It may be difficult to understand why Jesus wanted or needed to be baptized by John. After all, Jesus had no sins of which to repent. But Jesus made it clear that being baptized was the Father’s will. When Jesus was raised out of the Jordan River: “[the] heaven was opened, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting on him. And a voice from heaven said, ‘This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased’” (Matt. 3:13–17). In this amazing moment, all three members of the Trinity were present: The voice from heaven was God, the Father, the dove was the Holy Spirit, and the Son, Jesus, was physically present (see vv. 6–10). Why does it matter that Jesus is the second person of the Godhead? Jesus needed to be fully God and fully man in order to redeem us from the power of sin and death. Only the God-man could perfectly know and obey His Father’s will and thus be the atoning sacrifice. Only if we believe this, can we be “born of God” (v. 1). Everything interconnects (vv. 2–5). To be spiritually reborn requires faith in Jesus Christ. Faith leads to obedience, which for Spirit-indwelt Christians is not burdensome but overcomes the world, that is, our sinful choices and patterns (James 4:4). Faith participates in Christ’s victory. To love God is to obey His commands, which requires faith and leads to victory. To love God is also to love His children, who are also doing all this alongside us. God has given us eternal life through His Son (vv. 11–12). If Jesus is the source of life, and without him there is no life, this is even more evidence that Christ is divine. He is indeed “God over all” (Rom. 9:5)!

“A Japanese pastor wrote that the most important message of Christmas is that Jesus was born as a babe, weak and vulnerable to the world,” said artist Makoto Fujimura in his book, Refractions. “A baby is utterly dependent on a mother and a father, and others helping the baby to survive. Imagine, one who would claim to be the all-powerful Creator in flesh, becoming vulnerable and dependent on fallen human beings like us!” “The Word became flesh” (v. 14) is one of the greatest truths and greatest acts of love the world has ever known. What does it mean to call Jesus the Word or Logos (v. 1)? To the Greek mind, Logos meant reason, order, and communication, both spoken and unspoken. To the Jewish mind, it meant the word of God, including both Scripture and God’s powerful word as seen in His creation (Gen. 1). The Word implied His sovereignty and represented the culmination of His plan and purpose. God’s word put into effect His plans and purposes. John surely knew and intended both meanings. The miracle of the Incarnation certainly stunned both the Jewish and the Greek mind. Greeks would have been astounded to think of reason and thought as a Person, while Jews would have been staggered that the Lord of Hosts could become the man Jesus. Theologically, we too may have difficulty wrapping our minds around these truths, but John had seen it for himself (v. 14). As a man, Jesus remained the eternal Son of God (vv. 1–2). And in yesterday’s devotional we read that He’s the Creator (v. 3). He came to give light and life, the hope of the gospel, to all who will receive it by faith (vv. 4–5). By believing and receiving, we gain the great privilege of becoming children of God (vv. 9–13)!

In 1992, a new large mammal was identified for the first time in 50 years—the saola, a longhorned species of wild ox that resembles a deer or antelope. The saola, however, is both rare and shy. So when one was sighted in 2013 in central Vietnam for the first time in fourteen years, conservationists rejoiced. Said one leader: “This is a breathtaking discovery and renews hope for the recovery of the species.” The beauty and variety found in nature remind us of Christ’s role in creation: “In him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities” (v. 16). As God, the Son created all else that exists, including the material world (the universe) and the spiritual world (angelic beings). How could both the Father and the Son be Creator? As persons of the Trinity, each is equally God. Since Christ is “the image of the invisible God” (v. 15) and God’s “fullness” dwells in Him (v. 19), then He must be God Himself. In addition, creation’s continued existence depends on Christ. The Bible teaches that “in him all things hold together” (v. 17). We saw this yesterday as well. The Father created everything through the Son, whose “powerful word” sustains everything (Heb. 1:2–3). In this biblical worldview, creation implies rulership. The phrase “firstborn over all creation” (v. 15) doesn’t indicate Christ is a created being but rather means He holds the first position and is the King over all creation, as when the writer of Hebrews called Him the “heir of all things” (1:2). To the created world, Christ is the reconciler or redeemer of all who respond in faith (v. 20). He accomplished this through His sacrificial atonement on the cross—the hope of the gospel (vv. 21–23)!

