Have you ever considered the first things Jesus said as recorded in the four Gospels? Take a look.
- “Let it be so now, for thus it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness” (Mathew 3:15).
- “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel” (Mark 1:15).
- “Why were you looking for me? Did you not know that I must be in my Father’s house?” (Luke 2:49).
- “What are you seeking?” (John 1:38).
Each of these things were precipitated by events in Jesus’ life. In Matthew, Jesus’ first words were from his baptism, when he wanted to be baptized by John the Baptist. The first thing important to Matthew? Fulfilling righteousness.
For Mark it was an illustration of what was important in Jesus’ message after John the Baptist was arrested.
Luke, the gentile writer, went back to Jesus’ childhood to demonstrate that even at the youngest age, Jesus knew who he was, that he was the unique Son of God.
John’s first statement is simple. “What are you seeking?” Said to the first of Jesus’ disciples to begin following him.
If you were to write your own Gospel of Jesus life, what would be the first thing you would have Jesus say to you? How would that be different from what is already recorded in the Gospels?
If you were to take these saying of Jesus in reverse order, look at the subjects Jesus addressed as if an extended statement to the person who needs to come to faith in Christ.
What are you seeking? (John)
Why are you looking for me? (Luke)
Repent and believe. (Mark)
Let it be so now. (Matthew)
Memory Verse
“The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel” (Mark 1:15).
Application
What was the first thing that God convicted you about when you first came to faith in Christ? How has that original conviction worked out in your life? Take time to thank God for speaking to your heart and for the life he has given you as a result of your coming to faith in him.