Scripture

“Come, follow me,” Jesus said, ” and I will make you fishers of men.”

Observation

Jesus hears that John has been put in prison, and he returns to Galilee. He begins to preach, “Repent for the kingdom of heaven is near.”

Jesus travels throughout Galilee, teaching, preaching, and healing all kinds of diseases. Large crowds from all over the region begin to follow Him.

Application

Following Jesus is not just about getting saved, important as that is.

Jesus calls us all to be a part of his project of “fishing for men.”

Some people are gifted as evangelists and find this very easy to do. Others struggle with sharing their faith even amongst their friends and family. Paul tells us to always be ready to give the reason for our hope. This means knowing who we trust in and being able to express our joy in being followers of Jesus.

In the kingdom, as in ordinary life, there are the professional “fishers” and occasional “fishers” who sometimes drop a line in. Whichever end of the spectrum we fit in, let us always be ready to pray for our friends and to share the good news when prompted.

Prayer

Thank you Lord for saving me. Please help me to share your good news. Amen.

Scripture

During that time, the devil came and said to Jesus, “If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become loaves of bread.”

Observation

Jesus is led by the Holy Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted. He fasts for forty days and nights.

During that time, the devil comes to Jesus three times and says, “If you are the son of God… ” Three times Jesus refuses to take the shortcuts and easy routes suggested by Satan.

Finally the devil leaves, and angels to minister to Jesus.

Application

” if you are the son of God…”

Satan delights in putting doubts into our minds and our hearts. That was the original strategy with Eve: “Did God really say?”

We question our calling, our salvation, our assignment, our ability, and so on. It is not us questioning ourselves, but satan sowing seeds of doubt.

In each of the temptations, Jesus responds with scripture, not as a magic spell or a ritual response. No, Jesus really believes the word of God and in its authority. Therefore it is like a powerful sword in his mouth.

Satan is cunning and persistent. One attempt should have been sufficient to show that Jesus is not to be easily led astray. The devil did not go away lick his wounds. He found a different point of attack.

Temptation is a reality for all of us. Persistent repeated temptation is a fact of life. The only solution is to strengthen ourselves in the Lord through reading the Bible, prayer, worship, and fasting.

Prayer

Lord, please help me to stand firm in you and to remain strong in trusting you. Amen.