What is the sleepiest you’ve ever been?

Peter, James, and John had an important reason to stay awake.

Read Luke 22:44

Read Matthew 26:39

Read Jeremiah 25:15

Read 2 Corinthians 5:21

Read Matthew 26:38

So what was their one job? !

What did it mean to watch?

Read Exodus 12:40-42

Do we not now live in a similar moment to Peter, James, and John?

What our Savior needs us most to do in this season of time is to , to for Him, to to His coming, and to others not miss out on the deliverance at hand. 

Can we, the Body of Christ, allow ourselves to be distressed by the things that distressed our Lord?

“Not my will but yours be done.”

Matthew 26:36-46 narrates the account of Jesus’ prayer in the Garden of Gethsemane, where He experiences deep anguish and submits to God’s will despite His personal suffering. Here are some self-reflection questions based on this passage:

1. How do I respond when faced with difficult or painful situations?

   • Reflect on your own reactions in times of hardship. Do you turn to God in prayer as Jesus did, or do you struggle to surrender your will to His?

2. Am I able to align my will with God’s will, even when it’s not what I desire?

   • Jesus prayed for the cup of suffering to be taken away but ultimately submitted to God’s will. How can you practice this level of trust and submission in your own life?

3. How do I handle feelings of abandonment or isolation?

   • Jesus experienced a sense of abandonment as He prayed alone while His disciples fell asleep. Reflect on how you deal with moments of loneliness or feeling unsupported by others.

4. When I face spiritual battles, do I turn to prayer for strength?

   • Jesus prayed earnestly in Gethsemane, seeking strength to face what was to come. How can prayer become a more consistent and powerful part of your spiritual journey during challenges?

5. Do I truly understand the gravity of Jesus’ sacrifice for me?

   • In His moment of agony, Jesus prayed knowing the suffering He would endure for humanity’s sake. Reflect on how deeply you understand and appreciate the sacrifice Jesus made on your behalf.

6. How can I support others who are going through times of trial or suffering?

   • Jesus asked His disciples to stay awake and support Him during His time of distress, but they were unable. How can you be more present and supportive for others in their struggles?

7. What does it mean for me to “watch and pray” as Jesus instructed His disciples?

   • Reflect on the call to remain vigilant and prayerful in the face of temptation. Are you actively seeking to watch for areas of weakness in your own life and praying for strength to resist temptation?

8. What areas of my life do I need to surrender to God, trusting His will above my own desires?

   • Jesus exemplified surrender in Gethsemane, acknowledging that God’s will was more important than His own. What areas of your life require a similar act of surrender and trust?

9. How do I balance my own desires with God’s plan for my life?

   • Reflect on the tension between personal desires and divine purpose. In what ways can you better discern God’s plan and choose to follow it, even when it is difficult?

10. What is the significance of Jesus’ prayer, “Not as I will, but as You will”?

    • Consider the depth of this prayer and how it reflects a profound trust in God’s sovereignty. How can this become a central prayer in your own walk with God?

Who is the mightiest person of prayer who ever lived?

There has never been a greater man of prayer than .

Read Matthew 14:23

Read Mark 1:35

Read Mark 6:46

Read Luke 5:16

Read Luke 6:12

Read Luke 9:28

Jesus made the priority of His life.

Read Luke 11:1

Read Romans 8:34

What is Jesus praying?

What did Jesus pray for 2,000 years ago that He is still praying for His disciples today?

#1 – Jesus is praying that He will be glorified on earth.

Read John 17:1-2

#2 – He is praying for His disciples intentionally and specifically.

Read John 17:4-9

Jesus’ greatest work on the earth aside from what He did on the cross and the empty tomb was .

We, ourselves, need to pray specifically who the Father is asking us and leading us to pour into, invest in, and disciple.

#3 – Jesus is praying that His disciples would be unified, joy-filled, protected, and sanctified.

Read John 17:11-17

Jesus prayed for and is praying for what His disciples need in order for His to be fulfilled.

When our prayers join Jesus’ prayers, that is when supernatural power for transforming ministry is unleashed. 

What is your prayer for the church today? 

