Slices
Prepare
Consider what is making it difficult to follow Jesus into the year ahead. Is anything cluttering your life and cramping your movement? Are you seeing yourself rightfully, as God sees you?
Bible passage
The baptism and testing of Jesus
9 At that time Jesus came from Nazareth in Galilee and was baptised 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 for forty days, being tempted by Satan. He was with the wild animals, and angels attended him.
Jesus announces the good news
14 After John was put in prison, Jesus went into Galilee, proclaiming the good news of God. 15 ‘The time has come,’ he said. ‘The kingdom of God has come near. Repent and believe the good news!’
Jesus calls his first disciples
16 As Jesus walked beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and his brother Andrew casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen. 17 ‘Come, follow me,’ Jesus said, ‘and I will send you out to fish for people.’ 18 At once they left their nets and followed him.
19 When he had gone a little farther, he saw James son of Zebedee and his brother John in a boat, preparing their nets. 20 Without delay he called them, and they left their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired men and followed him.
Explore
Jesus has a moment of revelation (vs 10,11). It changes his whole life in an instant. His world and ours will never be the same again.
His response is retreat into a hostile environment (vs 12,13). Typically, Mark leaves us breathless as 40 days are compressed into a few mysterious phrases that will show Jesus strengthened end equipped for the rest of his ministry. ‘The time has come’ (v 15).
Jesus will rarely be alone again (except for his early morning prayer times and a desperate night in Gethsemane). His first priority is to build the team that will change the whole world, so he goes to the centre of power and chooses the brightest and best – NOT. His strength will be made perfect in our weakness. The dream team starts with humble fishermen on the edge of a rural lake. Their qualification is obedience, not cleverness or strength. It is the same for us today.
Respond
Like those first disciples, how is Jesus calling you to follow him today? In a moment of silence and honesty, talk to your Father about where he’s placed you, who you are connected to and how you can reflect his love into your world.
Bible in a year
Read the Bible in a year: Genesis 3,4; Matthew 2
Pray for Scripture Union
Pray that as the new Revealing Jesus resource centre goes live on our website, it will result in many more people benefiting from our resources and framework as they aim to help the 95 meet Jesus.
