Jesus Tested in the Wilderness

Jesus as the Son of God even had to go through temptation and trial to be tested to identify with humanity in their own sufferings as they too would experience temptation and wilderness periods. Its interesting that Jesus was tested after His 40 day fast. Satan will attack you at your weakest, but be of good cheer, Jesus has overcome and so can we through Him.

The Devil departed from Jesus temporarily to spy out another time to harasses Him. If the Devil did this to Jesus, the Saviour, how much more will he do it to us? This is a part of our “training,” so to speak in this life, being buffeted by Satan, but if we submit ourselves to God, we can resist the Devil & he will flee (James 4:7).

Jesus, in the presence of people whom He’d grown up among in Nazareth, dub Himself the promised Messiah when He quoted from Isaiah 61:1. Familiarity bred contempt among them because they rejected Him.

Jesus Confronts a Demonized Man

When Jesus preached in a synagogue with authority, His words had much power to penetrate to the heart of those who heard, so much so that evil demons within the hearers manifested. His words are Life, and demons know that they cannot abide His presence and powerful words. No unclean spirit should be comfortable being in our mist, because we carry His powerful presence.

Jesus Heals Many

Jesus powerful, and the force with which He caries that power is not to be reckoned with. Though He is powerful beyond our understanding, Jesus is also infinitely merciful and compassionate. He healed Simon-Peter’s Mother-in-law’s fever. When Jesus heals you, its for a purpose of servitude.

Summary

1. Be filled with the Holy Ghost, 1,14
2. A humble heart is more worthy of Jesus, 21-29
3. Don’t give in to the stress of the flesh, 2
4. Is your light shining in the darkness, 34
5. There is purpose in the wilderness, 1
6. The Word is a weapon against temptation, 8
7. Testing is godliness in the making, 13
8. The only light to achieve is in Christ, 5
9. Don’t let familiarity breed unbelief, 22-23
10. You need the word like you need bread, 4
11. When its time to go get out! 42-43

John the Baptizer

John was a fire cracker to be reckoned with. He spoke plainly, openly and vehemently to his generation about their sin, calling them to true repentance, evidenced by a changed lifestyle. John was humble and pointed to Jesus whom he called the Supreme One. John admitted pointedly that he was not the promised Messiah. John did not seize that title, but humbly submitted that it belonged to Someone else.

The Baptism of Jesus

Jesus was baptized as was necessary and according to what was right in God’s eyes. Jesus is deemed by God Himself at this baptism that He in fact was God’s bonified Son.

The Ancestry of Jesus Christ

The list of Jesus ancestors is incredibly important, although lengthy and seemingly irrelevant, it points to Jesus title as Son of Man.

Summary

1. Repentance causes a life change, 8
2. Let your fruit speak for you, 9
3. Speak out against sin, 7
4. Holy Ghost will come in when washed from sin, 22
5. Be content in your walk, 14
6. Reprove no matter the cost, 19-20
7. Stand firm in your calling, 16
8. Righteousness belongs to God, 5-6
9. Serve God in the wilderness, 3-4
10. Be baptized with the Holy Ghost & with fire, 16

The Birth of Jesus

Can you get any lower than a barn to be born in? Jesus, the great King of all the Earth, was born under such meager and humble conditions, in a smelly, dirty, common barn. It speaks to His own humble nature and character. Jesus came as a baby, letting Himself be dependent on His own creation to raise Him.

An Angelic Encounter

Even those who were privileged to hear the revelation from the angels of this wonderfully good news of Salvation Itself being born in the Earth, were humble Sheep herders, an occupation held by those considered lower class and insignificant. The Father truly has chosen those who are humble like the Humble King, to reveal such profound and exultant revelations.

Baby Jesus Dedicated in the Temple

Mary and Joseph were both of the lineage of King David who was a man after God’s own heart. They did what was prescribed for first born sons in the Law of Moses. Jesus, even in His infancy kept the law perfectly. Simeon, the great saint who would be among the first to look upon the infant, incarnate God, was a just and devout man and was spoken to by the Spirit of the Lord Himself, even to the point where when Jesus and His parents were entering the temple, Holy Ghost prompted Him to walk into the room at the same time! Simeon’s life is a profound example of faithfulness, devotion and love toward God.

The great responsibility to care for the King of All, knowing how His destiny would not only save humanity, but her as well, was a great honor bestowed upon Mother Mary, as she was unlike any other woman, for God choose her, lowly in her own right, to parent the Christ child. Anna, a woman devoted to God like Simeon, was a wonderful example of how one should live holy before God with fasting and prayer.

At Age Twelve Jesus Visits the Temple

Jesus, though the King of All, grew into who He was, just as all of us grow as we age and mature. He identified with humanity in every aspect of His humanity. The fact that Joseph and Mary didn’t know Jesus was missing, speaks to the family dynamic of the Saviour. They trusted His judgement and knew He was mature enough to handle Himself. When they finally found Him, He was among teachers of the Law who marveled at His understanding. Though, His parents were distraught, He didn’t let that deter Him from His purpose. Yet, He still submitted himself to them.

Angelic Prophecy of the Prophet John’s Birth

Gabriel, the angel from the face of God, came to Zechariah, a descendant of David, to declare that he, who’s wife was barren, would have a boy child, whom he was to name John.

A lot of times we put God to a challenge because we don’t think God can do what He says He can do. Zechariah was doubtful and because he was, for his unbelief he received muteness. We need to stop saying what God can’t do and say what God is going to do.

When God is in the mix, we have to keep our fingers out of it.

Angelic Prophecy of Jesus’ Birth

It’s very interesting how Zechariah and Mary casually talk to Gabriel and angel. Its a testament to us today that we can have interactions with Angels. Mary was given a proclamation that the promised Son of the Most High God would be born to her. She, unlike Zechariah, believed everything Gabriel said.

Elizabeth’s Prophecy to Mary

Mary’s humility showed forth when she went to help her cousin Elizabeth in her pregnancy. When Mary spoke to Elizabeth, Elizabeth’s baby leapt in her womb because she heard that salutation of Mary, the mother of the Son of God! How wonderful that Elizabeth’s baby, John was filled from his mother’s womb with the Holy Ghost.

The Birth of the Prophet John

Elizabeth’s miracle child John was born and he would be destined for something great. What great joy Elizabeth and Zechariah experienced along with their neighbors and friends.

Zechariah’s Prophecy

Its so awesome that Zechariah too is now filled with the Holy Ghost and prophesied. As soon as Zechariah’s mouth was opened he learned his lesson from not believing at the onset 9 months prior and spoke with boldness.

Summary

1. God has the final say, 13
2. When God says yea, don’t say nay, 17-18
3. Believing is better than seeing, 31-32
4. Your obedience impacts others, 80
5. Nothing is impossible for God, 37
6. Don’t let tradition block your blessing, 60-63
7. God is faithful to His covenant promises, 55,70, 72
8. Loose lips will sink your faith, 20-22
9. God’s mercy delivers all, 78
10. Keep your fear of God in every season, 50
11. Salvation only begins with the remission of your sin, 77