Read This: Luke 2:21 The Jews used names to describe a person’s character, role in the community, or relation to an event. Abraham was the father of multitudes. Jacob was renamed Israel — having power with God — after his night of wrestling with the angel (Genesis 32:28). Before Mary was even pregnant an […]
Tag: 11-20
Following Jesus • 14 / The Significance of Light
Read This: Luke 2:8-20 When you stop at a friend’s house and everything is dark, it means they’re not there. No lights, nobody home. That’s how it was in Israel. Throughout the Old Testament, God’s presence was signaled by light. Whether in the temple, through the prophets, or by divine intervention, light meant God was there. […]
Following Jesus • 13 / Jesus’ Birthday
Read This: Luke 2:1-20 If you’re telling the story of Jesus, why mention a census? Two reasons. First, it places the story at a specific point in history. Second, it solves a location problem. PROBLEM: Mary, the mother of Jesus, lived in Nazareth. The Messiah was supposed to be born in Bethlehem. SOLUTION: Caesar […]
Following Jesus • 12 / Jesus’ Dad
Read This: Matthew 1:18-25 No wound is more painful than treachery — when the one you love violates your trust by secretly loving another. The pain of infidelity is searing and can lead to harm: For jealousy arouses a husband’s fury, and he will show no mercy when he takes revenge (Proverbs 6:34). Jesus’ dad […]
Following Jesus • 11 / John the Baptist’s Dad
Read This: Luke 1:57-80 When you travel somewhere new, it helps to get directions — especially from someone who knows. Turn left by the firehouse. Get in the right lane. Watch for the Interstate overpass. The parking lot is just past the bridge. Before you know it, you’re there. That’s how Gabriel’s messages worked. He […]
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