In the Wordنموونە

Week 33, Day 1 Read Luke 1 Christ on Earth Think of your favorite book or movie. What problem or conflict lies before the main character in the story? More than likely this conflict involves an enemy—another person, a force of nature, a society or culture—standing in the hero’s way. Toward the end of the story, you may also remember a tense, exciting scene in which everything the story has been building toward comes to a head. Perhaps there is even a throw-down battle between a hero and a villain. Two forces enter, but only one leaves. This is the climax — and by the time it’s over, the conflict will be resolved. If you think of the Bible as one long story, then the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ all make up the climax. Jesus arrives and defeats his enemies—death and Satan—in one fell swoop. Everything God has been building toward throughout the Old Testament culminates at this point. The Messiah—prophesied about since Genesis, foreshadowed through Isaac, Boaz, and other Christ “types”—has finally arrived to deliver His people. And by the time the Gospels conclude, the conflict is resolved—Christ leaves the tomb victorious! This is the most thrilling story in all of Scripture—the one the salvation of the world rests upon. And it’s recounted in four different books: the Gospels, written by Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. While each of these accounts share the story of Christ, they also emphasize a different aspect of His life on Earth. Matthew focuses on fulfillment of prophecy and Israel’s hope. Mark shows Him to be the Son of God. Luke concentrates on the teachings of Christ. And John emphasizes Jesus’ divine nature as God incarnate. From birth to resurrection, no matter which Gospel account you read, it doesn’t get better than this...God’s pièce de résistance. Scripture Coverage: Matthew–John Scripture Reading: John, selections from Matthew, Luke, and Acts Book Genre: Historical Main Theme: Jesus comes and offers salvation through His death and resurrection Main Events: Pre-Ministry, Public Ministry, Ministry to the Disciples, Death and Resurrection Main Characters: Jesus, the Disciples Pre-Ministry Think about: Describe the charge Mary is given by the angel Gabriel. What is Mary’s response? Would you react the same way?