The Baptism of Jesus

Then Jesus came from Galilee to John at the Jordan to be baptized by him.  And John tried to prevent Him, saying, “I need to be baptized by You, and are You coming to me?”
But Jesus answered and said to him, “Permit it to be so now, for thus it is fitting for us to [...]

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The Message of John the Baptist

“In those days John the Baptist came preaching in the wilderness of Judea, and saying, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand!”  For this is he who was spoken of by the prophet Isaiah, saying:
“ The voice of one crying in the wilderness:
‘ Prepare the way of the LORD;
Make His paths straight.’”
Now John [...]

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Meditation: The Birth of Jesus

“Now the birth of Jesus Christ was as follows: After His mother Mary was betrothed to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Spirit.  Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not wanting to make her a public example, was minded to put her away secretly.  But [...]

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The Illusion of Self-Sufficiency

“Self-sufficiency is the diametric opposite of the prime quality needed for entrance to the kingdom of God – humble dependence on God in faith.”
– Christopher J.H. Wright, Knowing Jesus Through the Old Testament
Christopher Wright precedes his quote by saying that Jesus “was no ascetic” and enjoyed good food and drink as much as anyone, but [...]

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The Root of Economic Injustice

Quote of the Week:
“Idolatry and injustice went together.  They still do.”
- Christopher J.H. Wright in Knowing Jesus Through the Old Testament
The context is the Old Testament and its teaching on economics.  Regarding economic injustice Wright writes, “The same Elijah who stood on Mount Carmel… also confronted [King] Ahab over the seizure of a vineyard.
“Two things [...]

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