Prepare the Way of the Lord
We can all identify with the need to adequately prepare for a coming event—whether that be a final exam in school, a big presentation at work, or a camping trip. Luke 3:1-20 focuses on the ministry of John the Baptist, where we will clearly see how John’s ministry fulfilled the prophetic expectation of preparing the way for God’s Messiah. But even more, we will see in John’s teaching the preparation that all people must make to be able to personally see Jesus and his salvation.
The First Words of Jesus
Luke records the only account of Jesus’ childhood years—his remaining behind in the temple after the annual Passover feast—in the passage we will look at on Sunday. It is during this account that the first words of Jesus are recorded. What does Jesus say in this moment? That God is his Father, a statement packed with life-changing significance. But Luke also tells us that Jesus grew and increased in wisdom and stature as a human. Young Jesus proclaims himself as the God-man, fully divine and fully human. As we will see throughout the study of Luke 2:39-52, Jesus’ life, ministry, and work hinges on the reality of his Sonship to the Father. Even more, Jesus’ first recorded words about himself can make all the difference in the world to you and me.
The King’s Flight
This sermon brings to a close our study of the first two chapters in Matthew’s gospel, Jesus the King’s origin story. In the passage before us, Matthew 2:13–23, we will watch as God preserves His Son from the Satanic fury of a false king. And as we move through the text, we will see a common pattern in the story of redemption unfold: flight to Egypt, exile, and return to the land of promise. Listen and be encouraged by the truth that God always protects His Son and His people, and will lead us safely home to Himself in the new Exodus brought about by Jesus Christ.
Faith that Risks Reproach and Mistreatment
Courageous action involves a calculation that the potential negative cost is worth the reward. In Hebrews 11:23–31, we will consider seven examples of faith from the life of Moses and those connected to him, observing how faith infused these men and women with courage. They made the calculation and were willing to suffer reproach and mistreatment, because their hope was fixed on the invisible God and His promised reward. And this type of courageous faith is not just reserved for those of faith from our Old Testament—it is the mark of all who identify with Christ and consider reproach and mistreatment for His name as greater wealth than any treasure found in this world.
Warning: Grow Up!
Growth. An expectation that is built into the fabric of our human existence. The assumption that something that is healthy and alive will keep growing and maturing. And, just as people are expected to exhibit certain physical characteristics in keeping with their natural age, there is a compelling Scriptural expectation for believers to grow spiritually. True believers persevere in Christ to the end, and all believers must constantly pursue maturity to avoid falling away. Join us in considering Hebrews 5:11-6:3 and the author’s warning to the spiritually immature to wake up and push deeper into Christ and his Word, lest their complacency leave them an eyelash away from apostasy.
