Month: January 2024

John 2:13-25

The year was 33 AD. To the common Jew visiting the Temple in Jerusalem, all seemed normal. The temple courts were buzzing with commerce, animals bleating, and coins clinking, but this wasn’t the temple Jesus envisioned. It was more of a shopping strip. Yet Jesus didn’t erupt in rage. He paused, crafting a whip, his passion controlled. He then used the whip to drive out the money changers. It’s too bad that the lesson most people learn from this story is that it is okay to be angry. After all, Jesus got angry. That is not what this story is about at all.

Here is a summary of John 2:13-25.

Jesus and his family travel to Capernaum, then journey to Jerusalem for Passover. In the temple, He finds vendors and money changers disrupting its sacred purpose. Driven by righteous anger, Jesus cleanses the temple, driving out animals and overturning tables. His disciples recall Psalm 69:9, seeing His zeal for God’s house. After seeing this powerful event, many believe in Jesus, but He remains cautious, knowing people’s hidden intentions. The passage reveals Jesus’ messianic authority and foreshadows His own resurrection through the cryptic statement about rebuilding the temple in three days.

Let’s look at this story a little closer see thoughts for our own hearts.

Words sometimes fail, but Jesus’ whip spoke volumes. Remember, our actions, especially bold ones done with conviction, can be a megaphone for our values. A quiet act of kindness, a firm stand against injustice—these speak louder than a thousand eloquent speeches.

And even in the chaos, faith blooms. Some, witnessing Jesus’ defiance, found faith. We always need to be open to finding inspiration in the unexpected. Maybe seeing a child’s prayer in a crowded restaurant or a stranger’s act of compassion can be the spark that lights our own passion.

But zeal is a double-edged sword. Jesus’ passion for holiness was pure, yet some questioned his methods. We need to balance our fire with wisdom. Looking back, Jesus surely did. Never mistake blind rage or anger for passion. Jesus knew what he was doing and only did what was necessary to keep the temple holy. He wasn’t beating people; he was turning over tables.

So, learn from the cleansing fire of the temple. Let your passion burn for what’s right, but with measured control. Let your actions speak louder than words, and keep your heart open to unexpected events to encourage you. Remember, a righteous fire, wielded with wisdom, can brighten the world.

Lonnie Davis

As we continue with “Tell me the story of Jesus” 

We come to the 17th event in his life. Let’s call it, The Humble Miracle: Water into Wine.” 

It’s story is found in John 2:1-11

Here is a summary of this event.

In John 2, Jesus performs his first miracle at a wedding in Cana. Running out of wine, Mary, Jesus’ mother, informs him of the problem. Jesus, after some initial reluctance, turns water into wine, impressing the headwaiter and revealing his glory to his disciples. This miracle marks the beginning of Jesus’ public ministry and demonstrates his divine power.

Let’s look at this story a little closer and learn its lessons for our hearts.

Imagine a grand wedding on the brink of disaster. Wine runs dry, throwing the celebration into disarray. In this scene, where the spotlight normally rests on the bride and groom, Jesus steps forward, not with a grand pronouncement, but with a quiet act of service. He instructs the servants to fill jars with water, then transforms that ordinary water into the finest wine.

This seemingly insignificant act holds profound lessons for our own lives. In Jesus’ humility, we see a call to serve others without seeking recognition or praise. The world might glorify grand gestures, but true fulfillment comes from offering quiet help to those in need. A smile to a stranger, a listening ear to a friend, a helping hand with a task – these small acts woven into the fabric of our days are the threads of meaningful service.

Just as the servants didn’t fully understand Jesus’ purpose when they filled the jars, we too may face moments where God’s plan seems obscure. Yet, like them, we are called to trust and obey. It’s in stepping out in faith, even when the path ahead is foggy, that we truly open ourselves to His miracles. Doubts are natural, but our obedience, like the servants’ actions, paves the way for blessings beyond our comprehension.

The miracle at Cana wasn’t just about saving the wedding guests from embarrassment; it was a spark that ignited faith in the disciples. As they witnessed Jesus’ power and grace unfold, their belief grew deeper. Similarly, our Christian journey is not a singular moment of conversion, but an ongoing dance of learning and trusting. We grow our faith by studying His words, observing His actions, and allowing His light to illuminate our own path.

