The measure of our love (audio devotional by By Teresa Hampton)
The thirty-three years or so that Jesus walked on the earth were undeniably profound! Would it surprise you if I said that His life could be summed up in a few words?
Incarnation. Mary was found to be with child, Now the birth of Jesus Christ was as follows: After His mother Mary was betrothed to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Spirit (Matthew 1:18). Jesus, the divine spirit being, became human.
Temptation. Jesus was led up by the Spirit to be tempted by the devil (Matthew 4:1-2). Satan came to Him at this most vulnerable time. Jesus defended every fiery dart that Satan slung at Him with the word of God, It is written… (Matthew 4:1-11).
Transfiguration. Now after six days Jesus took Peter, James, and John his brother, led them up on a high mountain by themselves; and He was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun, and His clothes became as white as the light. And behold, Moses and Elijah appeared to them, talking with Him (Matthew 17:1-3). Of the three, God declared that Jesus was now the One to be heard!
Demonstration. Jesus entire life was a demonstration of his divine nature, as seen in the many signs, wonders, and miracles He performed which confirmed He was God (Acts 2:22). Jesus’ life was a demonstration of incomparable love, compassion, patience, forgiveness, and so much more!
Crucifixion. Jesus allowed sinful man to drag Him from court to court, flay His flesh with a scourging whip, and drive nails into His hands and feet. Why? Because His love for humankind outweighed everything (John 3:14-16).
Resurrection. Early on Sunday morning the great stone was rolled away and God raised Jesus from the dead (Romans 8:11). No one believed the report, until finally Jesus appeared to the apostles. Thomas was not present. One week later, on the Lord’s Day, Thomas was there to see Jesus’ nail scarred hands and feet, and pierced side. He exclaimed, “My Lord and my God!” (John 20:28). Every Lord’s Day we assemble, as did first century Christians, with other saints to remember Jesus’ death, burial, and resurrection (1 Corinthians 11:23-29).
Ascension. So then, after the Lord had spoken to them, He was received up into heaven, and sat down at the right hand of God. (Mark 16:19). The apostles stood gazing up, watching their Lord ascend, until finally He sat down at the Father’s right hand.
Jesus’ life in a few words. When we struggle to tell a friend the good news, perhaps we can use these few words to share the amazing gift of our Savior and Lord! God is good, oh so good!
Today’s Verse: And there are also many other things that Jesus did, which if they were written one by one, I suppose that even the world itself could not contain the books that would be written (John 21:25).
Teresa Hampton