Death's wrappings left behind

 When the disciples examined the empty tomb, they found the wrappings that had covered the dead body of Jesus (Jn 20). In His resurrection, Jesus no longer needed death's attire. As Christians, we might consider if we are still attempting to wear the attributes of our old life which has been made 'dead' in Christ (Rm 6:6).

Hosanna

 

Although we all know that the triumphant entry of Jesus into Jerusalem ends in His crucifixion. But maybe for one day we could focus on the excitement of the crowd and the beauty of the moment (John 12). This event reminds us of the day when Christ will return and bring us true and lasting peace. What would you hope for most when Jesus returns?

Using power over prayer

 

Jesus did not come to earth with an agenda to force His way or His teachings on others. His methods were in stark contrast to the religious leaders who enforced the law of Moses with political tools such as alliances with Roman leaders. One example is found in John 18, where the religious leaders used Pilate and the Roman law to have Jesus executed. Can you think of ways you might lean on politics over prayer?

What's your wakeup call?

 

When Peter denied Christ, he was given a reminder in the form of a rooster crowing (Jn 18), which caused Peter great sorrow (Matt 26). When we understand our sin it should break our heart, but we can take comfort that God still loves us and will forgive us. 

Jesus reverses His rights

 

When Jesus washed the feet of every guest at a dinner part (Jn 13), he displayed a distinct humility often lacking in our Christian practice. As the Son of God, Jesus deserved to have his feet washed, but he not only deferred that right but also reversed it and washed everyone else's feet. Are you more interested in preserving your rights than in demonstrating Christ-like humility?

God seems to be moving slowly

Christians believe that God is actively involved in our daily struggles, but sometimes He seems very distant and uninterested. For example, when Lazarus was sick, Jesus did not immediately go to him with healing but waited until Lazarus was dead (Jn 11). Jesus was able to demonstrate his power over death by raising Lazarus from the dead. What pain are you suffering through now? Can God gain greater glory through it?

Where NOT to bring your problems

 When Jesus found a blind man, the religious leaders immediately asked whose sin had caused the man to be blind (Jn9). Jesus answered that sin did not cause the blindness, but the blindness was necessary as a way for Jesus to demonstrate his divinity. When you see someone suffering, do you blame them for some shortcoming, or do you see the miracles God is working through you to help ease the suffering?

The Lord's side

 

Although Christians are united in a unique equality through faith in Christ (Gal 3:26-29), we often create social structures as a way to either dominate others or to demonstrate our perceived importance. Can you think of any ways you may have leaned into pride and thought yourself better than those around you?

BePoorNoMore campaign

Christians argue about ministering to those in need of food or other physical assistance. It might be tempting to abdicate caring for either the physical or spiritual needs by focusing on one or the other. Jesus managed to feed over 5000 people and still deliver spiritual teaching (Jn 6). Do you focus on either of the spiritual or physical needs to the exclusion of other needs?

Healing the Nobleman's child

John 4 tells of a 'nobleman' who asks Jesus to come heal his sick child. The nobleman must have been surprised when Jesus asked for nothing in return, and declared the child was now healed. The nobleman demonstrated faith by taking Jesus at his word and not pressing for more details. The man returned to his home to find the child was healed as Jesus said. How can you demonstrate a similar faith?

Jesus knew her, really knew her

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In John 4, Jesus encounters a woman who had been married several times. Unlike many of us, Jesus did not judge her for her many marriages, and did not implore her to 'sin no more' as he did in other stories. Jesus demonstrated that he knew this woman, really knew her, and was willing to help her. Do you find it easier to judge or get to know those who seem very different? 

Here to condemn you

 

One of the most attractive and amazing themes of the Bible is that the perfectly holy God who created us came to earth to save us instead of to condemn us (John 3). Being a Christian means personally demonstrating this kind of love and care to the world. Are you busy condemning the world, or are you bringing the good news of God's love and redemption?  

Rebuild this temple

Christ told a group of temple officials that He would rebuild the temple that they would knock down, but the temple He was referring to was His own body  (John 2). This statement marked a huge change in how we consider access to God. Christ, as our sacrifice, is now our advocate and the person who provides us an audience with God. How do you approach God? Are you able to find a sacred space in the love of Christ?

Angry Christians

It might be tempting to use Christ's cleansing of the temple (John 2) as an excuse to demonstrate anger inappropriately. While Christ did display anger at times, it was always directed toward those who were taking advantage of others and anger was not Christ's defining characteristic. Are you considered an "angry person? Does your display of "righteous indignation" seem consistent with the person of Christ?

 

While we might enjoy the Christmas season, we also know that there are other seasons of worship that we must be ready to embrace. John the Baptist exemplified this willingness to move on by embracing the popularity of Jesus (John 3:30). Can you move on to new seasons of living and worship? 

Look at me?

Christians often refer to themselves as "witnesses" of Christ. Like John the Baptist (John 1), we are not meant to call attention to ourselves, or assert our rights and privilege. We are called to "bear witness," or tell about the great things Jesus has done for us. In what ways are you bearing witness of what Jesus has done?

 

No Room for Jesus

 Joseph and Mary were unable to find adequate lodging after they were forced to travel (Lk 2). This "No Room" story is often used to illustrate how Christians should respond differently by making room for Christ in their lives. This story might also remind us to make room for strangers and those in need. Another teaching is that this event foreshadowed Christ never having a home and always being a stranger in this world. 

Luke starts with a problem

 

Luke's gospel begins with a personal crisis of infertility. Like Sarah, Hannah and so many other women in the Bible, Elizabeth found herself greatly distressed because she was not able to conceive (Luke 1). Elizabeth's faith was rewarded with a special baby who would become John the Baptist, the forerunner of Christ. While we may not understand Elizabeth's distress, we can marvel that God came to her rescue.

The Original Witness

 

Mark's account of Christ's life (Mark 1) begins with the witness given by John the Baptist. While the other gospels provide credentials based on who Christ is, Mark shows us how others reacted to him. Christians should be confident and full of joy when speaking of our lord and savior. Are you able to tell others about the Christ who died, rose again, and lives on for you?

What's in your line?

 

Matthew's (Matt 1)  genealogy of Christ not only reminds that His earthly life was rooted in a community. As the adopted son of Joseph, Jesus could trace his lineage back to nobility like David and Abraham. However, many of the names seem to be unknown or of little consequence to the larger stories of their people. When you feel that your story is unimportant, can you reflect on these names to find your meaning in God's plan?