In his worship song “Knowing You, Jesus,” Graham Kendrick proclaims: “Oh, to know the power of your risen life And to know you in your sufferings To become like you in your death, my Lord So with you to live and never die.” When we know Jesus, we know God the Father as well, for the Son is the Father’s final, complete, and perfect revelation of Himself (John 14:7–10). In this first chapter of the book of Hebrews, we are told that “in the past God spoke” through prophets (v. 1), “but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son” (v. 2). The Son is called the “heir of all things”—King of the kingdom of God—and the universe was made through Him (v. 2). Only God Himself matches this description. According to verse 3, the Son is the “radiance of God’s glory.” This is a relationship of identity. Just as light and its source cannot be separated, only God can shine forth God’s glory. That means the Son must be God as well. Here we read that Jesus is “the exact representation of his being” (v. 3). Again, this indicates identity. While the Son and the Father are not the same Person, they are both God. Furthermore, the Son sustains “all things by his powerful word” (v. 3). Only God can do that, so once again, the Son is God. If He is who God is and He does what God does, then He must be God Himself! In God’s plan of redemption, the Son “provided purification for sins,” then “sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven” (v. 3). No man could have done either of those, nor could any angel (v. 4). Only the Lord Himself qualifies. Therefore, Jesus is God!

Do you know who Jesus is? A recent survey revealed poor understanding of key doctrines, including those about Jesus and salvation, even among evangelical Christians. For example, 52 percent of evangelicals believe people are basically good. An astonishing 78 percent think Jesus is a created being (a heresy known as Arianism). And more than half of evangelical Christians, as well as two-thirds of Americans in general, agree that “God accepts the worship of all religions.” This is one reason we’re devoting the entire month to a study of Christology (the theology of the person, nature, and role of Jesus Christ). We’ll look at important Scripture passages that help us understand more fully who Jesus is. And we will examine the names of Christ. By asking “Who is this Jesus?” we hope you will come to know Him better and rejoice even more during this Christmas season. First, we will focus on Christ’s divinity. Jesus told the apostle John in the awe-inspiring vision that opens the book of Revelation: “I am the First and the Last” (v. 17). He said it again at the end of the book: “I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End” (22:13). This figure of speech, repeated three times for emphasis is called a “merism,” and it conveys the idea that Christ is the beginning, the end, and everything in between. He’s the center and in Him we find the meaning of history, redemption, and everything else. Nothing exists apart from Him (Col. 1:15–17). This expression also indicates that He is incomparably above all other gods (Isa. 44:6–8), and He is the Creator of all (Isa. 48:12–13). Only an eternal God could make such a claim!

Small Business Saturday began in America in 2010 and in the United Kingdom in 2013. City officials noticed consumers were overlooking smaller shops and local businesses. On this day, customers are encouraged to purchase items from small local businesses instead of choosing the big box retailers or e-commerce stores. In order to have a growing and fair economy these small businesses are vital. Our passage today does not speak about the value of small businesses, but it does speak about the importance of being known as generous people. While many use these verses to promote the “prosperity gospel,” Paul’s main idea here is for believers to sow generously with good intentions, despite one’s wealth. A person ought to give to the work of the Lord out of a cheerful heart (v. 7). Perhaps Paul realizes that some people give to get something in return: assets, possessions, or acclamation. Paul acknowledges that what we give or “sow” returns to us in abundance. He is not saying that we will necessarily profit monetarily. Rather, Paul is saying that our generosity will “enlarge the harvest of your righteousness” (v. 10), giving this passage a decidedly eternal perspective. In verse 11, Paul claims that the generosity the Corinthians showed him and his companions directly caused thanksgiving to God. He does not tell us specifically who is giving thanks to God, whether it is him, his companions, or the ones who are able to hear the message of the gospel because of Paul’s missionary work. God receives thanksgiving because of the Corinthians’ generosity. When you give with a cheerful heart, it opens the opportunity for others to thank God. Don’t miss an opportunity to sow a seed of generosity.

People have been lining up, even before this day began, to get bargains from their favorite stores. There is no doubt they are committed to getting the best deals. Nothing is wrong with shopping, but a day like Black Friday is a good time to pause and consider our perspective on earthly possessions. In our reading, David’s boyish good looks are a thing of his past. His ruddy red hair has now turned gray, and he has more wrinkles than he can count. Running for miles was never a problem, but David finds himself winded from walking up a flight of stairs. One last thing the Lord wanted him to do before his last breath on earth was to build a place of worship where the Ark of the Covenant could rest. Therefore, David drew plans, rolled them up, and handed them to his son Solomon to finish the job. However, before he was completely done, he taught his son and the Lord’s people that when it comes to wealth, a proper perspective produces praise. King David led the people in generous giving (vv. 1–9) and followed by leading them in an abundance of praise (vv. 10–20). He begins by praising God because He is an eternal God (v. 10) who has all the power, glory, majesty, and splendor (v. 11). In His hands are wealth, honor, strength, and power (v. 12). David praises the Lord because he acknowledges that everything he and the Israelites have comes from the Lord. This truth is even more evident in verses 14 and 16. David’s perspective on the possessions God has given him allows him to lead the Lord’s people during this time of thanks and praise.

