“Jesus did not receive baptism as a confession of guilt on His own account. He identified Himself with sinners, taking the steps that we are to take, and doing the work that we must do. His life of suffering and patient endurance after His baptism was also an example to us.” (DA 111.2)
Reading Plan, Week 23
The Desire of Ages
Chapters: 10–15
Monday: 97.1–108.2
Tuesday: 109.1–118.3
Wednesday: 119.1–131.2
Thursday: 132.1–1431
Friday: 144.1–153.1
All page/paragraph numbers are the original page numbers and can be used with any edition of Conflict of the Ages (shown in gray on the inside margin within The Conflict Beautiful).
The following is an overview of this week’s reading. Each chapter is introduced with a short paragraph, followed by a couple of thoughts/questions for you to consider.
Chapter 10: The Voice in the Wilderness
Another baby is foretold by the angel Gabriel to the soon to be father, Zacharias. The miracle baby grows to become John the Baptist. Given the mission to prepare the way for the Messiah, John secludes himself in the desert. When the time comes John begins preaching and exhorting all to repent and return to God’s ways for their Deliverer is coming.
How does nature reflect God’s character?
What has awakened your heart to God in the past? Does your heart need reawakening today?
Chapter 11: The Baptism
Jesus hears the baptismal call from John and goes to the Jordan River. The cousins finally meet, and Jesus is baptized, symbolizing His place among sinners. Light shines from God’s throne, illuminating the kneeling Messiah. Recognizing the heavenly acknowledgement, John proclaims that Jesus is the Lamb of God.
What does Jesus’ baptism mean to you personally?
Have you accepted the gift God sent through Jesus?
Chapter 12: The Temptation
Led by the Holy Spirit, Jesus goes into the wilderness to focus on the mission ahead. As Jesus nears the end of His fast, Satan, donning the appearance of a messenger from heaven, approaches the weakened Savior. Mastering His human appetite, Jesus wields the Word of God as His defense and sustenance.
What texts have you memorized that can help you defeat temptation? What is your favorite promise from God’s word?
What appetite can you ask God to help you overcome?
Chapter 13: The Victory
Satan tempts Jesus one more time. Having deceived Adam in the Garden of Eden, Satan claims to rule the earth in Adam’s stead. Showing Jesus the beauty of the world, Satan offers to relinquish his false claim if the Son of God will bow to him. Jesus again uses God’s Word to defeat the fallen angel.
What does it mean to you that the very name of God causes Satan to flee?
What are some of the little doubts that Satan tries to plant in your life? What verses from the Bible can you use to combat them?
Chapter 14: “We have found the Messiah”
The time is ripe for certain prophecies to be fulfilled and the Sanhedrin questions who John the Baptist is. He preaches with the power of the great prophets of old, but declares himself “the voice of one crying in the wilderness.” When Jesus returns from facing Satan, the Spirit of God reveals Him as the Messiah to John. John again proclaims Jesus is the Lamb of God, and Jesus finds His first disciples.
What prejudices might be holding you back from God’s truth?
Who can you share the joy of the gospel with today?
Chapter 15: At the Marriage Feast
At the request of His mother, Jesus performs His first miracle at the wedding feast of some relatives. Contrary to the hopes of many, Jesus does not reveal Himself as the Messiah, but quietly told the servants what to do. Jesus slips away before the miracle is discovered, leaving the disciples behind to answer questions about their Master.
How are you using your social power to help those around you?
In what ways can you spread God’s light where you are today? Where can you go to share God’s love?