Journey To The MangerSample

 God’s Redemptive Plan

When Jesus came to earth, His own people didn’t recognize Him. Even though the Jews had been blessed with the testimony of their prophets and a long history of God’s continuous faithfulness, they still didn’t recognize the long-awaited Messiah. They maintained that He would come to save them from their political oppressors, destroying the pagan worship and bondage of Roman rule. He would usher in the kingdom of God. In their minds, that meant reestablishing the twelve tribes of Israel to prominence and power.

But Jesus didn’t come to set the record straight by doing away with the despised pagan Gentiles. He came to usher in a kingdom not of this earth—and to bring God’s truth and presence to a broken world.

How different are we from those who missed their King’s coming when pride blinds us to the truth of God’s redemptive plan? May we be like the few whose spiritual eyes were open to see the true coming of His kingdom.

Activity: Jesus taught us to pray for the kingdom to come. Ask a stranger if you can pray for them about their specific needs.