Then he went down to Capernaum, a town in Galilee, and on the Sabbath he taught the people. They were amazed at his teaching, because his words had authority. — Luke 4:31-32
After all, He was and is the Son of God.
He is the Word and the Light of the World.
The people were amazed at his teaching.
Because the words Jesus said had authority.
Help me to read your word, Lord, and to hear them and put them into practice.
The scroll of the prophet Isaiah was handed to him. Unrolling it, he found the place where it is written:
“The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to set the oppressed free, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.” — Luke 4: 17-19
God's Son was sent to proclaim good news to the poor and the poor in heart.
To proclaim freedom of the prisoners and for those of us living in darkness.
To give sight to the blind.
To proclaim the year of the Lord God's favor.
We know that God will guide us through the new year.
We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life. — Romans 6:4
Our worship service included additional congregations that have worshipped in our campus over the years.
We sang and praised God together outside.
And we shared communion.
God was glorified.
When all the people were being baptized, Jesus was baptized too. And as he was praying, heaven was opened and the Holy Spirit descended on him in bodily form like a dove. And a voice came from heaven: “You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased.” — Luke 3:21-22
While He prayed, heaven was opened.
The Holy Spirit descended on him like a dove.
A voice came from God in heaven
Saying, You are my Son.
I love you and am well pleased.
We have opportunities each day to show our love for Jesus.
And with many other words John exhorted the people and proclaimed the good news to them. — Luke 3:18
La Jolla Shores Beach
John was a powerful speaker.
He proclaimed the good news of Jesus wherever he went.
And people followed, listened to him, and turned from their sins.
He baptized them and prepared them for the coming of God's Son.
God asks us to tell others about Jesus, too.
I'm not always ready to do that.
God asks us to be prepared to explain to anyone who asks.
I'm not always prepared.
God asks us to love our enemies.
I often forget to love my friends and family.
Forgive, me, Lord.
Help me to obey You.
The people were waiting expectantly and were all wondering in their hearts if John might possibly be the Messiah. John answered them all, “I baptize you with water. But one who is more powerful than I will come, the straps of whose sandals I am not worthy to untie. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. — Luke 3:15-17
John was sent to prepare the way for Jesus.
He came to baptize us with the Holy Spirit and with fire.
Sunday we celebrate our baptism and renew our commitment to Jesus.
Our worship service will focus on God's faithfulness to us.
We will thank Him for the blessings He gives us.
And we will pray for our country
And for those of our friends and family who are recovering from covid.
We know God is holding them in His hands and healing them.
Every valley shall be filled in, every mountain and hill made low. The crooked roads shall become straight, the rough ways smooth. And all people will see God’s salvation. — Luke 3:5-6
But in this time of COVID-19, not too many people are ready to move to a new job.
We have received fewer applicants than usual.
Even so, I know God will provide us with just the right person.
So I am asking for His wisdom as we search.
The mountains we encounter in life will be made low.
God will provide us with a straight path and will guide us along the smooth road.
Eventually everyone will see His salvation in Jesus.
