Will You Truly Believe?
Note from Jesus Dear Friend, I know the struggle that goes on inside your heart to truly believe. You want to believe, but really placing your full trust in Me is hard to do… especially when you are desperate for a solution to whatever difficulty you are facing. You may want to see the solution before you will really trust Me. However, true discipleship doesn’t work that way. You have to trust Me. Even before you receive the results of your faith, you have to act on your faith that what I say is true. Real faith is something more than thinking I can do something for you: It is acting on that belief. My half-brother, James, said it well: Without actions, faith is useless. By itself, it’s as good as dead. (James 2:17) I love the government official you meet today in My story. He was desperate. He wanted to believe that I could heal his son, but he wasn’t sure. He had hoping faith, but not full faith. So I nudged him to truly believe. I challenged him to really trust Me and to act before his faith in Me was proven true — to go home because he believed I had already healed his son before he could validate it. This situation is where his hoping faith became acting trust. He took Me at My word and headed home. On the way home, he discovered that I had done what I said at the time he trusted Me. Then his trust became experienced faith. He believed — not just with hoping faith and acting faith, but with validated faith. He then shared that faith with others and they believed, too. I want you to see the progression of faith in this story and know that this is the way faith often works in real life: Hoping faith — Desperate for answers, the father whose son was near death came to Me. Acting faith — The father started back home, taking Me at My word. Validating faith — The father discovered I did what I said. Sharing faith — The father told this story so others could believe. Verses to Live Are you willing to act in trust before your faith is validated? When you do, it is real faith — believing without immediate validation, trusting while you are waiting, and acting before you have proof! For many of you, the wait between acting faith and validating faith can be much longer than it was for this father. But, no matter how short or how long the wait might be, this is the kind of faith that I’m calling you to have as you follow Me! After two days of teaching and conversation, Jesus proceeded to Galilee where His countrymen received Him with familiar smiles. After all, they witnessed His miracle at the feast in Jerusalem; but Jesus understood and often quoted the maxim: “No one honors a hometown prophet.” As Jesus traveled to Cana (the village in Galilee where He transformed the water into fine wine), He was met by a government official. This man had heard a rumor that Jesus had left Judea and was heading to Galilee, and he came in desperation begging for Jesus’ help because his young son was near death. He was fearful that unless Jesus would go with him to Capernaum, his son would have no hope. Jesus (to the official): My word is not enough; you only believe when you see miraculous signs. Official: Sir, this is my son; please come with me before he dies. Jesus (interrupting him): Go home. Your son will live. When he heard the voice of Jesus, faith took hold of him and he turned to go home. Before he reached his village, his servants met him on the road celebrating his son’s miraculous recovery. Official: What time did this happen? Servants: Yesterday about one o’clock in the afternoon. At that moment, it dawned on the father the exact time that Jesus spoke the words, “He will live.” After that, he believed; and when he told his family about his amazing encounter with this Jesus, they believed too. This was the second sign Jesus performed when He came back to Galilee from Judea. (John 4:43-54) Response in Prayer O Father, I believe, but help my unbelief! Jesus, thank You for this challenge. You are right; I prefer everything to be proven and to be easy before I step out. Nevertheless, I commit to acting on my faith by trusting Your words are true, and Your intentions in my life are for my good. Holy Spirit, I need Your strength and comfort to act on what I say I believe. For this grace — of believing, acting, and being strengthened — I thank You. Amen. ‘A Year with Jesus’ is written by Phil Ware. © 1998-2026, Heartlight, Inc. ‘A Year with Jesus‘ is part of the Heartlight Network.All scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from The Voice™. © 2008 by Ecclesia Bible Society. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Your Best Is Not Good Enough
Note from Jesus Dear Beloved, What do you do when you recognize that your best isn’t good enough to get you to God? That’s the essential question that every religion has to answer. The resolution is also what separates being My disciple from being part of just another religious group. This response is also what Nicodemus — the best of the best by Jewish standards — had to learn. Getting to God is about being re-born by God’s power and not about being better at practicing religion. New birth into God’s family is about grace — the Father loving you so much that He sent “Heaven’s Best” to pay the price for your worst to adopt you into Our family through the power and the work of the Holy Spirit — I called it “water and Spirit birth.” You can’t make that new birth happen. That birth is the work of the Holy Spirit to make you fresh and new. The Holy Spirit changes everything! You are cleansed. You are forgiven. You are re-born. You are adopted. You are part of the Father’s family! You couldn’t earn it. You couldn’t work hard enough to deserve it. You couldn’t get enough things right to reach it. You aren’t consistent enough