I have Decided to Follow Jesus – Song
Key Verses: Key verses here Insights: Study notes here
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Grace Upon Grace – Stone Upon Stone
Scripture: John 1:14-17The Word became flesh, and lived among us. We saw his glory, such glory as of the one and only Son of the Father, full of grace and truth… From his fullness we all received grace upon grace. For the law was given through Moses. Grace and truth were realized through Jesus Christ. (John 1:14,16,17) Grace! We hear that word often! But what does it truly mean? We sing about it in “Amazing Grace”, we “say grace” before meals, and we even ask for a ‘grace period’ when we’re in debt. But do we truly grasp its depth?…
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Grace Upon Grace: Stone Upon Stone
Have you ever needed grace — not once, but again and again? It’s not just a word we sing or say before meals. Grace is a river — endless, flowing, and full of power. In John 1:16, we’re told: “From his fullness we received grace upon grace.” This truth is seen in the rebuilding of the temple — a story of delay, opposition, and divine faithfulness. When the final stone was laid, the people shouted: “Grace, grace!” (Zechariah 4:7). God’s grace never runs dry — it’s always available, always sufficient, and always ready to flow through us.
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A Paradox of Recognition: Creator and Messiah Rejected
In John 1:10-13, we’re struck by a profound paradox: the Creator was in the world, yet the world didn’t recognize Him. Even His own people failed to receive Him. Yet for those who did—those who believed—came the astonishing gift: the right to become children of God. This isn’t just adoption; it’s divine inheritance. Through faith, we’re born not by blood or will, but by God Himself. A life transformed. A family restored. A new beginning.
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Beyond Genealogy: Who Jesus Really Was
Matthew and Luke traced Jesus’ lineage, revealing his earthly roots. But John takes us further back—to the very beginning. In the opening verses of his Gospel, John unveils a startling truth: Jesus wasn’t just born into a family; He was the Word, present with God before creation itself. This isn’t a story of human ancestry; it’s a declaration of divine identity—a glimpse into the mystery of who Jesus truly is.
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The Hidden Stories Within Jesus’ Family Tree
Ever skimmed over the genealogies in Matthew and Luke, thinking they’re just a list of names? Think again! These ancient family trees hold hidden stories— tales of redemption, grace, and surprising connections. From unlikely heroes to figures with complex pasts, Jesus’ lineage reveals a deeper truth: God’s love and plan encompass all of humanity. Join us as we unlock the treasures within these family trees and discover a richer understanding of who Jesus is and why he came to Earth.
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The Light and the Witness: John the Baptist’s Quiet Surrender
John the Baptist, though close to Jesus, recognized Him as the Messiah through divine revelation. Upon understanding his role, he declared, “He must increase, but I must decrease,” demonstrating humility and purpose. Both John and Jesus affirmed the same truth: the light had come. The choice was clear—accept the light or reject it. Jesus said, “He who does the truth comes to the light, that his works may be revealed, that they have been done in God” (John 3:21). John affirmed, “He who has received his witness has set his seal to this, that God is true” (John 3:33). The light had come, and the truth was clear.
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He Spoke the Truth—And It Cost Him His Life
John’s story ends not with a battle, but with a birthday party. He stood firm in truth—saying it was not lawful for Herod to have his brother’s wife. Even after imprisonment, Herod respected him. But when a daughter asked for his head, Herod chose pride over conscience. John gave his life for the truth. Herod gave his power to the moment. What would we have done when the cost is real?
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How a Virgin’s “Yes” Became the World’s Hope
In a quiet Galilean town, Mary received a message that would change history. The angel Gabriel told her she would conceive by the Holy Spirit and bear a son called the Son of the Most High. Her question—“How can this be?”—was met with a promise: “For nothing spoken by God is impossible.” Then she said, “Behold, the servant of the Lord; let it be done to me according to your word.” Her “yes” was not born of certainty, but of faith. This is the moment the world’s hope began.
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Mary’s Song: Beyond Pride, Beyond Prejudice, Beyond Prestige
Mary’s Song, found in Luke 1:51-53, reveals a world turned upside down. It’s a prophecy of God’s power overturning pride and exalting the humble. Jesus embodied this message, teaching us to serve rather than be served. As we reflect on the season, let’s examine our hearts and embrace the freedom found in humility, stepping beyond pride, prejudice, and the pursuit of prestige. Discover more in this reflection on Mary’s revolutionary song.
