Category: Daily Prayer

Our scripture this week is Matthew 4:12-23.

When Jesus heard that John had been put in prison, he withdrew to Galilee. Leaving Nazareth, he went and lived in Capernaum, which was by the lake in the area of Zebulun and Naphtali— to fulfill what was said through the prophet Isaiah: “Land of Zebulun and land of Naphtali, the Way of the Sea, beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles— the people living in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death a light has dawned.”
Matthew 4:12-16

Jesus came to fulfill a need in people to see a perfect example of God’s love. Instead of going to Jerusalem and teaching at the temple, He went to the outlying provinces of Israel, where He spoke to small groups and those who were shunned by society. The prophet Isaiah had written seven hundred years earlier that “the people living in darkness have seen a great light”, and while he indicated the location where Jesus went to teach, the people living in darkness was a much larger group than that.

Jesus came at a specific time and place to show us how much God wanted to connect with us, but His plan to reach all people continues today. He has called each of us to bring the light of His love to the dark places that still exist. This is the beauty of God’s plan for us, that He wants us to be part of the work.

God has blessed us with gifts to be used in His service, carrying His invitation to all people everywhere. Our task is to go where we are needed, as Jesus did, to ensure no place or group is left out. God has called us to be the light in the darkness, letting people know how much He loves us all.

Wise and wonderful God, in Your perfect plan for creation You have made a place for each of us and a task for us to accomplish. Help us to see the work You have for us and help others to know Your love through our witness. Amen.

Our scripture this week is Matthew 4:12-23.

When Jesus heard that John had been put in prison, he withdrew to Galilee. Leaving Nazareth, he went and lived in Capernaum, which was by the lake in the area of Zebulun and Naphtali— to fulfill what was said through the prophet Isaiah: “Land of Zebulun and land of Naphtali, the Way of the Sea, beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles— the people living in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death a light has dawned.” From that time on Jesus began to preach, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.” As Jesus was walking beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon called Peter and his brother Andrew. They were casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen. “Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will send you out to fish for people.” At once they left their nets and followed him. Going on from there, he saw two other brothers, James son of Zebedee and his brother John. They were in a boat with their father Zebedee, preparing their nets. Jesus called them, and immediately they left the boat and their father and followed him. Jesus went throughout Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom, and healing every disease and sickness among the people.
Matthew 4:12-23

Jesus begins His public ministry with words that we have heard before “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near”. John had preached repentance as the way to be ready for the coming of the Lord, and now Jesus continues this teaching as the way to prepare for the coming of God’s kingdom. As the scripture tells us “on those living in the land of the shadow of death a light has dawned”.

Jesus began to gather friends to follow Him and be part of the kingdom work God had called them to accomplish. From the very beginning God said “it is not good for man to be alone” (Genesis 2:18), knowing that humans needed to be with other humans for support and companionship. We were created to be in relationship with God and each other.

Jesus came as one of us so that we could associate with Him as we do each other and learn more easily what God intends for us. Jesus came as our teacher and our savior, but also as our brother, a human example for us. We need to stay close to Him in this connection God has given us, that we may bring others into His love and care.

Gracious God, we are thankful for the gift of Jesus who came to be with us and show us Your love. Help us to share His presence with all people everywhere that they may connect with Him as well. Amen.

Our scripture this week is John 1:29-42.

The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, “Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world! This is the one I meant when I said, ‘A man who comes after me has surpassed me because he was before me.’ I myself did not know him, but the reason I came baptizing with water was that he might be revealed to Israel.” Then John gave this testimony: “I saw the Spirit come down from heaven as a dove and remain on him. And I myself did not know him, but the one who sent me to baptize with water told me, ‘The man on whom you see the Spirit come down and remain is the one who will baptize with the Holy Spirit.’ I have seen and I testify that this is God’s Chosen One.” The next day John was there again with two of his disciples. When he saw Jesus passing by, he said, “Look, the Lamb of God!” When the two disciples heard him say this, they followed Jesus. Turning around, Jesus saw them following and asked, “What do you want?” They said, “Rabbi” (which means “Teacher”), “where are you staying?” “Come,” he replied, “and you will see.” So they went and saw where he was staying, and they spent that day with him. It was about four in the afternoon. Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, was one of the two who heard what John had said and who had followed Jesus. The first thing Andrew did was to find his brother Simon and tell him, “We have found the Messiah” (that is, the Christ). And he brought him to Jesus. Jesus looked at him and said, “You are Simon son of John. You will be called Cephas” (which, when translated, is Peter ).
John 1:29-42