to achieve it. You are made new by the Holy Spirit! Verses to Live Yes, Nicodemus was right: To be re-born physically is impossible — you can’t crawl back into the womb and be born again! That’s why I came. By trusting in what I did when I was “lifted up” and by being born from above in the “water and Spirit birth,” you can start a new life. Nicodemus was one of the Pharisees, a man with some clout among his people. He came to Jesus under the cloak of darkness to question Him. Nicodemus: Teacher, some of us have been talking. You are obviously a teacher Who has come from God. The signs You are doing are proof that God is with You. Jesus: I tell you the truth: Only someone who experiences birth for a second time can hope to see the kingdom of God. Nicodemus: I am a grown man. How can someone be born again when he is old like me? Am I to crawl back into my mother’s womb for a second birth? That’s impossible! Jesus: I tell you the truth, if someone does not experience water and Spirit birth, there’s no chance he will make it into God’s kingdom. Like from like. Whatever is born from flesh is flesh; whatever is born from Spirit is spirit. Don’t be shocked by My words, but I tell you the truth. Even you, an educated and respected man among your people, must be reborn by the Spirit to enter the kingdom of God. The wind blows all around us as if it has a will of its own; we feel and hear it, but we do not understand where it has come from or where it will end up. Life in the Spirit is as if it were the wind of God. Nicodemus: I still do not understand how this can be. Jesus: Your responsibility is to instruct Israel in matters of faith, but you do not comprehend the necessity of life in the Spirit? I tell you the truth: We speak about the things we know, and we give evidence about the things we have seen, and you choose to reject the truth of our witness. If you do not believe when I talk to you about ordinary, earthly realities, then heavenly realities will certainly elude you. No one has ever journeyed to heaven above except the One Who has come down from heaven — the Son of Man, Who is of heaven. Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness. In the same way, the Son of Man must be lifted up; then all those who believe in Him will experience everlasting life. For God expressed His love for the world in this way: He gave His only Son so that whoever believes in Him will not face everlasting destruction, but will have everlasting life. Here’s the point. God didn’t send His Son into the world to judge it; instead, He is here to rescue a world headed toward certain destruction. No one who believes in Him has to fear condemnation, yet condemnation is already the reality for everyone who refuses to believe because they reject the name of the only Son of God. Why does God allow for judgment and condemnation? Because the Light, sent from God, pierced through the world’s darkness to expose ill motives, hatred, gossip, greed, violence, and the like. Still some people preferred the darkness over the light because their actions were dark. Some of humankind hated the light. They scampered hurriedly back into the darkness where vices thrive and wickedness flourishes. Those who abandon deceit and embrace what is true, they will enter into the light where it will be clear that all their deeds come from God. (John 3:1-21) Response in Prayer O Father, thank You for giving me new birth into Your family. Thank You for saving me through My faith in Your Son. Thank You for making me new and giving me new birth through the work of the Holy Spirit. In the name of Jesus Christ, my Lord, I pray. Amen. ‘A Year with Jesus’ is written by Phil Ware. © 1998-2026, Heartlight, Inc. ‘A Year with Jesus‘ is part of the Heartlight Network.All scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from The Voice™. © 2008 by Ecclesia Bible Society. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Just Another Face in the Crowd?
Note from Jesus Dear Follower, I surprised people when I went to the Jordan River to be immersed by John the Baptist. John’s baptism — like baptism in the early church — was immersion based on repentance and for the forgiveness of sins.* It was practiced to prepare people for My coming (Mark 1:2-4). John was reluctant to baptize Me, feeling that he needed to be baptized by Me instead (Matthew 3:13-14). So why was I baptized by John? As I told John, I did it to fulfill the righteous will of My Father (Matthew 3:15). But there was also another reason. I did it to identify with you. I came as one of you (Luke 1:31). I didn’t come to your world as some alien from a foreign galaxy. I didn’t come as some super-protected divine being Who couldn’t be hurt or tempted or killed. I came as one of you: Born of a woman, just like each of you. Vulnerable to death, just like each of you. Able to be tempted, just like each of you. I shed tears, just like you. My heart broke when people made wrong choices, when they rejected Me, and when they died. I got thirsty and hungry and tired. I was truly one of you! So when I came to John the Baptist to be baptized, I may not have been just another face in the crowd, but I was one of you because you matter so much to the Father and to Me! * See Acts 2:38; cf. Acts 22:16. The English word baptize is a transliteration of the Greek word baptizô which means to dip, immerse, or plunge under water. John’s baptism was in anticipation of Jesus and did not include the gift of the Holy Spirit or the Spirit’s role baptism — Acts 19:1-7 and Titus 3:3-7. Verses to Live I love the way that Luke tells about My baptism. The way his account starts, he makes it seem like such a normal day with John the Baptist baptizing people in the Jordan River. And just as those people came to be