The Holy Spirit leads Jesus into the wilderness to be tested and filled, and He passes! That also means, we can endure when it feels like our life is caving in.

Jesus is unique, the only one who can pull off a special task. He is unique in that he is both God and man, which means he can identify and represent both. That’s why his death is so unique from any of the billions of other people who have died. Jesus' death is vicarious for humanity--he can die for our sins. So also is his resurrection--he can bring us to life! In so doing, Jesus stands in the gap between God and man, offering a bridge to new life, to a new start.

John the Baptist comes preaching about a baptism that is accompanied by real change in the person. But John’s best advice at this point is to “try harder”—something that hasn’t worked. But John doesn't just leave them with good advice, but good news: Someone is coming who will not just give us a better way to live, but the power to live in such a way.

Luke 2:41-52

Sometimes we work hard, wait long, and see no change. But for God’s people, don’t give up. You’re breakthrough is coming.

Why do natural disasters and other massive tragedies happen, and where is God in all of it?

Apprenticing Jesus is a journey, and these are the seven steps on the pathway.

Luke 15:1-11 | Allen Pugh

Zechariah uses his newly found voice to respond in a word of prophecy, calling to mind some of the same things Mary referred to, but goes even deeper into the theme of salvation and peace.

Luke 1:67-80