This week we have read about the faithful witness of John, who pointed people to Jesus, that they might know Him and be saved. We are called to be faithful witnesses as well, sharing the Good News of Christ’s salvation and His love for us. It isn’t always easy to be His representatives, but those who claim His name and His promise must always be ready to tell His story.

We heard about the first people to follow Jesus, those He asked to “come and see”. These became His disciples, learning about the kingdom of God and how we must be part of His plan. Later, Jesus would entrust the continuation of His ministry to these faithful ones.

Jesus invites us to be like John and the disciples, pointing others to Him and sharing His story. Like them, He has called us to be part of the kingdom work and entrusted us with carrying on what He began. God has a plan for all of creation and He has a part in that plan for each of us specifically.

Loving Lord, we are amazed at Your grace and mercy, given to each of each in spite of our failings. Bless us to continue the work You gave us through the loving example of Jesus. Amen.

Our scripture this week is John 1:29-42

The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, “Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world! This is the one I meant when I said, ‘A man who comes after me has surpassed me because he was before me.’ I myself did not know him, but the reason I came baptizing with water was that he might be revealed to Israel.” Then John gave this testimony: “I saw the Spirit come down from heaven as a dove and remain on him. And I myself did not know him, but the one who sent me to baptize with water told me, ‘The man on whom you see the Spirit come down and remain is the one who will baptize with the Holy Spirit.’ I have seen and I testify that this is God’s Chosen One.” The next day John was there again with two of his disciples. When he saw Jesus passing by, he said, “Look, the Lamb of God!” When the two disciples heard him say this, they followed Jesus. Turning around, Jesus saw them following and asked, “What do you want?” They said, “Rabbi” (which means “Teacher”), “where are you staying?” “Come,” he replied, “and you will see.” So they went and saw where he was staying, and they spent that day with him. It was about four in the afternoon. Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, was one of the two who heard what John had said and who had followed Jesus. The first thing Andrew did was to find his brother Simon and tell him, “We have found the Messiah” (that is, the Christ). And he brought him to Jesus. Jesus looked at him and said, “You are Simon son of John. You will be called Cephas” (which, when translated, is Peter ).
John 1:29-42

John the Baptist has pointed people to Jesus, and now Andrew and others are coming to Him to learn what He teaches. Jesus calls us all, but it is up to us to obey that call and do our best to ensure others hear it as well. Jesus gives us His outstretched hand in invitation, we must choose to take it.

Andrew models this for us, going with Jesus but then returning to bring his brother Simon (Peter) to meet Jesus as well. This example fills the commands we have received to love God, love neighbor and make disciples. Jesus has much more to teach those who follow Him, but this is how a relationship with Him begins.

How are we accepting the invitation Jesus sends and the call He places on our lives? He has much for us to do, not because He needs our help but that we might be part of His wonderful ministry to all people. Jesus has a task for every one of us, right here, right now.

Wise and wonderful God, we are grateful that You call us into Your plan, that You involve us in what You are doing in the world. Help us to be strong and productive as we answer Your call. Amen.

Our scripture this week is John 1:29-42.

Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, was one of the two who heard what John had said and who had followed Jesus. The first thing Andrew did was to find his brother Simon and tell him, “We have found the Messiah” (that is, the Christ). And he brought him to Jesus. Jesus looked at him and said, “You are Simon son of John. You will be called Cephas” (which, when translated, is Peter ).
John 1:40-42

Andrew tells his brother “we have found the Messiah” and a new chapter in the story begins. Andrew believes what he has heard and seen of Jesus and brings his brother Simon to meet Him. They will form the core of the band of followers we call His disciples.