baptized, so did I — I came as one of you! One day when the crowds were being baptized, Jesus himself was baptized. As he was praying, the heavens opened, and the Holy Spirit, in bodily form, descended on him like a dove. And a voice from heaven said, “You are my dearly loved Son, and you bring me great joy.” (Luke 3:21-22 NLT) One of the great blessings for you about My baptism is that you can do something I did: You can be baptized. And when you are baptized, you share in My death, burial, and resurrection so that you can also share in My victory over sin and death. I came as one of you so that you can be one with Me! Or have you forgotten that when we were joined with Christ Jesus in baptism, we joined him in his death? For we died and were buried with Christ by baptism. And just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glorious power of the Father, now we also may live new lives. Since we have been united with him in his death, we will also be raised to life as he was. We know that our old sinful selves were crucified with Christ so that sin might lose its power in our lives. We are no longer slaves to sin. For when we died with Christ we were set free from the power of sin. And since we died with Christ, we know we will also live with him. We are sure of this because Christ was raised from the dead, and he will never die again. Death no longer has any power over him. When he died, he died once to break the power of sin. But now that he lives, he lives for the glory of God. So you also should consider yourselves to be dead to the power of sin and alive to God through Christ Jesus. (Romans 6:3-11 NLT) Response in Prayer Father, thank You for sending Jesus to be one of us. Lord Jesus, thank You for coming and sharing our world so that we can share Your home with the Father. Holy Spirit, thank You for living inside of us and transforming us to be more and more like Jesus, in Whose name I pray. Amen. ‘A Year with Jesus’ is written by Phil Ware. © 1998-2026, Heartlight, Inc. ‘A Year with Jesus‘ is part of the Heartlight Network.All scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from The Voice™. © 2008 by Ecclesia Bible Society. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Glory in the Ordinary
Note from Jesus Dear Friend, When are you most aware of My presence with you? I can be present in the spectacular, beautiful, and wonderful. I can also be present in the quiet moments of life. I can be present when your days are mostly filled with ordinary things that go with being a part of a family, part of a community, part of a friendship, or part of a business or company. So as I began to have people gather around Me early in My public ministry, where do you think I first revealed My glory to them? It was at a wedding in Cana of Galilee. My mother, Mary, was connected to the family hosting the wedding celebration. The wine was running out. This problem would have disgraced the bride and groom, as well as brought shame on their families. My mother came to Me to see if I would help. I performed a quiet miracle by turning water into wine. John calls it a sign because it pointed to something greater than the miracle itself. Only My mother, the servants, and My first followers knew what happened. Yet the bride and groom received the honor and the families were blessed without a lot of fuss being made about Me. My first followers were watching what I did at this wedding. They discovered something I hope you will look for in your life. I quite often reveal My glory — My favor, grace, love, mercy, kindness, generosity, help, joy, and tenderness — in the ordinary events in life. I do this so that those who love Me and are looking for Me can know that I AM present. I want My disciples to know that the routine things in their lives truly matter to Me… and that there is nothing ordinary when I AM your Lord and friend. Verses to Live Here’s the story of the wedding and how My mother asked Me to save the bride and groom from embarrassment. I did, but very quietly. Yet for those watching Me, there was a glimpse of glory. These verses are a reminder to look for My actions in your everyday life! Three days after the disciples encountered Jesus for the first time, they were all invited to celebrate a wedding feast in Cana of Galilee. Mary, the mother of Jesus, was invited together with Him and His disciples. While they were celebrating, the wine ran out; and Jesus’ mother hurried over to her son. Mary: The host stands on the brink of embarrassment; there are many guests, and there is no more wine. Jesus: Dear woman, is it our problem they miscalculated when buying wine and inviting guests? My time has not arrived. But she turned to the servants. Mary: Do whatever my son tells you. In that area were six massive stone water pots that could each hold 20 to 30 gallons. They were typically used for Jewish purification rites. Jesus’ instructions were clear: Jesus: Fill each water pot with water until it’s ready to spill over the top; then fill a cup, and deliver it to the headwaiter. They did exactly as they were instructed. After tasting the water that had become wine, the headwaiter couldn’t figure out where such wine came from (even though the servants knew), and he called over the bridegroom in amazement. Headwaiter: This wine is delectable. Why would you save the most exquisite fruit of the vine? A host would generally serve the good wine first and, when his inebriated guests don’t notice or care, he would serve the inferior wine. You have held back the best for last. Jesus performed this miracle, the first of His signs, in Cana of Galilee. They did not know how this happened; but when the disciples and the servants witnessed this miracle, their faith blossomed. (John 2:1-11) Response in Prayer O Father, my life is filled with all sorts of daily expectations and duties. I ask that You open my eyes and help me see Jesus’ presence in the middle of my daily routines, no matter how unimportant and mundane they may seem to be. In addition, dear Father, I ask that You use me to help others come to see Jesus in their lives, too! I pray this in the name of my Savior, Jesus. Amen. ‘A Year with Jesus’ is written by Phil Ware. © 1998-2026, Heartlight, Inc. ‘A Year with Jesus‘ is part of the Heartlight Network.All scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from The Voice™. © 2008 by Ecclesia Bible Society. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
