Jesus didn’t have to shore up his teaching with obscure quotes from past teachers and well-known rabbis. Jesus, the very Word of God (John 1:1-18), spoke the words of God. He did and said what the Father willed. His life and his words had the ring of authenticity. The gospels want to spark an awareness in us of Jesus’ power and authority so that through the ages, they still invite us to embrace His Truth and follow him as our Lord. Jesus, our Teacher and Savior, is so much more than another great teacher, extraordinary prophet, or wise sage. His words are powerful. His teachings are authoritative. His life is breathtaking. His love is beyond compare. So, His will must be our passion!

Holy God, thank you for speaking through your prophets and the holy Scriptures. But, dear Father, I praise you for speaking your most complete and perfect message in Jesus. As I see the character of his life, I am drawn to you. As I hear the authenticity in his words and see them demonstrated in his sacrificial life, I seek to obey him and follow him as his disciple. Thank you for sending Jesus to be my teacher, my guide, my Lord, and my Savior. I pray this in his name, Jesus the Messiah and Son of God. Amen.