John 17:1-21 is part of the farewell prayer of Jesus, often referred to as the “High Priestly Prayer.” In this passage, Jesus prays for himself, his disciples, and all believers. Here are some self-reflection questions to help you explore the themes in this passage:

For personal reflection:

1. Intimacy with God: In verse 1, Jesus begins his prayer by addressing God as “Father.” How do I experience and approach God as my Father in my own life? Do I have a close, intimate relationship with Him?

2. Glorifying God: Jesus prays that God would be glorified through His life (v. 1-5). How can I glorify God through my actions, words, and choices? What in my life needs to change to reflect more of God’s glory?

3. Purpose and Mission: Jesus speaks about completing the work that God gave Him to do (v. 4). What is the mission or purpose that God has given me? How am I pursuing it in my daily life?

4. Eternal Life: In verse 3, Jesus defines eternal life as knowing God and Jesus Christ. How do I understand eternal life, and how does knowing God shape my present life and choices?

5. Unity in Christ: Jesus prays for the unity of believers (v. 21). How can I foster unity within the body of Christ? Are there divisions or barriers I need to address in my relationships with others?

6. Being Sent into the World: In verse 18, Jesus says, “As you sent me into the world, I have sent them into the world.” How do I live out my calling to be sent into the world as a witness of Christ?

7. Protection and Spiritual Strength: Jesus prays for the protection and unity of His followers (v. 11-15). How do I seek God’s protection in my own life, spiritually and physically? Do I rely on God for strength in the midst of challenges?

8. Holiness: In verse 17, Jesus prays for believers to be sanctified by the truth. What areas in my life need to be set apart for God? How am I growing in holiness through the Word of God?

9. Mission Beyond the Disciples: Jesus prays for all who will believe through the disciples’ message (v. 20). How does this remind me of my responsibility to share the gospel with others? What is God calling me to do to spread His word?

10. Reflection on Jesus’ Relationship with God: Jesus’ prayer reveals deep communion with the Father. How does my relationship with God compare to the relationship Jesus models here? In what ways can I grow deeper in this relationship?

How do you say goodbye?

Read John 13:1

STICK WITH ME!

Read John 15:1

Read Psalm 80:7-15

Read Isaiah 5:1-7

Read John 15:5

His are the true branches.

Jesus Christ bears no fruit in the world today except through His .

Read John 15:8-10

Read John 16:33

John 15:1-13 is a powerful passage in which Jesus speaks about being the true vine and the importance of abiding in Him. Here are some self-reflection questions to consider while reading this passage:

1. Abiding in Christ

• What does it mean to “abide” in Jesus, according to this passage? How am I personally experiencing or practicing this connection with Him in my daily life?
• Jesus says, “Apart from me you can do nothing” (verse 5). In what areas of my life do I find myself trying to do things without relying on Christ? How can I change that?

2. Fruitfulness

• Jesus speaks of bearing fruit (verse 5). What kind of fruit do I believe God is calling me to bear in my life? How am I actively working toward being fruitful for His Kingdom?
• What does the “fruit” that God is pruning represent in my life? Are there areas where I feel I need growth, or places in my life that God may be trying to prune or refine?

3. Pruning and Growth

• Jesus mentions that God, the Father, prunes those who are bearing fruit so that they may bear more fruit (verse 2). How do I respond to seasons of pruning in my life? Do I see them as opportunities for growth or times of hardship?
• Is there something in my life that I believe God is pruning for my growth? How can I trust God in the pruning process?

4. Love and Obedience

• Jesus commands His followers to love one another as He has loved us (verse 12). How am I reflecting Christ’s love in my relationships with others? Are there specific people or groups of people that I am called to love more sacrificially?
• How does my obedience to God reflect my love for Him? Are there areas in my life where I am not fully obeying Him? What steps can I take to align myself more closely with His will?

5. Joy in Christ

• In verse 11, Jesus says that He has told us these things so that His joy may be in us, and that our joy may be full. How do I experience the joy of the Lord in my life? Are there moments when my joy feels incomplete, and what might be hindering that fullness?
• How can I cultivate a deeper sense of joy by staying connected to Christ and living out His teachings?