Jesus sees something in Simon immediately and tells him “you will be called Cephas” meaning Peter, which also can be translated as “rock”. Jesus is telling him that things will change and that he will change during their time together. No one is left unchanged by an encounter with Christ.

Jesus sees something in you as well, and we can’t help but be changed. It is our choice to accept the gift that change brings to our lives and the difference our gifts can make in the lives of others. When we take on that responsibility, we become His disciples as well, entrusted with the kingdom work He has for us.

Gracious God, we are humbled by Your gifts to us and the call that places on our lives. Help us to be faithful in our love to You and others as we go in Your service to all people. Amen.

Our scripture this week is John 1:29-42.

The next day John again was standing with two of his disciples, and as he watched Jesus walk by, he exclaimed, “Look, here is the Lamb of God!” The two disciples heard him say this, and they followed Jesus. When Jesus turned and saw them following, he said to them, “What are you looking for?” They said to him, “Rabbi” (which translated means Teacher), “where are you staying?” He said to them, “Come and see.” They came and saw where he was staying, and they remained with him that day. It was about four o’clock in the afternoon.
John 1:35-39

People were drawn to Jesus, not only through the words of John the Baptist but by feeling a pull, a movement of the spirit within them that led them to follow Him. Two of John’s disciples asked Jesus where He was staying and He replied “Come and see” (verse 39). Jesus invited them to continue to be a part of God’s work. The first step was learning from John, now that Jesus had begun His ministry, they would learn much more.

We needn’t feel sad for John, that his disciples left to follow Jesus. John himself said “the one who comes after me is greater”, indicating that it is right to follow Jesus. John tells people that they will “graduate” from his teachings and begin their new studies under the Master.

Are you ready for new studies? Even if you have accepted Jesus as Lord and Savior He still has much to teach us. Let us open our minds and our hearts to His word that we may be closer to Him and even more useful to His kingdom.

Gracious God, help us to better hear and apply the lessons you send. Help us to see the things you have gifted us to do and go into the world to accomplish them in Your name. Amen.

Our scripture this week is John 1:29-42.

Then John gave this testimony: “I saw the Spirit come down from heaven as a dove and remain on him. And I myself did not know him, but the one who sent me to baptize with water told me, ‘The man on whom you see the Spirit come down and remain is the one who will baptize with the Holy Spirit.’ I have seen and I testify that this is God’s Chosen One.”
John 1:32-34

John the Baptist becomes the first since Jesus birth to proclaim Him as God’s Chosen One. All through his ministry, John has said one who is greater than he is coming, and now God gives him the opportunity to see Jesus and let the people know He has come. However, even though he has seen the Lord, John won’t get the chance to see what happens next.

That’s the way ministry works, we rarely get to see the full effect ourselves. Paul writes “So neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but only God gives the growth” (1 Corinthians 3:7). John did what God had called him to do – point people toward the Messiah, drawing their attention to Him that they might hear His saving message.

We need to be aware that what God calls us to do is important to His kingdom, but we may not see the whole of it. As a friend puts it “we don’t know where the edges are”. Our work is only one piece of the whole that is God’s creation. Do your part and do not worry about the other parts, remembering that God gives the growth.

Loving Lord, we are always concerned about “the big picture”. Help us to see how we all fit together, but keep us focused on what You have called us to do individually. Amen.

Our scripture this week is John 1:29-42.

The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, “Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world! This is the one I meant when I said, ‘A man who comes after me has surpassed me because he was before me.’ I myself did not know him, but the reason I came baptizing with water was that he might be revealed to Israel.”
John 1:29-31

John had a special calling from God, a very important role to play. His ministry of baptism in the desert by the Jordan River called the people of Israel to recognize their sin and repent. While this was essential to God’s plan, it was key to preparing the way of the Lord, making the people ready to receive Jesus.