First Things First
Note from Jesus Dear Disciple, If you are going to put “first things first,” then what are these “first things” you must do with your friends and family? I know each of your relationships is unique. The history you have with friends and family can make relationships easy, quirky, difficult, confusing, and a host of all sorts of other things. So when I was asked about the two greatest commands in the Scriptures, I tried to make things very clear: Love God with all you are and love your neighbor as you love yourself (Matthew 22:36-40). Your “first things” with your friends and family should be clear: Love God and love them. After I had been baptized by John the Baptist, he began to point his disciples to Me. He wanted them to follow Me. One of those who followed Me first was a fellow who eventually becomes one of My twelve apostles. His name was Andrew. Andrew was always bringing people to meet me (John 6:5-9; John 12:20-22). This focus of Andrew’s life began immediately after he realized Who I AM. The first thing he did after spending time with Me was to go and find his brother, Simon Peter, and bring him to meet Me. One of the ways you put “first things first” with friends and family is to do what Andrew did: you bring them to Me. You don’t have to convince them of anything. Share why you have hope in Me (1 Peter 3:15-16). Then, with gentleness and respect, help them come to Me and learn more about me. You don’t have to answer all of their questions. You shouldn’t criticize them for not following me. Just simply invite them to come and see Who I AM for themselves. Invite them to decide what they believe they should do with Me. One of the reasons the Father gave you four gospels — Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John in your New Testament — is to tell the story of My life so that you would have a way of inviting people to come and to get to know about Me. So I want to challenge you to let first things be first. Love the Father with all that you are. Love your friends, family, and neighbors as you love yourself. Let these two principles overlap and invite those you love to come and meet Me! It won’t necessarily be easy, but I will help you know what to say, when to say it, and how to share the invitation. Who knows, one of your friends or family members just may be someone waiting for you to be like Andrew! Verses to Live Andrew could invite his brother to meet Me physically. You can invite your friends and family to meet Me by reading John or Mark or Luke or Matthew with you. You don’t have to know the answers to all of their questions; just be a friend and an example to them of how I love them! The following day John [the Baptist] was again standing with two of his disciples. As Jesus walked by, John looked at him and declared, “Look! There is the Lamb of God!” When John’s two disciples heard this, they followed Jesus. Jesus looked around and saw them following. “What do you want?” he asked them. They replied, “Rabbi” (which means “Teacher”), “where are you staying?” “Come and see,” he said. It was about four o’clock in the afternoon when they went with him to the place where he was staying, and they remained with him the rest of the day. Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, was one of these men who heard what John said and then followed Jesus. Andrew went to find his brother, Simon, and told him, “We have found the Messiah” (which means “Christ”). Then Andrew brought Simon to meet Jesus. Looking intently at Simon, Jesus said, “Your name is Simon, son of John — but you will be called Cephas” (which means “Peter”). (John 1:35-42 NLT) Response in Prayer O Father, there are precious people in my life who I want so desperately to know Jesus. I ask that the Holy Spirit give me the wisdom to know the right moment, the best way, and the most helpful attitude to reach their hearts. Use me, please dear Father, to invite them to Jesus, in Whose name I pray. Amen. ‘A Year with Jesus’ is written by Phil Ware. © 1998-2026, Heartlight, Inc. ‘A Year with Jesus‘ is part of the Heartlight Network.All scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from The Voice™. © 2008 by Ecclesia Bible Society. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Tested True