Sometimes I get so full at Thanksgiving dinner I skip dessert. This is unfortunate because the end of the meal with its pumpkin pie and whipped cream is one of the best parts. The vision John describes at the end of the book of Revelation is definitely one that sparks thanksgiving. He begins by seeing the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, looking as beautiful as a bride on her wedding day (vv. 1–2). Can anything be better than this sight? The answer is yes, because what he hears next gives clarity to what he witnessed. Not only does John note that it was a loud voice but he identifies where the voice was coming from—a throne. This is significant because it indicates that the following words come from a place of triumph and authority. The voice John hears proclaims: “Look! God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them” (v. 3). The last time God dwelt with mankind was the incarnation of Christ when “the Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us” (John 1:14). Before the incarnation, God walked with humanity in the Garden of Eden (Genesis 2). John is witnessing Eden being restored and followers of Christ reunited with the resurrected Christ. This will be the time when all pain, mourning, and death will finally be exterminated (v. 4), and everything will be made new (v. 5). Just ponder that for a moment. The God of the universe could dwell anywhere, and yet, He has chosen to be with sinners like you and me. As a result of Him allowing us to be in His presence, there will be no more suffering, only love, joy, and peace. You have a lot to be thankful for today, but John’s revelation gives us a lot to be thankful for every day.

According to AAA, the day before Thanksgiving in the United States is one of the busiest travel days of the year. People travel by car or airplane, some going long distances, to celebrate the holiday with family and friends. For Jesus and His disciples, one of the busiest travel days of the year was when the Jewish people would flood into Jerusalem to celebrate the Passover. Our passage today highlights Jesus’ journey to Jerusalem days before Passover. Instead of arriving in an intimidating motorcade displaying His power and might, Jesus traveled on the back of a humble donkey, thus fulfilling the prophecy from Zechariah 9:9. The crowds took notice of Jesus’ arrival and welcomed Him with praise. Some went ahead and others followed, but they all shouted, “Hosanna!” which is a Hebrew expression meaning “Save!” (Matt. 21:8–9). Hosanna is also an exclamation of praise. Their praise of Jesus caused the entire city to sit up, pay attention, and wonder who was coming (v. 10). The crowds’ response gives us a glimpse into the reason they would later turn on Jesus and approve His crucifixion. They believed He was a prophet from Nazareth (v. 11). The crowds showed their thanks and praise of someone they thought was a prophet. They completely missed who Jesus really was—the Messiah, the Savior of the world. As you gather with your loved ones this holiday, will your thanksgiving and praise of the Lord cause others to ask, “Who is this Jesus?” If they do, I hope you are able to give them an answer. Jesus is not just someone to be appreciated because of the things He has done, He is to receive thanks and praise because of who He is, the Savior of the world.

According to AAA, the day before Thanksgiving in the United States is one of the busiest travel days of the year. People travel by car or airplane, some going long distances, to celebrate the holiday with family and friends. For Jesus and His disciples, one of the busiest travel days of the year was when the Jewish people would flood into Jerusalem to celebrate the Passover. Our passage today highlights Jesus’ journey to Jerusalem days before Passover. Instead of arriving in an intimidating motorcade displaying His power and might, Jesus traveled on the back of a humble donkey, thus fulfilling the prophecy from Zechariah 9:9. The crowds took notice of Jesus’ arrival and welcomed Him with praise. Some went ahead and others followed, but they all shouted, “Hosanna!” which is a Hebrew expression meaning “Save!” (Matt. 21:8–9). Hosanna is also an exclamation of praise. Their praise of Jesus caused the entire city to sit up, pay attention, and wonder who was coming (v. 10). The crowds’ response gives us a glimpse into the reason they would later turn on Jesus and approve His crucifixion. They believed He was a prophet from Nazareth (v. 11). The crowds showed their thanks and praise of someone they thought was a prophet. They completely missed who Jesus really was—the Messiah, the Savior of the world. As you gather with your loved ones this holiday, will your thanksgiving and praise of the Lord cause others to ask, “Who is this Jesus?” If they do, I hope you are able to give them an answer. Jesus is not just someone to be appreciated because of the things He has done, He is to receive thanks and praise because of who He is, the Savior of the world.