6. Vine and Branch Relationship

• What does my relationship with Jesus look like right now? Am I truly a branch that is connected to the vine, or do I feel distant or disconnected? How can I make my relationship with Him stronger?
• Are there distractions in my life that have caused me to drift away from the vine? How can I refocus on Christ and deepen my relationship with Him?

7. Purpose and Mission

• In what ways am I allowing God to use me for His purposes? How do I view my life’s mission in light of being a branch of the true vine? What might God be calling me to do next in His Kingdom?

What does Nicodemus want?

Read John 3:2

Jesus involved in what Nicodemus needed.

Sometimes, we are so focused on what we that we become blind to what we really .

You must be born again.

Read John 3:3

Despite the fact that Nicodemus has so much religious , inside he is spiritually .

Nicodemus is the walking dead.

“While a man is in a mere natural state, before he is born of God, he has, in a spiritual sense, eyes and sees not; a thick impenetrable veil lies upon them. He has ears, but hears not; he is utterly deaf to what he is most of all concerned to hear. His other spiritual senses are all locked up; he is in the same condition as if he had them not; Hence he has no knowledge of God, no intercourse with him; he is not at all acquainted with him. He has no true knowledge of the things of God, either of spiritual or eternal things. Therefore, though he is a living man, he is a dead Christian.” – John Wesley

So how does spiritual birth from above take place?

When we repent of our sins, when we trust Jesus for salvation, when we surrender our lives to Him, simultaneously, the Spirit births new life within us. 

“But as soon as he is born of God there is a total change in all these particulars. The eyes of his understanding are opened. He sees the light of the glory of God. His ears being opened, he is now capable of hearing the inward voice of God. He feels in his heart the mighty working of the Spirit of God. He feels the love of God shed abroad in his heart by the Holy Ghost which is given unto him. God is continually breathing, as it were, upon his soul, and his soul is breathing unto God. Grace is descending into his heart, and prayer and praise ascending to heaven.” – John Wesley

Read John 3:16

Here are some personal reflection questions for John 3:1-21, which recounts the conversation between Jesus and Nicodemus, and Jesus’ teaching on being “born again” and God’s love for the world:

1. Understanding “Being Born Again” (John 3:3-8):

• Jesus tells Nicodemus that one must be “born again” to see the kingdom of God. What does “being born again” mean to you personally?
• How does this concept of spiritual rebirth challenge or encourage your understanding of salvation?

2. Nicodemus’ Struggle with Understanding (John 3:4-9):

• Nicodemus seems confused by Jesus’ words. Are there any parts of your faith journey where you struggle to understand or accept what Jesus is teaching?
• How do you handle moments of spiritual confusion or doubt?

3. The Role of the Holy Spirit (John 3:5-8):

• Jesus explains that being born again involves the Spirit. How do you experience the presence of the Holy Spirit in your life?
• In what ways can you be more open to the Holy Spirit’s work within you?

4. The Nature of God’s Love (John 3:16):

• John 3:16 expresses God’s deep love for the world. How does this verse shape your understanding of God’s love for you personally?
• How do you reflect God’s love to others, especially those who may not yet know Christ?

5. The Gift of Eternal Life (John 3:16-17):

• Jesus came not to condemn the world, but to offer eternal life. How does knowing that you are offered eternal life through faith in Christ impact the way you live day-to-day?
• Do you live with an eternal perspective, or is your focus more on the present?

6. Light vs. Darkness (John 3:19-21):

• Jesus talks about the contrast between light and darkness. What areas of your life are you holding back from the light of Jesus?
• How can you invite more of God’s light into your life, especially in areas where you may feel reluctant to change?

7. Personal Responsibility and Response (John 3:18-21):

• Jesus says that whoever believes in Him is not condemned. How do you respond to the reality that belief in Jesus is the key to salvation?
• Are there any changes you feel called to make in your life based on this passage?

8. The Importance of Faith (John 3:18):

• Jesus points out that belief in Him is essential for not being condemned. How does this challenge your faith journey?
• Is there any area in your life where your faith in Jesus needs to grow or become more genuine?

