January 8

Matthew 4:12-17 (Click to see scripture)

Bible in One Year Passages:

Journal Entry

Scripture

Jesus Begins His Ministry
12Now when he heard that John had been arrested, he withdrew into Galilee. 13And leaving Nazareth he went and lived in Capernaum by the sea, in the territory of Zebulun and Naphtali, 14 so that what was spoken by the prophet Isaiah might be fulfilled:
15 "The land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali,
the way of the sea, beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles—
16 the people dwelling in darkness
have seen a great light,
and for those dwelling in the region and shadow of death,
on them a light has dawned."
17 From that time Jesus began to preach, saying, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand."

Observation

- When I think about John the Baptist, the word "Repent" comes to mind. Jesus starts his ministry with "Repent....."

- Why was John arrested? Later in the book of Matthew we find Herod Antipas took his brother's wife while his brother was still alive. John was not shy in pointing out this sin to Herod, and Herod in turn put John in prison.

- Zebulun and Naphtali was where Jesus spent most of his public ministry.

Application

This is a reminder of the need to ask for forgiveness and to repent.

Prayer

Dear Father in Heaven,

Please reveal to me of any unconfessed sin. I thank you for allowing your Son to shed His blood on the cross so my sins may be forgiven.
I ask for your forgiveness. I know I cannot turn away from my sin without the aid of the Holy Spirit and I ask for the Holy Spirit's presence in my life.

Amen

--Michael Hong