So, let us take inspiration from the humble miracle at Cana. May we serve others with quiet hearts, trust in God’s guidance even in the dark, and embrace the continuous journey of deepening our faith, one step, one act of love, at a time.

Lonnie Davis

As we continue with “Tell me the story of Jesus” 

We come to the 16th event in his life. Let’s call it “First Steps, First Followers.” It is found in John 1:35–51.

Here is a summary of this event.

John 1:35–51 tells of the first gathering of Jesus’ disciples. John the Baptist declares Jesus as the ‘Lamb of God.’ Andrew, a follower of John, and another disciple meet Jesus. Andrew then brings his brother Simon, whom Jesus names Peter. The next day, Jesus calls Philip and Nathanael. Nathanael is skeptical, but after Jesus reveals insight into Nathanael’s character, He proclaims Jesus as the ‘Son of God’ and ‘King of Israel’ 

Let’s look at this story a little closer and see what lessons are in it that would be good for our hearts.

These lessons will guide us to deepen our commitment to Christ, share our journey with others, and stay open to the endless possibilities that faith in Jesus brings.

John 1 isn’t just an ancient text; it’s a personalized roadmap for your spiritual journey. Let’s unpack its treasures, turning them into actionable steps for a deeper connection with Christ.

First, acknowledge the King you follow.

John the Baptist’s bold declaration of Jesus as “the Lamb of God” isn’t mere history. It’s a call to action for you and me. Recognize Jesus as the Messiah, and not just a distant figure, but the Lord of your life. Let His sovereignty guide your decisions, thoughts, and actions.

Second, don’t hesitate to say yes.

Remember the disciples? They didn’t dilly-dally when Jesus beckoned them. Their promptness teaches us the importance of a swift, faithful response to God’s guidance. When He whispers to your heart, think, but don’t overthink; leap! His path leads to fulfillment beyond your wildest dreams.

Third, share the flame you carry.

Just as Andrew excitedly introduced Simon Peter to Jesus, we’re called to be evangelists. Share your experiences with Christ, not with boastful pride but with genuine love and hope. Be a ray of His light, drawing others into the warmth of His embrace.

Finally, keep your eyes peeled for wonders yet unseen.

Jesus’ promise of “greater things” to Nathanael isn’t just a tease; it’s a promise of continuous growth. Embrace the ever-unfolding mystery of your walk with Christ. Stay open to His teachings, be ready for the unexpected, and expect your heart to swell with awe as His words weave their tapestry through your life.

John 1:35-51 isn’t a dusty relic; it’s a vibrant promise. So, go forth, acknowledge your King, follow His call, share His love, and look forward to the wonders He has in store for you. 

Lonnie Davis

A summary of today’s text: John 1:19-34

This text describes John the Baptist’s testimony about Jesus. When questioned by Jewish leaders, John denies being the Christ, Elijah, or the Prophet, instead identifying himself as a voice preparing the way for the Lord. He then testifies about Jesus as the Lamb of God and recounts baptizing Him, seeing the Spirit descend upon Him, and declaring Jesus as the Son of God. This passage highlights John’s role in introducing Jesus’ ministry.

We might call this text:
John Points to The Lamb of God

Three Great Observations of this Story:

First, imagine a scene where humility meets destiny. John the Baptist, a man with a following of his own, stands at the river’s edge, aware that his role is not to be the hero of the story, but the herald of one much greater. This is a man who could have claimed power, had a great following on his own, yet chose to point beyond himself. He prepares the way for Jesus, emphasizing the incredible significance of what is to come. His life is a masterclass in humility, a reminder that sometimes our greatest role is to prepare the stage for others.

Second, see the term ‘Lamb of God’. It’s not just a title; it’s a symbol rich in meaning, woven into the very fabric of the Christian narrative. This title for Jesus introduces us to the sacrifice of Jesus and the redemption of mankind. This powerful imagery is not just about the end but also the true beginning of the journey of faith, hope, and love. The ‘Lamb of God’ is a beacon of light in the dark, guiding us towards understanding the depth of Jesus’ sacrifice.