9. Reflection on God’s Timing (John 3:13-15):

• Jesus speaks about His future death being necessary for salvation, pointing to the bronze serpent story. How does the timing of God’s plan, which unfolds through Jesus, impact your trust in His perfect timing for your life?

10. Application of Christ’s Message (John 3:16-17):

• How do you actively live out the truth of John 3:16 and John 3:17 in your relationships and daily actions?
• What does it look like to shar

What in the world is up with Jesus at the temple?

So what gave Jesus this righteous anger?

Read John 2:16

What He saw was worldly.

So what?

Read Exodus 19:1-6

What Jesus sees doesn’t look any different from the world.

When Jesus looks at the church today, does He see anything different from the world?

Read Luke 18:8

Read 1 Peter 2:4-5

#1 – We have to ask this question corporately.

The itself had replaced God.

Read John 2:18-20

#2 – We have to ask this question individually.

Read John 2:21

Read 1 Corinthians 3:16-17

We have to allow the skillful hands of the Master to and to and to and to what doesn’t belong in our hearts according to His will.

John 2:13-25 contains the story of Jesus cleansing the temple and His interaction with the Jewish leaders, highlighting His zeal for God’s house and His authority. Here are some personal reflection questions to help you dig deeper into this passage:

1. What does Jesus’ action of cleansing the temple reveal about His passion for the holiness of God’s house?

   • How do I honor God’s presence in my life and in places of worship? Are there areas in my life that need cleansing?

2. When Jesus refers to His body as the temple (v. 19-21), how do I understand this revelation in relation to my faith?

   • Do I fully grasp that Jesus is the true temple and that my relationship with Him is central to my faith?

3. What does it mean to me that Jesus knows what is in the hearts of people (v. 24-25)?

   • How does this knowledge of Jesus’ ability to see into my heart affect my relationship with Him? Are there areas in my heart I need to surrender to Him?

4. Jesus’ act of driving out the money changers was a challenge to the established religious system. How might I be clinging to my own systems or rituals that God is calling me to let go of?

   • Am I sometimes more focused on external acts of religion than the true worship and relationship with God?

5. In verse 22, the disciples recall Jesus’ words after His resurrection. How does the resurrection of Jesus transform the way I view His actions in the temple?

   • How does the resurrection give deeper meaning to Jesus’ authority and mission on earth?

6. The Jewish leaders asked for a sign of Jesus’ authority (v. 18). How often do I seek signs or confirmations from God before trusting His authority?

   • How can I learn to trust God’s Word and authority without needing constant validation?

7. How does the concept of zeal for God’s house apply to my own life, both in personal worship and in the broader church community?

   • Do I have a healthy zeal for God, or do I become complacent in my spiritual practices?

8. In the context of this passage, Jesus shows that true worship is more than rituals—it’s about Him being the center. How does my daily life reflect this understanding of true worship?

   • How can I make Jesus the central focus of my daily actions, thoughts, and attitudes?

 

Are you aware of all that goes into a wedding?

Why do weddings involve so many tasks and so many decisions?

A wedding is quite likely the most important social event in a person’s life.

This was a of epic proportions.

Why is the miracle extremely important?

If Jesus doesn’t perform a miracle, the wedding couple at Cana will live the rest of their lives in utter .

is one of the most crippling elements of our human experience.

I’m hoping and praying that if you are in any way crippled with shame that you will meet Jesus as the lifter of shame and the restorer of honor.

Read Hebrews 12:1-2

Look to

John 2:1-11 describes the miracle of Jesus turning water into wine at the wedding in Cana. Reflecting on this passage can offer deep insights into faith, trust, and the nature of Jesus’ ministry. Here are some personal reflection questions you might consider:

1. How does this miracle demonstrate the nature of Jesus’ power and compassion?

   • What does it reveal about Jesus’ care for people and his willingness to step into everyday life?

2. What significance do you see in Jesus performing his first miracle at a wedding?

   • How might the setting of a wedding symbolize the relationship between God and his people?

3. What does the act of Jesus turning water into wine teach us about God’s provision in our lives?

   • In what areas of your life can you recognize God providing abundantly, even when you may not expect it?

4. What role does faith play in this miracle, both for the servants and for the disciples?

   • How does this story challenge or inspire you to trust Jesus more fully with the challenges you face?