Note from Jesus Dear Beloved, Temptation. You face it. It is hard. The devil makes sure that the temptation is presented at just the right time, appealing to just the right vulnerabilities of the moment, and packaged in a way that is appealing. Temptation. I faced it, too. Notice that I was tempted to use My power to be self-serving — to ease My hunger. I was tempted to take a shortcut around the plan of God — to bow down to the evil one, and all the kingdoms of the world would be mine without the price of the cross. I was tempted to be spectacular — I could show the world in a grand display that I was the Messiah because the Father protected Me. You will be tempted. Temptation can come from your own desires (James 1:13-15). Temptation can be specially planned and orchestrated by the devil and his evil scheming (Ephesians 6:11). And yes, as I was tempted, the devil will tempt you to be self-serving, to take shortcuts around the requirements of God, and to be spectacular so you can call attention to yourself. Your first line of defense against temptations is knowing the Father’s will revealed in Scripture. Just as I answered each of the devil’s temptations with principles from Scripture, you need to know Scripture to know how We want you to live and act so you can recall Our will for you when you face temptations. However, knowing Scripture is not sufficient to fend off your temptations. You need to know the Father and His deep and abiding love for you. When I faced these temptations, I not only knew the Scriptures, but I also knew the Father and His great love for Me. In your trials and temptations, remember this: I faced temptations and trials, too. I know what they are like. I can help you through them. I love you. I will walk with you through temptation to strengthen, encourage, and support you. And if you fall, I will help you back up and put you back on the path of God. Verses to Live There is a truth I want you to hear about My temptations. This truth can bless you in your own struggles and temptations if you accept it. For Jesus is not some high priest who has no sympathy for our weaknesses and flaws. He has already been tested in every way that we are tested; but He emerged victorious, without failing God. So let us step boldly to the throne of grace, where we can find mercy and grace to help when we need it most. (Hebrews 4:15-16) Here is the way Luke tells the story of My first major confrontations with the devil after my baptism. Notice that the Spirit led Me during this whole process and I emerged from this time of temptation ready to begin My ministry! When Jesus returned from the Jordan River, He was full of the Holy Spirit, and the Holy Spirit led Him away from the cities and towns and out into the desert. For 40 days, the Spirit led Him from place to place in the desert, and while there, the devil tempted Jesus. Jesus was fasting, eating nothing during this time, and at the end, He was terribly hungry. At that point, the devil came to Him. Devil: Since You’re the Son of God, You don’t need to be hungry. Just tell this stone to transform itself into bread. Jesus: It is written in the Hebrew Scriptures, “People need more than bread to live.” Then the devil gave Jesus a vision. It was as if He traveled around the world in an instant and saw all the kingdoms of the world at once. Devil: All these kingdoms, all their glory, I’ll give to You. They’re mine to give because this whole world has been handed over to me. If You just worship me, then everything You see will all be Yours. All Yours! Jesus: Get out of My face, Satan! The Hebrew Scriptures say, “Worship and serve the Eternal One your God — only Him — and nobody else.” Then the devil led Jesus to Jerusalem, and he transported Jesus to stand upon the pinnacle of the temple. Devil: Since You’re the Son of God, just jump. Just throw Yourself into the air. You keep quoting the Hebrew Scriptures. They themselves say, He will put His heavenly messengers in charge of You, to keep You safe in every way. And, they will hold You up in their hands so that You do not smash Your foot against a stone. Jesus: Yes, but the Hebrew Scriptures also say, “You will not presume on God; you will not test the Lord, the one True God.” The devil had no more temptations to offer that day, so he left Jesus, preparing to return at some other opportune time. Jesus returned to Galilee in the power of the Holy Spirit, and soon people across the region had heard news of Him. (Luke 4:1-14) Response in Prayer Lord Jesus, thank You for sharing the pain of being human, including facing temptations. I am comforted knowing that You have experienced the challenges of temptation. I am encouraged knowing that You defeated the tempter. I am blessed to have You at the right hand of the Father interceding for me now. Thank You for being the Savior Who was one of us! Amen. ‘A Year with Jesus’ is written by Phil Ware. © 1998-2026, Heartlight, Inc. ‘A Year with Jesus‘ is part of the Heartlight Network.All scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from The Voice™. © 2008 by Ecclesia Bible Society. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Preparing Your Heart for Me
Note from Jesus Dear Friend, My cousin John the Baptist “appeared in the wilderness, preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins” (Mark 1:4 NIV). People were baptized by John to prepare themselves for My coming (Mark 1:7-8). They needed to change their hearts, minds, and behaviors if I was going to be their Lord when I came! Repentance is more than feeling sorry for your sin. Rather, inner pain and conviction about your past sin produce “godly sorrow,” which should lead you to repentance — to make changes, real behavioral and heartfelt changes, in your life (2 Corinthians 7:10-11). Those who believed John and truly repented did three things: Confessed their sins (Matthew 3:6). Were baptized (Mark 1:1-8). Bore the fruit of repentance in their lives (Luke 3:8). Hear what John says to you. Make practical changes in your life to make room in your heart for Me to come and bring life to the full to you (John 10:10). Verses to Live John’s message was a hard, but important, message. If I AM to come and live with you and inside you, you must offer yourself to Me fully, in practical and tangible ways: [C]rowds streamed out from the villages and towns to be baptized by John at the Jordan. John the Baptist: You bunch of venomous snakes! Who told you that you could escape God’s coming wrath? Don’t just talk of turning to God; you’d better bear the authentic fruit of a changed life. Don’t take pride in your