Character Connections

When we compare ourselves to others the danger goes one of two ways: we can feel worthless or we can have an inflated ego. The truth is neither of those! "for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus." Romans 3:23-24

Does it take more courage to climb a tree or to get down from one? When Jesus told Zacchaeus to come down from the sycamore tree, Zacchaeus responded with repentance and rejoicing! His faith influenced an entire community.

Jesus told his followers a story about a rich man who wouldn't share food with his starving neighbor. The parable cautions against the destruction that sin brings. Like a road sign, the warning is there to help us!

When Jesus told a story he used specific plots, characters, and details for a reason. The story of the prodigal son is layered with meaning, some of them may surprise you!

When Jesus went to eat at Martha's house she was too busy serving to spend time with him. She wanted her sister to do the same, but Jesus wouldn't let her stop Mary from sitting and listening. What a relief that we can rest in his presence too!

Jesus went back to his hometown and taught the people about God's love for outcasts. It wasn't a popular message. God reaches out to those who don't belong and brings them into his family!

Family fights can lead to deep hurt and broken relationships. Jesus brings healing and enables us to forgive our enemies…and our brothers.

Every temptation is different, but each is rooted in the devil's lies. When Satan tried to convince Jesus to take the easy way out, Jesus countered the lies with the truth of God's Word. Jesus won the victory in our place!

When the time was right John the Baptist called God's people to get ready for the coming Messiah. He urged them to turn away from the dirt of sin and be washed in the waters of baptism. Through Jesus we can be cleaned too!

When Mary and Joseph looked for Jesus they found him reading Scripture in his Father's house. When we look for Jesus we can find him there too!