5. What does the interaction between Mary and Jesus (his mother) tell us about prayer and intercession?

   • How does Mary’s confidence in Jesus’ ability to help inspire your own prayers or approach to God?

6. Why do you think Jesus waited until the wine had run out before stepping in?

   • What does this timing say about God’s perfect timing in your own life, especially during moments of need or crisis?

7. How does the transformation from water to wine speak to the nature of spiritual transformation?

   • Are there areas in your life where you are waiting for God to bring about change or transformation?

8. How do you respond to the idea that Jesus’ miracles were not just about solving problems, but revealing the glory of God?

   • In what ways can you see God’s glory revealed in your own life through everyday events?

9. In the context of the passage, how do you understand the idea of “the best wine” being saved for last?

   • How might this metaphor speak to the way God’s best gifts or blessings are revealed over time?

10. How might this passage challenge your understanding of what Jesus wants for you in your daily life?

    • Does this miracle call you to expect God to be present and active in the small, seemingly mundane parts of life?

What is Jesus’ very first act of ministry?

Jesus’ very first act of ministry is

#1 – Jesus is simply doing what God always does.

Supporting Scripture: Genesis 1:26-28 (ESV)

God desires relationship with humanity.

#2 – Jesus is revealing to us His plan for reaching the world with the gospel.

“It all started by Jesus calling a few men. His concern was not with programs to reach the multitudes, but with men who the multitudes would follow. Men were to be his method of winning the world to God.” – Robert Coleman

Our primary method of reaching people with the Gospel, following the method of our Master, is to in relationship with Jesus and to relationship with others.

It’s a perpetuating, multiplying cycle.

“Come and see”

Who in your life needs to hear those three powerful words?

Who is your “one more”?

John 1:35-51 narrates the story of Jesus calling His first disciples. It’s a powerful passage that shows how Jesus gathered followers through personal encounters and invitation. Here are some personal reflection questions based on this passage:

1. Encountering Jesus:

• When I first encountered the message of Jesus, how did it impact me personally? What was my initial response?
• How can I create space in my life to intentionally seek out deeper encounters with Jesus, similar to how the first disciples did?

2. Invitation to Follow:

• Jesus invites the disciples to “come and see.” How open am I to Jesus’ invitation in my own life? Are there areas of my life where I hesitate to follow Him fully?
• What does it look like for me to “follow” Jesus in my current stage of life?

3. Seeing Jesus as the Messiah:

• How do I personally recognize Jesus as the Messiah? What has shaped my understanding of Him as Savior, King, and Lord?
• In what ways can I strengthen my faith in Jesus’ identity and His role in my life?

4. Personal Calling:

• Just as Andrew and Philip followed Jesus and then invited others, how can I be a part of Jesus’ invitation to others to “come and see”?
• What does it mean to live out my calling to gather others as followers of Jesus? How might this look in my relationships and daily life?

5. Philip’s Conviction to Share:

• Philip didn’t hesitate to invite Nathanael to meet Jesus. How confident am I in sharing the good news of Jesus with others?
• Are there barriers (fear, doubt, uncertainty) that prevent me from inviting others to “come and see”? How can I overcome those challenges?

6. Nathanael’s Skepticism:

• Nathanael initially doubts Philip’s invitation, asking, “Can anything good come from Nazareth?” Have I ever struggled to believe in or trust God in certain areas of my life? How did I overcome that?
• How do I respond when I’m presented with something new or unfamiliar about God? Am I quick to judge, or do I seek to understand more deeply?

7. Growth in Faith:

• As Nathanael’s faith grows after encountering Jesus, how has my faith grown since I first believed? Are there specific moments where I’ve seen a deeper revelation of who Jesus is?
• What areas of my life still need further growth in faith? How can I nurture a deeper, more authentic relationship with Jesus?

8. Jesus’ Call to Greater Things:

• Jesus promised Nathanael that he would see “greater things.” How do I understand God’s promises to me? How can I expect and trust in greater things that God wants to do in and through my life?
• How do I cultivate a heart that expects God to do amazing things, just as Jesus invited His followers to?