religious heritage, saying, “We have Abraham for our father!” Listen — God could turn these rocks into children of Abraham! God wants you to bear fruit! If you don’t produce good fruit, then you’ll be chopped down like a fruitless tree and made into firewood. God’s ax is taking aim and ready to swing! People: What shall we do to perform works from changed lives? John the Baptist: The person who has two shirts must share with the person who has none. And the person with food must share with the one in need. Some tax collectors were among those in the crowd seeking baptism. Tax Collectors: Teacher, what kind of fruit is God looking for from us? John the Baptist: Stop overcharging people. Only collect what you must turn over to the Romans. Soldiers: What about us? What should we do to show true change? John the Baptist: Don’t extort money from people by throwing around your power or making false accusations, and be content with your pay. (Luke 3:7-14) Have you prepared your heart for My arrival? “Those I [Jesus] love I also correct and discipline. Therefore, be shamelessly committed to Me, and turn back. Now pay attention; I am standing at the door and knocking. If any of you hear My voice and open the door, then I will come in to visit with you and to share a meal at your table, and you will be with Me.” (Revelation 3:19-20) Response in Prayer O Father of mercy, please accept my confession of sin and also my commitment to live my life for You. Fill me and empower me, please dear Lord, with Your Holy Spirit. May the character of Jesus come alive in me as I offer myself to You. In the name of the Lord Jesus, I pray. Amen. ‘A Year with Jesus’ is written by Phil Ware. © 1998-2026, Heartlight, Inc. ‘A Year with Jesus‘ is part of the Heartlight Network.All scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from The Voice™. © 2008 by Ecclesia Bible Society. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
God’s Good News Always Begins with a Servant
Note from Jesus Dear Servant of God, I love the way Mark begins his good news story about Me: This is the beginning of the good news of Jesus, the Anointed One, the Liberating King, the Son of God. Isaiah the prophet told us what would happen before He came: Watch, I will send My messenger in front of You to prepare Your way and make it clear and straight… That messenger was John the Baptist… (Mark 1:1-2; Mark 1:4) This introduction is Mark’s way of saying that My ministry, My whole story, begins with a servant — and this servant’s name is John the Baptist. There are no birth stories about Me in Mark. Nothing about My childhood is written in Mark. There are no genealogies that tell about My ancestry. Mark is clear, purposeful, and to the point: for people to hear and believe the good news about Me, God most frequently uses those who offer themselves to Me to be servants so others can believe. That’s why in My Kingdom, the greatest is always a servant. As I said during My earthly ministry: If you are recognized at all, let it be for your service. Delight in the one Who calls you servant. For whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted. (Matthew 23:11-12) Just as John the Baptist was a servant who prepared the hearts of others to know Me, please know that you are to have that same role in the lives of your friends and family. For the good news about Me to reach the hearts of your friends, associates, and family, they must know that you do what you do for them because of your love for Me as well as for them. Verses to Live Let’s return to how Mark begins his good news story of My life: This is the beginning of the good news of Jesus, the Anointed One, the Liberating King, the Son of God. Isaiah the prophet told us what would happen before He came: Watch, I will send My messenger in front of You to prepare Your way and make it clear and straight. You’ll hear him, a voice crying in the wilderness, “Prepare the way of the Eternal One, a straight way in the wandering desert, a highway for our God.” That messenger was John the Baptist, who appeared in the desert near the Jordan River preaching that people should be ritually cleansed through baptism with water as a sign of both their changed hearts and God’s forgiveness of their sins. People from across the countryside of Judea and from the city of Jerusalem came to him and confessed that they were deeply flawed and needed help, so he cleansed them with the waters of the Jordan. John dressed as some of the Hebrew prophets had, in clothes made of camel’s hair with a leather belt around his waist. He made his meals in the desert from locusts and wild honey. He preached a message in the wilderness. John the Baptist: Someone is coming Who is a lot more powerful than I am — One Whose sandals I’m not worthy to bend down and untie. I’ve washed you here through baptism with water; but when He gets here, He will wash you in the Spirit of God. (Mark 1:1-8)John’s life was a preparation for My own life. Just as John the Baptist was a servant to Me, I am a servant to you: Jesus: Even the Son of Man came not to be served but to be a servant — to offer His life as a ransom for others. (Mark 10:45) Response in Prayer O Father in heaven, bless me as I seek to show Your love and serve those close to me — my family, my friends, my co-workers, and my neighbors. Holy Spirit, I ask that You fill my heart with love so others can see this love in what I do and be drawn to Jesus, in Whose name I pray. Amen. ‘A Year with Jesus’ is written by Phil Ware. © 1998-2026, Heartlight, Inc. ‘A Year with Jesus‘ is part of the Heartlight Network.All scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from The Voice™. © 2008 by Ecclesia Bible Society. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Just an Ordinary Kid?
