10/6/16
The earliest Christians followed a Jewish tradition of pausing to pray, preferably together, first thing in the morning, about mid morning, at noon, about mid afternoon, and in the evening. “Just a Note” posts are brief observations made from Scripture readings not related to a lectionary. If I have one to post, it normally appears about 9:00 in the morning, at “the hour of prayer.”
The baptism of Jesus is apparently different from the baptism of John. In John 4:1-3, Jesus has appointed his disciples to do the baptizing. Through Jesus’ word and authority, we can trust that his followers deliver exactly the same thing that Jesus himself did. The news of Jesus’ baptism was spreading. The Pharisees learned that Jesus was drawing more people than John. This would result in renewed persecution. The Pharisees were opposed to this work of Jesus. If he increased his work, the Pharisees would try harder to stop him. Therefore, Jesus moves with his disciples to Galilee, a more remote area. He would not attract as much attention there.
It appears that Jesus may have wanted to have more time with his disciples. This would explain his departure to Galilee. As Jesus is able to spend this time with his disciples, they will be prepared for the future. Do we, who have already been given God’s gifts, realize our need for more time with Jesus? May he provide that time and the resources we need to grow in grace and minister to others.
If this brief meditation was helpful to you, I hope you will check out the other materials on our website at www.WittenbergCoMo.com and consider supporting us.
The earliest Christians followed a Jewish tradition of pausing to pray, preferably together, first thing in the morning, about mid morning, at noon, about mid afternoon, and in the evening. “Just a Note” posts are brief observations made from Scripture readings not related to a lectionary. If I have one to post, it normally appears about 9:00 in the morning, at “the hour of prayer.”
The baptism of Jesus is apparently different from the baptism of John. In John 4:1-3, Jesus has appointed his disciples to do the baptizing. Through Jesus’ word and authority, we can trust that his followers deliver exactly the same thing that Jesus himself did. The news of Jesus’ baptism was spreading. The Pharisees learned that Jesus was drawing more people than John. This would result in renewed persecution. The Pharisees were opposed to this work of Jesus. If he increased his work, the Pharisees would try harder to stop him. Therefore, Jesus moves with his disciples to Galilee, a more remote area. He would not attract as much attention there.
It appears that Jesus may have wanted to have more time with his disciples. This would explain his departure to Galilee. As Jesus is able to spend this time with his disciples, they will be prepared for the future. Do we, who have already been given God’s gifts, realize our need for more time with Jesus? May he provide that time and the resources we need to grow in grace and minister to others.
If this brief meditation was helpful to you, I hope you will check out the other materials on our website at www.WittenbergCoMo.com and consider supporting us.
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