9. What Kind of Follower Am I?

• Jesus called His followers to live in a way that reflects His kingdom. What kind of follower am I? Am I fully surrendered, or do I hold back in certain areas of my life?
• How can I be a more faithful, wholehearted follower of Jesus?

10. The Power of Personal Testimony:

• The disciples shared their personal experiences of Jesus with others (like Philip sharing with Nathanael). How can my testimony be used to draw others to Christ?
• How comfortable am I in sharing what Jesus has done for me? What holds me back from telling others about His work in my life?

 

What did John the Baptist’s ministry do for Jesus in the grand scheme of things?

John the Baptist’s ministry propelled Jesus into public recognition.

Who are you?

An authority question.

Supporting Scripture: Matthew 21:23-27 (ESV)

Supporting Scripture: Malachi 4:5 (ESV)

Supporting Scripture: Deuteronomy 18:15 (ESV)

“I am the voice of one crying out in the wilderness, ‘Make straight the way of the Lord,’ as the prophet Isaiah said.”

I am a messenger of the Lord.

What if we saw ourselves in the same role as John the Baptist as a messenger of the Lord?

Your message and your witness about Jesus is more powerful than John the Baptist’s.

Supporting Scripture: Matthew 11:11 (ESV)

We, as a church, are in the business.

The one thing that each of us holds that can bring the biggest transformation into the lives of others is our own witness and experience of how Jesus has forgiven and transformed our lives.

Talking to others about Jesus isn’t hard, but dying to ourselves is.

Extrospection = the examination or observation of what is outside oneself.

Who’s your one more?

We had it all. We lost it all. Jesus did it all. We get it all.

John 1:19-34 focuses on John the Baptist’s testimony about Jesus, where he identifies Jesus as the Lamb of God and the one who baptizes with the Holy Spirit. Here are some personal reflection questions you can use to deepen your understanding of the passage:

1. Understanding John the Baptist’s Role:

• Why do you think John the Baptist emphasizes that he is not the Messiah, but merely a witness? How does his humility speak to your own understanding of identity and purpose in Christ?
• What does it mean for you to “testify” or “bear witness” to Christ in your own life? How can you do this authentically?

2. Recognizing Jesus as the Lamb of God:

• When John declares Jesus as the “Lamb of God,” what does that image stir up for you personally? How does the concept of Jesus as the sacrificial Lamb impact your view of His role in your life?
• In what ways have you experienced Jesus’ sacrifice personally? Are there areas of your life where you still need to embrace His forgiveness or sacrifice more deeply?

3. Baptism and the Holy Spirit:

• John says that Jesus will baptize with the Holy Spirit. What does it mean for you personally to be baptized with the Holy Spirit? How do you experience the Holy Spirit’s work in your life today?
• Are there ways in which you feel the need for deeper renewal or empowerment by the Holy Spirit? What would that look like in your daily life?

4. Jesus’ Identity:

• John the Baptist testifies that he did not know Jesus fully until the Spirit revealed Him. How does the Spirit reveal Jesus to you in your life? In what ways has your understanding of who Jesus is deepened over time?
• What might the phrase “the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world” reveal about God’s love for humanity? How does that challenge or encourage you in your own relationship with God?

5. Personal Response to Jesus:

• John states, “Behold, the Lamb of God.” How can you more intentionally behold Jesus in your daily life? What does it look like for you to focus on Jesus more fully each day?
• How would you respond if you were there with John, witnessing his declaration about Jesus? How can you cultivate a deeper, more awe-filled response to who Jesus is in your own life?

6. The Call to Follow:

• John points his disciples to Jesus and invites them to follow Him. How do you respond to the invitation to follow Jesus more closely? Are there areas in your life where you feel called to follow Him more intentionally?
• Is there anything in your life that hinders your ability to follow Jesus fully? What can you do to remove those obstacles and walk more closely with Him?

7. Witnessing and Sharing Christ:

• How do you witness to the truth of who Jesus is in your everyday life? In what ways can you be more vocal about your faith or testimony, like John the Baptist?
• How do you handle situations when people question or challenge your faith? What does John’s example teach you about standing firm in your witness?