Note from Jesus Dear Child of God, When I began My ministry, the folks in My home town of Nazareth were shocked. They didn’t expect anything of Me. In their minds, I was just another average kid from their unimportant little town. They didn’t have the visits from an angel that Joseph and My mother received. They didn’t hear the prophetic proclamations of Simeon and Anna as they recognized Me as Jesus, the Messiah, God’s Anointed. They knew Me only as the boy down the street Who had brothers and sisters they knew well. They also remembered the time I stayed behind in Jerusalem on our family’s pilgrimage when I was twelve years old. Most folks knew I was obedient to My parents, but they considered Me to be just an ordinary son of a carpenter. Bottom line: Despite some wild rumors that I did all sorts of miraculous stuff when I was a boy, I mostly grew up learning Torah, obeying My parents, doing chores around Joseph’s carpentry shop, going to the synagogue once per week, and joining My family for the great festivals in Jerusalem. I grew up learning to be faithful to God, to obey Joseph and My mother, and to do both Joseph’s business of carpentry and My Father’s business of character, compassion, and service. If you are a parent, I am reminding you that your child is on loan from the Father. He has divine plans for your child. He made your child with a plan for his or her life. He will use your child to do great things for the kingdom if you will partner with Him in training your child. Whether the folks in your community recognize the incredible value and purpose of your child, please know that the Father does! There’s no such thing as “just an ordinary kid” when that kid is God’s child! Verses to Live Here’s an account that includes My visit to the Temple when I was twelve. During this trip, I revealed to those who listened and looked carefully that I was more than just a kid from Nazareth: After fulfilling their sacred duties according to the law of the Lord [referring to Jesus’ dedication as the firstborn], Mary and Joseph returned with Jesus to their own city of Nazareth in the province of Galilee. There Jesus grew up, maturing in physical strength and increasing in wisdom, and the grace of God rested on Him. Every year during Jesus’ childhood, His parents traveled to Jerusalem for the Passover celebration. When Jesus was 12, He made the journey with them. They spent several days there, participating in the whole celebration. When His parents left for home, Jesus stayed in Jerusalem, but Joseph and Mary were not aware. They assumed Jesus was elsewhere in the caravan that was traveling together. After they had already traveled a full day’s journey toward home, they began searching for Him among their friends and relatives. When no one had seen the boy, Mary and Joseph rushed back to Jerusalem and searched for Him. After three days of separation, they finally found Him — sitting among a group of religious teachers in the temple — asking them questions, listening to their answers. Everyone was surprised and impressed that a 12-year-old boy could have such deep understanding and could answer questions with such wisdom. His parents, of course, had a different reaction. Mary: Son, why have You treated us this way? Listen, Your father and I have been sick with worry for the last three days, wondering where You were, looking everywhere for You. Jesus: Why did you need to look for Me? Didn’t you know that I must be working for My Father? Neither Mary nor Joseph really understood what He meant by this. Jesus went back to Nazareth with them and was obedient to them. His mother continued to store these memories like treasures in her heart. And Jesus kept on growing — in wisdom, in physical stature, in favor with God, and in favor with others. (Luke 2:39-52) Here’s the story of My visit later to Nazareth during My public ministry. The local people wouldn’t believe in Me because of their familiarity with Me and their lack of expectations: Jesus went back into His own hometown where He had grown up, and His disciples followed Him there. When the Sabbath came, He went into the synagogue in Nazareth and began to teach as He had done elsewhere, and many of those who heard Him were astonished. Those in the Synagogue: Where did He gain this wisdom? And what are all these stories we’ve been hearing about the signs and healings He’s performed? Where did He get that kind of power? Isn’t this Jesus, the little boy we used to see in Joseph’s carpenter shop? Didn’t He grow up to be a carpenter just like His father? Isn’t He the son of Mary over there and the brother of James, Joses, Judas, Simon, and their sisters? Who does He think He is? And when they had thought about it that way, they became indignant and closed themselves to His message. Jesus (seeing this): A prophet can find honor anywhere except in his hometown, among his own people, and in his own household. (Mark 6:1-4) Response in Prayer Holy God, give me a deep appreciation of each child — especially my children and the other children in my extended family. Open my eyes to see each child as You see him or her. Please use me to help call the children to Your work in each of their lives. Give me the wisdom to know how to lead them to love and obey You. In Jesus’ name, I ask for this help. Amen. ‘A Year with Jesus’ is written by Phil Ware. © 1998-2026, Heartlight, Inc. ‘A Year with Jesus‘ is part of the Heartlight Network.All scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from The Voice™. © 2008 by Ecclesia Bible Society.