John recognized Jesus as the Messiah, and what He’d had come to do, telling us that Jesus was “the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world”. John called people to repent of their sins, but Jesus came to wipe our sin away, the only way that we can be forgiven. Jesus came to be the sacrifice that destroys our guilt forever.

What must we do to receive the forgiveness the Lamb offers? We must follow the path John showed us, repenting of our former sinful ways, and receiving Christ’s blessing. We are called to live new lives in Him, loving God, loving neighbor and making disciples of all the world. This is the gift God gives us that we may be reconciled to Him.

Loving Lord, we are so thankful for the gift of our Lord, Jesus Christ. Thanks You for loving us so much! Amen.

Our scripture this week is John 1:29-42.

The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, “Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world! This is the one I meant when I said, ‘A man who comes after me has surpassed me because he was before me.’ I myself did not know him, but the reason I came baptizing with water was that he might be revealed to Israel.” Then John gave this testimony: “I saw the Spirit come down from heaven as a dove and remain on him. And I myself did not know him, but the one who sent me to baptize with water told me, ‘The man on whom you see the Spirit come down and remain is the one who will baptize with the Holy Spirit.’ I have seen and I testify that this is God’s Chosen One.” The next day John was there again with two of his disciples. When he saw Jesus passing by, he said, “Look, the Lamb of God!” When the two disciples heard him say this, they followed Jesus. Turning around, Jesus saw them following and asked, “What do you want?” They said, “Rabbi” (which means “Teacher”), “where are you staying?”  “Come,” he replied, “and you will see.” So they went and saw where he was staying, and they spent that day with him. It was about four in the afternoon. Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, was one of the two who heard what John had said and who had followed Jesus. The first thing Andrew did was to find his brother Simon and tell him, “We have found the Messiah” (that is, the Christ). And he brought him to Jesus. Jesus looked at him and said, “You are Simon son of John. You will be called Cephas” (which, when translated, is Peter ).
John 1:29-42

God chose to create everything there is, including us. He chose to create us intending that we would choose to be in relationship with Him. When humans chose their own way instead, the relationship was strained by sin, not broken but no longer the same. Only through God’s grace and merciful forgiveness can the relationship be restored.

God has been reaching out to us in love from the very beginning, and even our sin doesn’t stop His constant effort to bring us back. In this week’s lesson we hear testimony from John the Baptist that Jesus is the one God chose to come among us to show His love in person. Jesus in turn chooses a group to be His disciples, to teach them how our choice to love God and each other can bring us back into a full relationship with God.

Think about what God has done and continues to do in your life. How can you better accept His love and share it with others? God’s call is not just for each of us to come back but to help others feel His love and return as well.

Gracious God, even when we stumble, You reach out to steady us and show us there is a way back to You. Help us to reach out to others and let them see Your love at work in our world. Amen.

Our scripture this week is Matthew 3:13-17.

Then Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan to be baptized by John. But John tried to deter him, saying, “I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?” Jesus replied, “Let it be so now; it is proper for us to do this to fulfill all righteousness.” Then John consented. As soon as Jesus was baptized, he went up out of the water. At that moment heaven was opened, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting on him. And a voice from heaven said, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.”
Matthew 3:13-17

This passage tells us that Jesus obeyed God by going to be baptized in the Jordan River. It tells us that God was “well pleased” with Him because of His obedience. It isn’t recorded that anyone else was aware of the voice from heaven or the Spirit descending, but Jesus certainly noticed.

Have you ever done something good and no one else knew about it? Did it make you feel like you missed out because no one said “Good job!” or were you happy just knowing you had done the right thing? We are called to obey God and share His love, not to receive any praise from anyone but simply out of our love for Him.

Jesus didn’t go because He expected adulation, but to prove His obedience to God, and to show us that the way to salvation is through that obedience. He gave us the example of doing God’s will for the sake of our relationship with Him alone, not any recognition from the world. We are called to live for God’s approval, and what the world thinks of us will not matter in eternity.

Loving Lord, we put too much emphasis on being noticed in our world. Help us to see that Your attention and love for us is all that really matters. Amen.