Opening Prayer

Lord God, thank You that You are not distant, unconcerned, uncaring about our difficulties and brokenness. You have come into the world in Jesus. Thank You that we can be comforted by Jesus, the one who has experienced everything that we have, yet did not sin; the one who became sin for us, so that we may receive His Righteousness. Help us to live for Jesus today. In His Name we pray, Amen.

Scripture

Devotion

In the opening chapters of his Gospel account, Matthew has been building a picture of Jesus’ identity. In chapter 3, once again, some staggering claims are made about Jesus.

When John the Baptist’s ministry is described, Matthew quotes from Isaiah 40, ‘This is he who was spoken of through the prophet Isaiah: “A voice of one calling in the wilderness, ‘Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for Him.’”’ Isaiah was speaking a message of comfort to the Israelites during their exile in Babylon. God would end their exile. He would come Himself to be with His people and they would behold the Glory of the Lord. Matthew’s incredible claim is that John the Baptist is that voice proclaiming the return of the Lord. The person whom John pointed to, the one who fulfills Isaiah’s prophecy that God Himself would come to be with His people and end their spiritual exile, is Jesus.

But notice a second, and even more direct testimony about Jesus. It comes from God the Father. As Jesus is baptised, Matthew says, the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting on Him. And a voice from heaven said, “This is my Son, whom I love; with Him I am well pleased.” The founder of every major world religion says, “I’ve come to give you information about how to reach heaven”. Christianity makes an even greater claim. It says that Jesus didn’t come just to give us information about God. No, Jesus is God Himself, come to do for us what we cannot do for ourselves. What does it look like today for you to actually treat Jesus as God?

Intercessory Prayer

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for the gift of family and friends. We choose today to pray for every one of them. For those who know You, we pray for an increase in their faith. Jesus the Messiah, help us to be an encouragement to them in their Christian walk. Help us to be a better support, to see and serve them as You would have. May we be the sort of family member or friend who lifts them up and please remind us to pray for them often, Jesus, Friend of Sinners. Help us by Your Love to draw to You those who don’t know You yet. Help us to choose words to suit the circumstance and serve them rather than just preach at them. We also pray for those who are without close family and friends or those whose relationships have become estranged. Help us to be on the lookout for those You want us to come alongside. We also pray for our churches, that they would increasingly become more like family, rather than a place where we simply attend a service. In Jesus’ Name, Amen!