Dedicated to God
Note from Jesus Dear Friend, As you begin your New Year, I want to challenge you to dedicate yourself and this year to honor Us — Father, Son, and Spirit. Be faithful in all things, including the little things. Keep your word. Spend time with the Father in prayer. Intentionally begin each day with a fresh commitment to follow Me. Seek the guidance of the Holy Spirit and follow His lead in your life. From the beginning of My life on earth, Joseph and My mother did the things that faithful Jewish parents were to do. They had Me circumcised and named Me on the eighth day after My birth. As their firstborn, I was dedicated to the Lord. I grew up going to Synagogue, learning the Torah, the prophets, and the writings — all the books you call the Old Testament. Our family journeyed to Jerusalem for the appointed festivals. I was the Son of God in human flesh through the miraculous conception by the means of the Holy Spirit. I was also a child of the Torah, a son of Israel, and a child of the synagogue because of Joseph’s and My mother’s faith. Their faith nurtured Me and guided Me. Their dedication was a blessing to Me. So I want to remind you as you stand at the beginning of a New Year to commit this year to honoring Us. Make My Father’s will your own and My life the life you choose to live. Follow My example as you deal with people, especially people often overlooked. Ask for the Holy Spirit to help you understand the Scriptures and how best to obey them. You never know who will be impacted for eternity because of what you do! Verses to Live Notice how Joseph and My mother did for Me what was required by the Torah — the Law — and how the Father affirmed their commitment to bring Me up in the way of obedient faith. First came My circumcision and dedication to the Father: Eight days after His birth, the baby was circumcised in keeping with Jewish religious requirements, and He was named Jesus, the name the messenger had given Him before His conception in Mary’s womb. After Mary had observed the ceremonial days of postpartum purification required by Mosaic law, she and Joseph brought Jesus to the temple in Jerusalem to present Him to the Lord. They were fulfilling the Lord’s requirement that “every firstborn Israelite male will be dedicated to the Eternal One as holy.” They also offered the sacrifice required by the law of the Lord, “two turtledoves or two young pigeons.” (Luke 2:21-24) Notice how Simeon, a devout old servant of God, both affirms and also warns Joseph and My mother about My role in serving the Father: While fulfilling these sacred obligations at the temple, they [Mary and Joseph] encountered a man in Jerusalem named Simeon. He was a just and pious man, anticipating the liberation of Israel from her troubles. He was a man in touch with the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit had revealed to Simeon that he would not die before he had seen the Lord’s Anointed One. The Spirit had led him to the temple that day, and there he saw the child Jesus in the arms of His parents, who were fulfilling their sacred obligations. Simeon took Jesus into his arms and blessed God. Simeon: Now, Lord and King, You can let me, Your humble servant, die in peace. You promised me that I would see with my own eyes what I’m seeing now: Your freedom, raised up in the presence of all peoples. He is the light Who reveals Your message to the other nations, and He is the shining glory of Your covenant people, Israel. His father and mother were stunned to hear Simeon say these things. Simeon went on to bless them both, and to Mary in particular he gave predictions. Simeon: Listen, this child will make many in Israel rise and fall. He will be a significant person Whom many will oppose. In the end, He will lay bare the secret thoughts of many hearts. And a sword will pierce even your own soul, Mary. (Luke 2:25-35) Simeon wasn’t God’s only voice of affirmation to Joseph and My mother. Anna also spoke of My role in serving the Father: At that very moment, an elderly woman named Anna stepped forward. Anna was a prophetess, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She had been married for seven years before her husband died and a widow to her current age of 84 years. She was deeply devoted to the Lord, constantly in the temple, fasting and praying. When she approached Mary, Joseph, and Jesus, she began speaking out thanks to God, and she continued spreading the word about Jesus to all those who shared her hope for the rescue of Jerusalem. After fulfilling their sacred duties according to the law of the Lord, Mary and Joseph returned with Jesus to their own city of Nazareth in the province of Galilee. There Jesus grew up, maturing in physical strength and increasing in wisdom, and the grace of God rested on Him. (Luke 2:36-40) Response in Prayer O Father in heaven, I commit this year that has just begun to You. I want You to be honored in every area of my life — public and private, big and small, important or insignificant. Mold my heart to be like Yours as I seek to honor Your will in every area of my life. I pray this through the intercession and power of Jesus. Amen. ‘A Year with Jesus’ is written by Phil Ware. © 1998-2026, Heartlight, Inc. ‘A Year with Jesus‘ is part of the Heartlight Network.All scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from The Voice™. © 2008 by Ecclesia Bible Society. Used by permission. All rights reserved.