 

 

Isn’t it interesting and instructive for us that in the life of Jesus, right after His baptism, He is tempted?

Temptation doesn’t come to Jesus; Jesus goes to the tempter.

Supporting Scripture: Matthew 4:1 (ESV)

Supporting Scripture: Luke 4:1-2 (ESV)

How to defeat Satan when we are tempted.

#1 – Jesus has called us to go beyond sin management to sin’s defeat.

#2 – While giving into temptation can look harmless (because we can be forgiven), we actually invite the enemy’s power into our lives, our homes, our families, and even our church when we give into the enemy.

Supporting Scripture: 1 John 3:6-8 (ESV)

So what is God’s power over temptation?

God’s power over temptation is willpower.

The limit of willpower is the “Hot Donuts Now” sign at Krispy Kreme.

God’s power over temptation is the power of

How and why does this actually work?

Satan’s temptation is always based on a lie.

When you know the truth, the truth will set you free to defeat temptation because the truth is reality.

What is reality when it comes to what we really need and desire?

Supporting Scripture: Psalm 16:2 (ESV)

Supporting Scripture: Psalm 84:11 (ESV)

Supporting Scripture: James 1:16-18 (ESV)

“Be gone, Satan!”

Supporting Scripture: James 4:7 (ESV)

What is the lie? What is the truth?

Don’t just manage the enemy. Defeat the enemy!

Reflecting on Matthew 4:1-11, where Jesus is tempted in the wilderness by Satan, can offer profound insights into how we might face our own temptations. Here are some personal reflection questions to guide your thoughts:

1. Understanding the Nature of Temptation

• What are the key temptations that Jesus faced in the wilderness (Matthew 4:1-11)? How do these temptations reflect common struggles we face today?
• In what ways do I experience similar temptations in my own life—whether related to power, pride, provision, or identity?

2. Jesus’ Response to Temptation

• How does Jesus respond to each temptation from Satan? Why is it significant that He uses Scripture to counter the lies?
• What can I learn from Jesus’ reliance on God’s Word when facing temptation? How can I better incorporate Scripture into my own life as a tool for resisting temptation?

3. The Role of the Holy Spirit

• Matthew 4:1 tells us that Jesus was “led by the Spirit into the wilderness.” How does this connection between the Holy Spirit and Jesus’ temptation challenge my understanding of spiritual growth and testing?
• How can I invite the Holy Spirit into my moments of temptation or struggle, knowing that He is present to guide and strengthen me?

4. Identity and Trust in God

• In the first temptation, Satan challenges Jesus’ identity: “If you are the Son of God…” (Matthew 4:3). How does my understanding of my identity as a child of God shape how I face challenges and temptations in my life?
• How do I cultivate a deeper trust in God, especially in seasons where I feel uncertain or tempted to take matters into my own hands?

5. The Desire for Instant Gratification vs. God’s Timing

• Satan offers Jesus immediate satisfaction (turning stones into bread, worshipping him for authority over kingdoms), but Jesus chooses God’s will over quick fixes. How do I struggle with the desire for instant gratification or shortcuts in my own life?
• What does it look like to wait on God’s timing instead of seeking my own solutions to life’s difficulties?

6. The Role of Prayer and Fasting in Spiritual Strength

• Jesus fasted for 40 days before the temptation began. How does fasting or intentional times of prayer and solitude prepare me to face challenges and resist temptation?
• Are there areas in my life where I need to practice spiritual disciplines more intentionally to build resilience against temptation?

7. Victory Over Temptation and the Power of God’s Word

• After Jesus resists the temptations, the devil leaves Him (Matthew 4:11). What does this teach me about the power of resisting temptation through reliance on God and His Word?
• What areas of my life am I currently struggling with where I need to declare victory through God’s promises?

8. Temptation and Spiritual Maturity

• Jesus’ temptation in the wilderness was not just about resisting sin; it was a test of His spiritual maturity. How does facing temptation contribute to my own spiritual growth and dependence on God?
• How can I view moments of temptation not just as a struggle, but as opportunities to deepen my faith and understanding of God’s character?