Finally, the baptism of Jesus by John marks the real beginning of Jesus’s work. This baptism is not a ritual; it’s the inauguration of Jesus’ ministry. Imagine the scene: the skies open, the Spirit descends like a dove, and a voice from heaven affirms Jesus’ divine sonship. Here, in the waters of the Jordan, the human and divine are intertwined in a profound and mysterious way. This baptism is more than just a moment in time; it is the story of John first publically meeting Jesus and pointing the world to The Lamb of God.

Lonnie Davis

Matthew 4:1-11, Mark 1:12-13, Luke 4:1-13

This was the day, above all others, when the devil threw everything he had at Jesus. He tried to end Jesus’ ministry even before it began. There are lessons for our hearts in this story.

After fasting forty days and nights in the Judean wilderness, Jesus encountered the devil at his most vulnerable point. The Spirit led Jesus there to be tested. 

In the face of temptation from Satan, Jesus demonstrated spiritual strength and scriptural wisdom that we would do well to follow when confronting our own trials.  

The first lesson is that all face a war with the Devil.

You and Me and most of all Jesus. If he had to face it, don’t be surprised when Satan comes for you too.

The second lesson is the importance of spiritual preparation for that war. 

Before facing the devil, Jesus spent 40 days connecting deeply with God through fasting, solitude and meditation. We too must cultivate our spiritual lives through prayer, enriching our souls with Scripture and serving God above all else. By laying this strong foundation in Him, we equip ourselves for spiritual warfare.

The third lesson lies in how Jesus combatted each of the devil’s lies: by quoting Scripture. 

When tempted to turn stones into bread, throw himself down from the temple, and take power for himself, Jesus countered each appeal by invoking God’s Word. Jesus used scripture to decimate the half-truths aimed to turn him from the Father’s purpose. To resist compromise and stand firm in trying times, we too must put God’s Truth onto our hearts.

Finally, Jesus refused any shortcuts. The devil repeatedly urged Jesus to seize quick solutions – to satisfy his hunger, test divine protection, take control. But Jesus saw past these temptations, trusting God’s plan. Like Jesus, we will face that age-old temptation – to grasp for control rather than exercise patience. His example calls us to withstand the test and simply trust God and his timing.

For Jesus – and all who walk with Him there is a spiritual war. When facing his war, Jesus overcame and prepared for ministry by relying on spiritual discipline, Scripture and trust in God. His victory over temptation encourages us to do the same.

Lonnie Davis

Today we are in Event 12: The Baptism of Jesus. 

Let’s begin by reading the story from:

“Matthew 3:13–17; Mark 1:9–11; Luke 3:21–23 

(Mk 1:9a) In those days, (Lk 3:21a) when all the people were baptized, (Mk 1:9b) Jesus came from Nazareth in Galilee and was baptized in the Jordan by John.

(Mt 3:14) But John tried to stop Him, saying, “I need to be baptized by You, and yet You come to me?” 

15 Jesus answered him, “Allow it for now, because this is the way for us to fulfill all righteousness.” Then he allowed Him to be baptized. 

16 After Jesus was baptized, He went up immediately from the water. The heavens suddenly opened for Him, and He saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and coming down on Him. 17 And there came a voice from heaven: “This is My beloved Son. I take delight in Him!” 

(Lk 3:23a) As He began His ministry, Jesus was about 30 years old.”

There are many lessons from this great story.

In it we learn of:

1. The necessity of obeying God’s plan. Even Jesus was subject.
2. Jesus was humble enough to obey.
3. We see the trinity, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.
4. We see the affirmation of Jesus as the Son of God.

But as I read these verses, two more things come to mind.

5. John already knew that Jesus was the Lord.

When Jesus sought to be baptized, John tried to stop him because he said that he (John) should be baptized by Jesus. This signals that John already knew who Jesus was. Surely Elizabeth, his mother, had told him things about Jesus. She knew Jesus is Lord. When Mary was pregnant with Jesus, Elizabeth called her, “The mother of my Lord.”  

6. Jesus submitted to baptism even though he did not need repentance or remission of sins. (See Matthew 3:2).

It is interesting that John tried to tell Jesus that he was not worthy to baptize Jesus, but that Jesus should be baptizing him. Jesus resisted that thought. Jesus was said he would be baptized to “fulfill all righteousness.” Bit it seems to me that Jesus was also being baptized as a public example for others. Sometimes people will say, “I don’t care what anybody thinks.” Jesus cared. 

