Day 274, Chronological Bible Study Timeline. Map. Go to today’s Bible reading (use your browser arrow to return): Mark 1:9-11; Matthew 3:13-17; Luke 3:21-22; John 1:29-34; Mark 1:12-13; Matthew 4:1-11; Luke 4:1-13; John 1:35-51; Mark 1:16-20; Matthew 4:18-22; Luke 5:1-11
Commitment
We live in an age where many people in America aren’t committed to their spouses, families, churches, jobs, civic groups, or other organizations, and they don’t volunteer. If they do, their level of commitment is usually low. Maybe the reason is that adults and/or their children are already involved in many things. Or, perhaps they like to live for their own pleasure. Still, another possibility is that they are looking to be challenged to do something great, something significant.
In today’s Bible reading, Jesus is called to a great ministry, and he calls ordinary men to join him as his disciples. God wants his servants to be committed and to demonstrate it.
Jesus sets the example of commitment
One day he comes to the Jordan River to be baptized,
But John tried to deter him, saying, “I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?”
Jesus replied, “Let it be so now; it is proper for us to do this to fulfill all righteousness.” Then John consented.
As soon as Jesus was baptized, he went up out of the water. At that moment heaven was opened, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and lighting on him.
And a voice from heaven said, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased” (Matthew 3:14-17, NIV).
Jesus is baptized, not because he is a forgiven sinner, but because he identifies himself with those who are righteous and committed to God (Matthew 3:14-15).
Baptism demonstrates commitment
Today, God wants all real followers of Jesus Christ to be baptized. Why? Followers of Christ should be baptized to show the world that, like putting on a wedding ring, they identify with Jesus and are fully committed to living for him!
In the days of the early church, those who were baptized immediately joined the church (Acts 2:41). This is an example for us. Have we been baptized to show our commitment to Jesus Christ? Have we made the commitment to join a good, Bible-believing church where we may serve the Lord?Fighting Satan shows our commitment
Immediately after Jesus is baptized, “... the Spirit sent him out into the desert, and he was in the desert forty days, being tempted by Satan. He was with the wild animals, and angels attended him” (Mark 1:12-13, NIV).
What? Jesus does what his Father in heaven wants him to do, the Father says he is well-pleased with him, and then the Spirit of God leads him into the desert with wild animals to be tested? Yes!...and God may test our faith and commitment.
God wants us to be fully committed to him in times of adversity. The Apostle Peter warns, “Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour” (1 Peter 5:8, NIV).
When will the devil attack? He will attack us when we are at our weakest. This is what Satan does to Jesus in the wilderness and what he will do with us.
Jesus faces temptations from hunger, pride, power, and possessions. Satan knows Jesus has the power of God within him and might be tempted to use it. If he gives in to temptation, then he will do it for selfish reasons and sin. The Lord fights against the devil by quoting the Word of God. By doing this, he declares his loyalty to God, his Father (see more for a thorough discussion of the tri-unity or trinity of God).
Just as Satan attacks Jesus with temptation, so he attacks us. Will we cower under his thrusts or take up the Christian armor and fight? We should know and live the Word of God and defend ourselves with it (Ephesians 6:10-18).
Responding to God’s call is a commitment
After the temptation, Jesus calls common, everyday men to follow him. They are not scholars or greatly respected leaders—some of them are fishermen, just average tradesmen.
Jesus doesn’t require us to be special either; he just wants us to respond to his call and follow him. The early disciples recognize Jesus’ ministry is more important than their occupation, so they leave it all to follow him.
The disciples, however, aren’t perfect. It appears from the Gospel of John’s account that they go back to their jobs after following Jesus for just a little while. Perhaps, when they get hungry, they do not trust the Lord to give them food (it looks like he does not have any).
The men are surprised, however, when Jesus calls out instructions to them from the shore, telling them where to cast their nets. When they do, they catch a boatload of fish! They recognize their sinfulness for not trusting him completely; the teacher takes care of his disciples. They learn not to trust themselves and their own resources but to trust in God and his bountiful resources. It is a Christian cliche but true; where God leads, he provides.
What about us? Will we trust God and respond to his call to follow him? We may mess up along the way, but God is merciful and gracious. If we confess our sins, we can renew our response to his call and follow him.
Discussion
What does God call us to do?
Why does Satan oppose God’s work, and what can we do to prepare for his attacks?
How can we show our commitment to God?
Focus Verse
Matthew 4:19, NIV “Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will make you fishers of men.”
Here is a song you might enjoy which goes with this Bible study: I Catch 'Em God Cleans 'Em
Here are a couple videos I found on Youtube: Jesus calling his disciples
Write a private prayer response to today’s Bible study:
Please send your comments to mtbiblestudies@gmail.com
Looking Ahead: Commitment is essential but so is godly character. There are Six Evidences of Godly Character in our Next Lesson. Join us!
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