9. Satan’s Lies and the Truth of God’s Word

• Satan uses Scripture to twist and distort the truth during Jesus’ temptation (Matthew 4:6). How can I discern when Scripture is being misused or misinterpreted in my own life or by others?
• What lies or deceptions have I believed in the past that I need to confront with the truth of God’s Word?

10. The Promise of God’s Presence in Temptation

• Jesus’ time in the wilderness is a reminder that God does not abandon us in times of testing. How can I hold onto the truth that God is with me in my wilderness moments and provides a way of escape (1 Corinthians 10:13)?
• How can I remind myself of God’s faithfulness and presence when I face temptations or challenges in my own life?

 

 

We can’t understand Jesus’ baptism unless we understand what John the Baptist is doing.

Why is John baptizing out in the wilderness?

Supporting Scripture: Matthew 3:1-2 (ESV)

John was calling people to a righteous walk with God in their and not only in their .

What is John’s baptism really about?

Supporting Scripture: Luke 3:3 (ESV)

John’s baptism was a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins.

John’s baptism of repentance is not the same as our Christian baptism.

Infant Baptism = parents commit, water applied, grace given, God claims, child claims, walk with Christ.

Adult Baptism = confess sin, receive salvation in Christ, water applied, grace given, God claims, walk with Christ.

Faithful Jews = confess sin, walk in righteousness, take water as a sign of walking in righteousness.

Supporting Scripture: Luke 3:10-14 (ESV)

“I’m walking in righteousness with God.”

Do you want to know how to walk with God? Start watching and emulating Jesus.

Are you all-in with Jesus?

Matthew 3:13-17 recounts the baptism of Jesus by John the Baptist. It’s a powerful and significant moment in the Gospels. Here are some personal reflection questions based on this passage:

1. Jesus’ Humility

• Why do you think Jesus, the Son of God, chose to be baptized by John, who was calling people to repentance?
• What does this act of humility reveal about Jesus’ character? How does this influence how you think about your own humility in the presence of God or others?

2. Obedience to God’s Will

• Jesus says in verse 15, “Let it be so now; it is proper for us to do this to fulfill all righteousness.” What does this statement reveal about Jesus’ commitment to God’s will?
• In your own life, what are some areas where you struggle with obedience to God’s plan or timing? How can you align your will more closely with God’s?

3. The Role of the Holy Spirit

• In verse 16, the Holy Spirit descends like a dove upon Jesus. How does this symbol of the Holy Spirit encourage or challenge you in your own spiritual journey?
• Do you feel a need for the Holy Spirit’s presence and guidance in your life? How can you be more open to the Holy Spirit’s work within you?

4. The Father’s Affirmation

• In verse 17, God the Father says, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.” How does this divine affirmation of Jesus’ identity and purpose impact your understanding of God’s love for Jesus and for us?
• How does it affect your own sense of identity and worth to know that God sees you as beloved and valuable? How does this truth shape your relationship with God?

5. Baptism and Its Significance

• Why do you think baptism is such an important part of the Christian faith? What does it symbolize for you personally?
• If you’ve been baptized, what did that moment mean for you at the time, and how has its significance grown or deepened over the years?

6. Public Declaration of Faith

• Jesus’ baptism was a public declaration of His obedience to God’s plan. In what ways does your faith need to be made public? Are there opportunities in your life where you can more openly share your faith or demonstrate it to others?

7. The Importance of Preparation

• Before Jesus was baptized, John the Baptist was preparing the way for the Messiah by calling people to repentance. How do you prepare your heart for encountering God in prayer, worship, and scripture reading?
• Is there any sin or obstacle in your life that you feel God is calling you to repent of, so you can experience a deeper relationship with Him?

8. The Connection Between Jesus and Us

• Jesus’ baptism marks the beginning of His public ministry, even though He was sinless. How do you relate to this idea of starting a new season or chapter in life, where God invites you to walk in a new direction or calling?
• How do you see Jesus as an example for your own life in terms of obedience, humility, and reliance on God?

9. God’s Affirmation in Your Own Life

• Jesus was affirmed by the Father in this passage. Have you experienced moments where God has spoken directly to you or affirmed you through scripture, prayer, or other people? What did that mean to you?
• How can you listen for and be more receptive to God’s affirmation in your life?