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?

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?

How much do I trust you?

While professing faith in Christ is the cornerstone of identifying as a "Christian" many of us struggle with what that faith means or how it looks in everyday life. Is our faith as evident as the nobleman in John 4? When Jesus told the nobleman that his son had been healed, the nobleman believed enough to leave Jesus and go his son (John 4). Do have enough faith to trust Christ with your doubts?

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? 

When change is common

Nicodemas, a religious teacher, seemed confused by Jesus's teachings (John 3). It seemed like Nicodemas was reluctant to accept the radical teachings of Christ and had trouble understanding how to interpret and apply these teachings to his own life. What aspects of Christ's teachings do you have trouble accepting and applying?

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?

 

Wedding Feast Miracle

 When Jesus asked the wedding servers to fill the guests cups from the pots used for ceremonial cleaning, it must have seemed like some kind of joke. However, the water had miraculously been transformed from a ceremonial and utilitarian use to an element of celebration and wonder (John 2). As Christians we try to listen for God's miraculous and celebratory changes in us.

Are you ashamed?

 Jesus's first sign was to turn water into wine (John 2). This miracle pointed not only to the abundance that Christ would bring to the world, but also reminded us of His consideration for a family facing the shame of poor planning. When feeling the overwhelming weight of shame, we can take comfort that God still loves us and that Jesus died to take our shame and sin.

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?

 

Heaven Must Sing

 

Although hidden to the kings and rulers, the birth of Christ could not be silent. A host of angels called out to the lower class shepherds to bear witness of this most significant event (Luke 2). In what ways do you find it impossible to keep quiet? Is it when you feel slighted or when you are filled with God's love and marvel at how wonderful He is?

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?