Lonnie Davis

Let me start with a question.

Have you ever lost anything? What is the first question others who try to help will ask? They will say, “Where did you last have it?” If I knew that I would go get it. 

A better question and the one that Joseph and Mary seemed to ask about Jesus was, “Where do we think he might have gone.”

Our story today is from Event 11:

Jesus in the temple at age 12

Our text is Luke 2:41-52

Here’s the Summary: 

Luke 2:41-51 is the story of Jesus as a young boy visiting the temple in Jerusalem with his parents. They had gone to Jerusalem for the Passover feast, and when it was over, Mary and Joseph started their journey back home, assuming Jesus was with them. However, they realized He was missing and returned to Jerusalem to find Him in the temple, discussing and asking questions with the teachers.

Jesus’ response to his parents shows that he was already the kind of person who loved spiritual things. They didn’t find him at a place where kids might gather to play games. They found him in the temple, talking about spiritual things. That would not have been me when I was 12. I’m guess that it was not you either. It was Jesus. He seemed to be amazed that they had trouble finding him. In verse 49 he asked them, “Why were you looking for Me? Did you not know that I had to be in My Father’s house?” In other words, “Didn’t you know you would find me at the place of worship.”

Verse 52 says, “And Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man.” We don’t know how old he was when he first had his growth spurt in spiritual wisdom, but it had certainly already started by the time he was 12. 

Before we leave this text let’s notice two things.

#1. Notice the importance of spiritual teaching. 

The passage begins with Mary and Joseph going to Jerusalem for the Passover feast. We teach our children about sports, how to make their bed, the importance of study, etc. Jospeh and Mary taught their son about the importance of going to the temple. We don’t have the words that used, but we do have the example they set for their child. When they took him to worship, they had to walk 70 miles. At best they rode on a donkey. 

 #2. Notice Mary’s Musing

Verse 51 is amazing. In verse 51, we are given a glimpse into Mary’s heart. It reads, “But His mother treasured up all these things in her heart. The great song ask, “Mary did you know?’ I don’t know what she knew when, but she was thinking about it. This ought to encourage us to reflect on the divine mysteries in our own lives and how God is at work.

So we close with this question, If you were lost, where would people look for you? Would it be in the place of worship.

Lonnie Davis

Event 10: Herod’s War with Baby Jesus
The Face of Evil

Matthew 2:16-18 recounts King Herod’s brutal order to kill all the male children in Bethlehem who were two years old and under. This was his attempt to eliminate the newborn King of the Jews, Jesus.

The Bible text, Matthew 2:16–18:
“16 When Herod realized that he had been outwitted by the Magi, he was furious, and he gave orders to kill all the boys in Bethlehem and its vicinity who were two years old and under, according to the time he had learned from the Magi. 17 Then what was spoken through the prophet Jeremiah was fulfilled: 18 ‘A voice is heard in Ramah, weeping and great mourning, Rachel weeping for her children and refusing to be comforted, because they are no more.'”

Reading this we understand that Herod is the face of evil
One might read this story and say no one could be so evil as to order the murder of all baby boys two years and younger. Such a belief merely shows that such a person does not know Herod. Here are some other things we know about him. He ordered the execution of three of his own sons whom he viewed as rivals to his rule. He executed his wife Miriamne, the mother of the three sons. He also murdered his mother-in-law, Alexandra. Herod is the face of evil.

His story serves to remind me of two truths.

1. No one can stop God’s plan.
   Herod’s plan was based on ignorance. He was trying to stop Christ from being King of Israel and taking his rule away from him. That was never God’s plan. Jesus is the King of Kings. He rules a spiritual kingdom. Herod’s terrible murders could not stop it.
2. There is always a glimmer of hope.
   Those precious children will rise again. We will walk the streets of gold someday with them and meet these children. Herod robbed them of the moment, but not of eternity.

This passage encourages us to trust in God’s sovereignty, even in the midst of inexplicable suffering. The innocent lives lost were not and are not forgotten by God. Jesus died so that they might live again.

As we ponder this story, may we find comfort in the knowledge that God’s love and justice will ultimately prevail, bringing light into the darkness of our world.
Lonnie Davis

Joseph & Mary’s flight to Egypt with Jesus

Matthew 2:13-15

Our text reads:

[13] When the Magi had gone, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream. “Get up!” he said. “Take the Child and His mother and flee to Egypt. Stay there until I tell you, for Herod is going to search for the Child to kill Him.” 

