John 2:6-3:7 | The wedding at Cana encapsulates the story of Jesus through the powerful symbols used there. Just as we may struggle to see those symbols unless we know the culture, we similarly misunderstand Jesus’ conversation with Nicodemus. What is often seen as Jesus talking over the head of a dim-witted Nicodemus is actually two rabbis conversing at a very high level.

Follow along with the Lesson Worksheet.

John 1:43-2:6 | On the way to a wedding in Cana, Jesus gathers some disciples. Nathaniel wasn’t crazy about following a Rabbi from a good-for-nothing town like Nazareth. That is, until he called him the “Son of God” and the “King of Israel!” The wedding feast is made even more interesting when the entertainment arrives. Find out who that is and more in this episode.

Follow along with the Lesson Worksheet.

John 1:29-42 | John the Baptist introduces Jesus as “The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world.” As amazing as that is on the surface, it’s even more amazing as we tour the Old Testament for references to “the lamb.” In Jesus, all of these stories and practices abide in one person. You may even want to abide there too.

Follow along with the Lesson Worksheet.

Matthew 4:8-11, John 1:19 | Jesus’ showdown with the devil continues with his third temptation, to bow to the devil in order to obtain the kingdoms of the world. Are the kingdoms of the world the devils to give? What does it mean to worship the devil? Pastor Seabaugh helps us to see how the temptations of Jesus are a mirror into all of our own temptations and how to resist. Later, he also sets the stage for future teachings by displaying the difference between the various religious groups of the day.

Follow along with the Lesson Worksheet.

Matthew 4:1-7 | Jesus kicked off his ministry with a wilderness showdown with the devil. Jesus’ temptation mirrors our temptation, and he shows us how to resist. Like our temptations, these were accessible and alluring avenues to fulfill his mission through selfish means. Jesus chose the way of humility and sacrifice and we do well to follow. Pastor Seabaugh takes us through two of the three temptations in this episode.

Follow along with the Lesson Worksheet.

Matthew 4:1-11 | Why did the Holy Spirit thrust the newly baptized Jesus into the wilderness in order to be tempted by the devil? Pastor Seabaugh uses the Jewish idea of tikkun olam, the repair of the world, to show how Jesus, the new Adam, is on a mission to repair the Garden of Eden.

Follow along with the Lesson Worksheet.

Luke 3:17-23, Matthew 4:1 | The voice that spoke at Jesus’ baptism called him “my son.” We know that’s true since God is Trinity, but the voice is also referring back to many Old Testament passages about Messiah. Recognizing Trinity in Jesus’ baptism actually helps us to know about our own baptism in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

Follow along with the Lesson Worksheet.

Matthew 3:15-22, Luke 3:22 | Why did Jesus have to be baptized? Jesus insisted that it was necessary to fulfill all righteousness. Is Jesus lacking in righteousness? No, something had to happen for him to truly be Messiah. He had to be anointed.

Follow along with the Lesson Worksheet.

Luke 3:16-18, Matthew 3:13-15 | Imagine being John, baptizing people in the Jordan, when Jesus shows up to be baptized and you realize he’s the Messiah. Do you baptize him? John knew Jesus’ baptism was more powerful than his. He would baptize with the Holy Spirit and fire. What does that mean, anyway?

Follow along with the Lesson Worksheet.

Luke 3:9-15, John 1:15 | John the Baptist’s message resonated with an interesting cast of characters. Tax collectors, soldiers and prostitutes all were transformed by John’s gospel message of repentance. If the goal is turn, the natural question is, “What should we do?” John’s answer reverberates to our day, and sets the stage for Jesus, the One whose sandals John is unworthy to untie.

Follow along with the Lesson Worksheet.