What Are the First Words Jesus Says?
The first recorded words of Jesus in the Gospels hold great significance, as they provide insight into His mission and His relationship with God the Father. These words are found in the Gospel of Luke and the Gospel of John, and each sets the tone for His earthly ministry.
In the Gospel of Matthew, the first recorded words of Jesus occur during His baptism in the Jordan River. When John the Baptist hesitates to baptize Jesus, saying, "I have need to be baptized of thee, and comest thou to me?" (Matthew 3:14), Jesus responds with these profound words: "Suffer it to be so now: for thus it becometh us to fulfil all righteousness." (Matthew 3:15). This statement emphasizes the importance of fulfilling God's will and the righteousness that Jesus came to bring.
Another significant moment where Jesus’ words are recorded early in His life is when He was twelve years old. In Luke 2:49, when His parents found Him in the temple, Jesus replied, "How is it that ye sought me? wist ye not that I must be about my Father’s business?" This statement highlights Jesus’ awareness of His divine mission, even at a young age.
In the Gospel of John, the first words of Jesus appear when He speaks to two of John the Baptist’s disciples. When they begin to follow Jesus, He turns to them and asks, "What seek ye?" (John 1:38). This question reveals Jesus' invitation for people to seek a deeper relationship with Him and to follow Him on His mission.
In conclusion, Jesus’ first words are a call to righteousness, an invitation to follow, and an expression of His divine mission to fulfill the will of the Father.
Does God Like Long Prayers?
Does God Like Long Prayers?God values sincere and heartfelt prayers over their length. The Bible emphasizes the importance of genuine communication with God rather than long or repetitive prayers meant to impress others. In Matthew 6:7, Jesus warns, "But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking."Key Teachings About PrayerSincerity Over Length: God values prayers that come from the heart, whether they are brief or extended (Luke 18:10-14).Purpose of Prayer: Prayer is about building a relationship with God, not showcasing piety or eloquence (Matthew 6:5-6).Examples of Short Prayers: Many effective prayers in the Bible, such as Peter’s cry for help ("Lord, save me" – Matthew 14:30), are short and direct.ConclusionGod does not prefer long prayers for their own sake. Instead, He values honesty, humility, and faith in prayer, regardless of its duration.
Did God Have a Wife?
Did God Have a Wife?The Bible does not teach that God had a wife. While some ancient cultures, including Israel’s neighbors, believed in deities with consorts, such as Asherah, the God of the Bible is uniquely depicted as the one true God who is self-sufficient and without equal.Biblical Evidence Against God Having a WifeMonotheism in Scripture: Deuteronomy 6:4 declares: "Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God is one Lord." This foundational verse affirms the singularity and unity of God.Warnings Against Idolatry: In Judges 2:13, the Israelites are rebuked for worshipping Baal and Asherah, reflecting the influence of surrounding polytheistic cultures. However, these practices were explicitly condemned by God.God’s Self-Sufficiency: Acts 17:24-25 emphasizes: "God that made the world and all things therein... neither is worshipped with men’s hands, as though he needed any thing."Understanding the Concept of a Divine WifeSome archaeological findings suggest that certain Israelites may have worshipped Asherah as a consort of God. However, this reflects syncretism and deviation from biblical teachings rather than an accurate depiction of God’s nature.ConclusionGod did not have a wife. The Bible consistently portrays Him as the one true, self-existent, and sovereign Creator, wholly distinct from the gods of polytheistic religions.
How Far Did Jesus Carry the Cross?
How Far Did Jesus Carry the Cross?The distance Jesus carried the cross, traditionally referred to as the Via Dolorosa, is estimated to be around 600 meters (about 0.37 miles). This route, located in Jerusalem, traces the path from Pilate’s judgment hall to Golgotha, where Jesus was crucified.Key Details About Jesus Carrying the CrossWeight of the Cross: Historical studies suggest Jesus carried the horizontal beam (patibulum) weighing approximately 75-125 pounds.Simon of Cyrene’s Assistance: Due to the severity of His scourging, Jesus was unable to carry the cross the entire way, and Simon of Cyrene was compelled to help (Matthew 27:32).The Significance of the Journey: The Via Dolorosa symbolizes Jesus’ suffering and sacrifice, fulfilling prophecies like Isaiah 53:7.ConclusionWhile Jesus carried the cross for part of the way to Golgotha, the route emphasizes the immense physical and spiritual burden He bore for humanity’s redemption.
How Can We Accept Good from God but Not Trouble?
How Can We Accept Good from God but Not Trouble?This question, rooted in Job 2:10, challenges believers to trust God’s sovereignty in both blessings and hardships. Job’s response to suffering teaches that faith requires accepting life’s trials alongside its joys, acknowledging God’s wisdom and purposes even when they are unclear.Lessons from JobGod’s Sovereignty: Job 2:10 says, "Shall we receive good at the hand of God, and shall we not receive evil?" emphasizing trust in God’s control over all circumstances.Purpose in Trials: James 1:2-4 encourages believers to consider trials as opportunities for growth, building patience and spiritual maturity.Faith in Hardship: Romans 8:28 reminds us that "all things work together for good to them that love God," even when immediate outcomes are difficult to understand.ConclusionAccepting both good and trouble from God reflects a faith that trusts His wisdom and sovereignty, recognizing that challenges can strengthen our relationship with Him and shape our character.