Throughout the season of Lent you are invited to join FaithPoint Church on a journey to get to know Jesus a little bit better. In the weeks leading up to the cross and the victory of Easter we are going to be taking a look at the life and work of this man Jesus, the messiah.
This week our scripture focuses on the early ministry of Jesus.
Monday: The Baptism of Jesus: Matthew 3:1-17 & Old Testament Promise that God would come to earth Isaiah 9:6-7
John The Baptist was someone who was more than a little bit out there, but he prepared a way for Jesus. Who has been like this for you? Who are you preparing a way for?
God’s words to Jesus are powerful. What are you doing that would make God “well pleased?” What is something that you can work on in this season of Lent that would magnify God’s words of being well pleased?
Tuesday: The Temptation of Jesus: Luke 4:1-13 & Old Testament Promise that God would be born of a virgin Isaiah 7:14
Temptation doesn’t come in the form if a little guy in red tights and a pitchfork. Temptation is different for each of us but gets at the heart of our desire and insecurities. On a scale of 1-10 how well do you resist the temptation in your life?
Jesus was tempted in many ways, how did he overcome this temptation? What can you do to overcome temptation?
Wednesday: Jesus turns water into wine: John 2:1-11 & Old Testament Promise that God would be from the house of Judah Isaiah 37:31
Jesus turning water into wine saved the wedding family from embarrassment, but it also allowed for the party to continue. Jesus doesn’t just offer up life, but life to the fullest! What is the “wine” level (zeal for life abundant) right now? Full to overflowing? Half-way full (or gone for the pessimists)? Or almost on empty?
We all have things in our lives that steal the zeal in our lives. What are some things in your life that steal the zeal? How might you refresh the zeal in the life of someone you know today?
Thursday: Jesus Rejected at Nazareth: Luke 4:14-30 & Old Testament Promise that God would be from the root of Jesse Isaiah 11:1-5, 10
As we read the scripture today we have to keep in mind that Jesus, being fully human, would have done things any normal boy would do growing up. So going back to his hometown people couldn’t believe what he had become, or what he was claiming. What would people in your hometown say about you when reflecting back on when you were little?
How had God been at work to help you reach your full potential?
Friday: Jesus Heals and Prays: Mark 1:29-39 & Old Testament Promise that God would be from the house of David Isaiah 16:5
Jesus needed to find some time just to be alone. Even though he knows many are counting on him, his time is short on earth and there was much to do. Jesus needed some time alone. Finding the margin in life is really hard. Where do you find the quiet margin in your life? As a way to encourage others in finding margin, post to our facebook page, tweet, text or write a note to someone about where you are finding rest in this season and encourage them to find margin too.
As the week draws to an end how are you going to find the rest you need to carry on through next week?
Saturday: Jesus Heals the paralytic: Mark 2:1-12 & Old Testament Promise that God would be born in Bethlehem Micah 5:2
Who are the friends in your life that cared enough to bring you to Jesus? How does it feel to be taken care of? Is it hard for you? Sometimes we have to stop resisting, Keep Calm and be carried on by our friends.
Who do you know that is longing for the healing that only Jesus can bring? Invite them to your small group, to church, to serve with you in some way.