[14] So he got up, took the Child and His mother by night, and withdrew to Egypt, [15] where he stayed until the death of Herod.

OBSERVATIONS

Here are three observations:

1. Matthew 2:13 – God Watches Over His Own.

“When [the Magi] had gone, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream. ‘Get up,’ he said, ‘take the child and his mother and escape to Egypt. Stay there until I tell you, for Herod is going to search for the child to kill him.’”

When I read this verse, I understand that God’s people are never away from the protection of God. Trouble was on the horizon, but Joseph did not even know about it. Joseph slept, but God was awake and sent his angel to speak to him in a dream and warn him to run. Psalms 121:3-4 promises, “He who watches over you will not slumber indeed, he who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep.” This is God’s protective attitude over his children.

2. Matthew 2:14 – Obey God Immediately.

After the angel told Joseph what to do, the very next verse says, “So he got up, took the child and his mother during the night and left for Egypt.”

There was no, we will go tomorrow or we will go next weekend. He got up that night and did what God said. Here is the great truth for all of us. When you know what God wants you to do, do it immediately.

3. Matthew 2:14 – Loved One Struggle Together.

Notice that Herod wanted to kill baby Jesus, but Joseph, Mary and Jesus had to take flight in the night. When one hurts, then the whole family hurts. It is only arrogance and ignorance that causes a person to say, “It is my life and I can do as I please.” No! When a child hurts the family hurts. When a father is lazy the whole family suffers. When a mother is irresponsible, she troubles everyone in the family and all who love her.

When one family member hurts, we all hurt.

Lonnie Davis

Summary – Matthew 2:1-12

The wise men from the east locate Jesus in Bethlehem and offer gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. They are warned in a dream not to return to Herod, so they depart by another route.

There are two things we see in this story:

First: What we think we know that we don’t know.

When I was a child, I never understood why the wisemen had to go to Herod to ask where Jesus is. I had seen the Christmas cards and could see that the star was shining down on the spot where Jesus was. At least, that is why I believed.

Other things believed but not in the Bible.

1. There were three Magi.
2. That the Magi were kings.
3. That the Magi found Jesus in the manger.
4. That the Magi were there while the shepherds were still there.

Here is the truth.

We don’t know how many Magi came. We often refer to the Magi as the wise men. They were probably astrologers, scholars who studied the stars and sacred prophecies. 

What does the Bible say about their journey?

The Bible describes them as “from the East.” 

It is probable that they came from either Persia (Modern-day Iran) or Arabia. 

If they came from Persia then their journey would be 1,000 to 1,200 miles. 

If they came from Arabia it would be 700-1,000 miles. 

Either way, traveling on foot, (or even camels), would have taken several weeks. By the time they arrived, Jesus was probably a toddler and not a new born baby in a manger. 

Remember that Herod decreed that all boys under two were to be killed. At that time, Jesus would have been under two years of age. Other than that, we don’t know.

What we do know about the three gifts.

It is not correct to say there were three gifts. There were three types of gifts: gold, frankincense, and myrrh. 

In fact, one can easily imagine that there were several objects made of gold that were offered to Jesus. However, all gifts were of one of these three types – gold, frankincense, and myrrh.

Each type held a special significance.

1. Gold: was a symbol of kingship

Because of the high cost of gold,  it is often associated with royalty and wealth. With this gift they were acknowledging his status as a king. 

2. Frankincense: was a symbol of divinity.

Frankincense was obtained from the resin of a special tree, which grows in the arid regions of the Arabian Peninsula. Frankincense was used in religious rituals and temple sacrifices. Its inclusion as a gift to Jesus is a symbol of his divinity and his role as a priest. 

3. Myrrh: Was a Symbol of Suffering and Mortality

   Myrrh was obtained from the resin of a tree that was native to parts of Africa and the Middle East. It was used in ancient times for embalming and as an anointing oil. Its inclusion is prophetic of Jesus’ eventual suffering and death.

Nothing about the Magi coming to see Jesus, from the star, to the journey, to the gifts was by chance. 

God hand was in it. God’s hand is also in your life.

Lonnie Davis