Jesus: The Early Years

Jesus goes from hero to hated in the eyes of the people as he effectively claims to be Israel's long awaited Messiah. Jesus life and works testify to the truth of what he claims here and in doing so gives some priorities for those seeking to become more like him.

Having clarified the identity of Jesus, it is immediately called into question as Jesus enters a time of testing by the devil in the wilderness. So what do we learn from Jesus that will help us trust God in the midst of significant pressure to doubt.

Before he'd preached a single word or healed a solitary person, Jesus hears the affirmation of His heavenly Father. In a world where we so often find our identity in what we do or achieve, Jesus models for us an entirely different approach. So who do you say you are?

John The Baptist arrives on the scene calling people to turn their lives around by stopping the wrong and pursuing what is right. While this could sound like mere religion, we discover the coming of the Holy Spirit and the one who empowers us to live in a brand new way.

It is staggering to think that the one who spoke creation into being came to earth as a baby knowing nothing. But in his early years we notice practices and habits that helped him learn and grow. Can we see in the life of Jesus things to help us learn and grow too?

Jesus Christ, though fully God, began his human life in a family too poor for the usual offering. But even in these early days of his life, there were glimpses of His glory. What will stand out most to you as we gaze at Jesus together?