Know Thyself
Opening Prayer
Be honest with God and with yourself and offer up your feelings to him now, asking him to speak to you.
Read Mark 1:9-13
[9] At that time Jesus came from Nazareth in Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan. [10] Just as Jesus was coming up out of the water, he saw heaven being torn open and the Spirit descending on him like a dove. [11] And a voice came from heaven: “You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased.” [12] At once the Spirit sent him out into the wilderness, [13] and he was in the wilderness forty days, being tempted by Satan. He was with the wild animals, and angels attended him. Scripture taken from the Holy Bible, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 International Bible Society. All rights reserved throughout the world. Used by permission of International Bible Society.
Reflect
What statement about Jesus is clearly made here?Mark certainly doesn’t mince his words. His Gospel is the most succinct and the most action-packed. Mark has a punchy message to deliver–that Jesus was the Son of God. Jesus didn’t just float around, glowing and bestowing miraculous gifts, however. He was also human and he went through a very human rite of passage: baptism. Baptism was understood to bring forgiveness for sin (1:4), but Jesus’ baptism was somewhat different. For him it was a pivotal moment of affirmation. The Holy Spirit came on him, and his heavenly Father acknowledged him (11). This strong affirmation of Jesus’ identity prepared him for the time of temptation which followed. Jesus was the God-man and his time in the desert consolidated his dependence on God and his obedience to God. You can read a fuller account of Jesus’ temptations in Matthew 4:1-11. The identity of Jesus changes everything for us. As God and man, he can redeem our humanity. Likewise, knowing our identity changes everything for us: the decisions we make, the people we relate to. Knowing Jesus and who he is changes everything.
Apply
Ponder 1 John 3:1, and each time you make choices, consider the options in the light of your identity as a child of God.
Closing prayer
Lord Jesus, I’m so thankful that I know who You are and who I am because I’m related to You. How wonderful it is!
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