Day 277 – Matthew 3, Mark 1, Luke 3

Talking Points

• In the Old Testament, a “forerunner” is promised who will pave the way for the Messiah. Now, John (the baptizer) is presented as that one. So, how do you make way for the Savior sent from God? You lead people to see their sin and turn from it in repentance. Matthew records they “confessed their sins” (Matthew 3:6). The word for confessed means to agree, to admit openly with no holding back. To receive their Savior, people must be open and honest about their sin, agreeing with God about their need for a Savior.
• Jesus calls the crowds to “repent and believe the gospel,” terms of salvation (Mark 1:15). It is not multiple steps, but one movement, turning away from sin by turning to the Savior for sinners. The word “gospel” translates “good news,” and refers to the arrival of the Messiah.
• Taxed by crowds that relentlessly grew to the point that “the whole city had gathered at the door,” Jesus begins a practice that would mark His earthly ministry: He retreats to a place of private repose to pray (Mark 1:33). It is in this we see the outworking of being God in flesh. In His humanity, Jesus grew tired, distressed, and in need of rest. We also see that, in His flesh, He took comfort in communicating with the Father in prayer. Perhaps we would do well to copy His pattern!

Thoughts

As so much is quickly being revealed about Jesus in these chapters (like trying to drink from a firehose), you can feel the building sense of excitement and expectation around Him. The word is out, and it is spreading — the Messiah has come! Perhaps the greatest response is expressed in the word “amazed” (Mark 1). Simply, the people meeting Jesus, hearing His teaching, and witnessing His miraculous power are amazed. The word means shocked, utterly astonished, and, most literally, left at a loss. And, how could it be any different? After all, they had just met Christ!

Today, may we be the same. May our interaction with the truth of Jesus strike awe in us, leaving us utterly astonished! May that amazement produce still greater depths of worship in us. Considering who He is, how could it be any different?