Jesus as King: Day 2

DAY 2: King Over Sin & Death

The story of the Bible reveals how God’s people in the Old Testament were enslaved in Egypt, led out of slavery by Moses, settled in what became known as the nation of Israel, were later overthrown by the Assyrian Empire, the Babylonian Empire, and later, the Roman Empire. While under Roman rule, the people of Israel were still expecting a king to rise up and free them. They were expecting a king to lead the people in such a way that there would be an uprising against the Roman Empire, and they would once again become their own nation. When Jesus arrived on the scene, He was not the king they expected Him to be. 

Jesus did not begin any kind of uprising. (In fact, there was a time when He loudly declared a Roman military commander had more faith than anybody else He had met!) Nor did He take any role within the political system. His fight was not against the Romans.

Instead, Jesus came to reveal that He was more powerful than any politician, military commander, or king. He came to show that He ruled over humankind’s greatest enemy – sin and death. 

READING & JOURNALING:

MATTHEW 8:5-13, 1 CORINTHIANS 15:54-58, ROMANS 6:9

Jesus said about the Roman Centurion, “I have not found anyone in Israel with such faith!” What do you think the people of Israel would’ve thought about Jesus’ statement?   

The idea of death is something that brings fear to many. How would your life be different if you didn’t fear death, but fully rested in the hope of eternal life with Jesus? 

 PRAYER:

Heavenly Father, I confess that I don’t like to think about death. I like being in control of things, and the idea of death is something completely outside of my control. Today, I’m grateful for the reminder that You are ultimately in control, and because of that I have nothing to fear, even in death. I pray in Jesus’ name. Amen. 

F260 READING: (A Scripture Reading Plan for Busy Believers)

The F260 is a Scripture Reading Plan designed to read through the foundational passages of the Bible in 260 Days (5 Days a week, 52 Weeks a year). It is a separate reading from the above devotional but is included for those who would like to engage with the Scriptures on a deeper level throughout the year.

Read: Judges 13 & 14

Journal: Write it out. Following the pattern from 7 Arrows Page (click here) what did you learn from today’s reading?

Note: Are you looking for a Study Bible to help you engage with the Scriptures at a deeper level? If so, click here for some recommendations.

Next Message Series: Beginning January 5