Chapter 2 records the birth of Jesus. The events in chapters 1 and 2 are omitted in the other Gospels, except the statement in Matthew 1:25--2:1, that Jesus was born in Bethlehem; and the return to Galilee (Matthew 2:22,23). Little is told about Jesus' childhood; but chapter 2:41-52 records His visit to Jerusalem at the age of twelve.

The ministry of John the Baptist is recorded in Luke, chapter 3. In the 21st and 22nd verses we are given the baptism of Jesus. In the 22nd verse we see the Trinity presented vividly. As Jesus came up out of the water, the Holy Ghost, in the form of a dove, descended upon Him, and the voice from heaven said, "Thou art my beloved Son; in thee I am well pleased." God is a Trinity, God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Ghost. There are three distinct persons, yet they are all one. Today, as in times past, the deity of Christ has been questioned by many religionists. You notice I used the word religionist rather than Christ. For a person to truly be born again he must believe that Jesus is God. If He were not God then He would not be sinless and could not be a sacrifice for the sins of the world. Because He is God, He had innocent blood, and that innocent blood was shed on the cross to pay for all the sins of mankind in all generations. That blood, applied to the hearts of men, forgives them of their sins. Thank God for His wonderful gift of salvation through His Son Jesus, "Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.".

MEMORY VERSE FOR TODAY: Man now can be: Forgiven.

Acts 13:38 Be it known unto you therefore, men and brethren, that through this man is preached unto you the forgiveness of sins.

Index of Daily Devotions