: We ask you to mortify all that is evil within us, and so strengthen us by your grace, that we may glorify your holy Name by the innocence of our lives and the constancy of our faith even unto death; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who died for us and now lives with you and the Holy Spirit, world without end. Amen.

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Heilarion Alfeyev. Christmas Oratorio 24: Rachel’s lament – Sung by Khibla Gerzvama.

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Closing:

May the peace of the Lord Christ go with you, wherever He may send you. May He guide you through the wilderness, and protect you through the storm. May He bring you home rejoicing at the wonders He has shown you. May He bring you home rejoicing once again into our doors.

+ In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen

Tuesday Morning: 13 Aug 2019 – Matthew 2:1-15 ~ King Jesus: Love him/Hate him

Tuesday Morning

+ In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Opening (A Collect for Peace – Tuesday)

O God, the author of peace and lover of concord, to know you is eternal life and to serve you is perfect freedom: Defend us, your humble servants, in all assaults of our enemies; that we, surely trusting in your defense, may not fear the power of any adversaries, through the might of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
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Morning Reading – Matthew 2:1-15 (NLT)

Visitors from the East

Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the reign of King Herod. About that time some wise men from eastern lands arrived in Jerusalem, asking, “Where is the newborn king of the Jews? We saw his star as it rose, and we have come to worship him.”

King Herod was deeply disturbed when he heard this, as was everyone in Jerusalem. He called a meeting of the leading priests and teachers of religious law and asked, “Where is the Messiah supposed to be born?”

“In Bethlehem in Judea,” they said, “for this is what the prophet wrote:

‘And you, O Bethlehem in the land of Judah, are not least among the ruling cities of Judah, for a ruler will come from you who will be the shepherd for my people Israel.’”

Then Herod called for a private meeting with the wise men, and he learned from them the time when the star first appeared. Then he told them, “Go to Bethlehem and search carefully for the child. And when you find him, come back and tell me so that I can go and worship him, too!”

After this interview the wise men went their way. And the star they had seen in the east guided them to Bethlehem. It went ahead of them and stopped over the place where the child was. When they saw the star, they were filled with joy! They entered the house and saw the child with his mother, Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasure chests and gave him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.

When it was time to leave, they returned to their own country by another route, for God had warned them in a dream not to return to Herod.

The Escape to Egypt

After the wise men were gone, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream. “Get up! Flee to Egypt with the child and his mother,” the angel said. “Stay there until I tell you to return, because Herod is going to search for the child to kill him.”

That night Joseph left for Egypt with the child and Mary, his mother, and they stayed there until Herod’s death. This fulfilled what the Lord had spoken through the prophet: “I called my Son out of Egypt.”
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Morning Reflection:

King Jesus: Love him/Hate him.

Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the reign of King Herod.
– Matthew 2:1 –

Matthew cites Jesus’ birth in Bethlehem as another prophetic validation of his Kingship. But what kind of reception would King Jesus receive? The Wise Men loved him, and Herod hated him.

+ The Wise Men recognized that there had been a cosmic announcement of a newborn Jewish King – one who was worthy of their worship, even though they were Gentiles.
+ King Herod discovered that Bethlehem was the prophesied birthplace of Jewish rulers – one who threatened his position and authority, one who must be eliminated.

And so it is today: Believers welcome his kingship and worship him, willing accepting his teaching and authority. While unbelievers reject his authority and go to great lengths to eliminate him in every area of public life.

Questions for consideration:

  • Why do you think the wise men traveled such a great distance to find Jesus? What were they searching for? Please explain.
  • What were you searching for when you found Jesus? How have you worshiped him and accepted his authority in your life? Please explain.
  • What is Jesus leading you to be, say, or do? Where does Jesus want you to trust him, to follow him? Please explain.
  • Why do you think that unbelievers go to such great lengths to eliminate Jesus from public discourse? Please explain.

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Morning Prayer: Epiphany

O God, by the leading of a star you manifested your only Son to the peoples of the earth: Lead us, who know you now by faith, to your presence, where we may see your glory face to face.

+ Fill us with wonder, that we may fall down before you in worship.
+ Deliver us from evil, that we may welcome your Kingship over us.

Through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
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“King of Kings” – Hillsong Worship

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Closing:

May the peace of the Lord Christ go with you, wherever He may send you. May He guide you through the wilderness, and protect you through the storm. May He bring you home rejoicing at the wonders He has shown you. May He bring you home rejoicing once again into our doors.

+ In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen