Even as we take comfort in the fact that Jesus knows and endured our temptations and emerged victorious , we face the reality that temptation to sin is still a daily struggle for us. "Lead us not into temptation," Jesus taught us to pray daily. At times we may fear that we are losing the battle. Faith sees and holds on to the victory that has already been won for us by our Lord Jesus, who shares with us his crown of life. By our own weak powers we are bound to fail and crumble under temptation and the weight of sin. "But for us fights the valiant one, whom God himself elected" (A Mighty Fortress is Our God). In Christ's victory for us we can endure any temptation.
Get to Know Jesus as the Lord of Glory
Jesus' disciples were confused. They had seen Jesus perform miracles that only God could do. They watched as he fulfilled the messianic signs promised in the Old Testament. Then he started talking about being glorified, and in the same breath predicted that he would suffer and die. That's not what they were expecting to hear. When Jesus was transfigured before three of them and they saw the fullness of his glory, the voice of the Father reminded them to "listen to him" even though he might say some unexpected and even puzzling things. God speaks to us today in our worship, and commands us to do the same: "Listen to him!"
Get to Know Jesus as the Merciful Lord
Life in this world is often filled with disappointments and difficulties. But each and every one of the problems and hindrances is a blessing in disguise. Each one of them gives us a reason to despair of our own abilities and to seek in Jesus the compassionate and merciful Lord. Peter’s mother-in-law gets the point of Jesus’ help immediately: she has been saved to serve. In the midst of terrible pain, Job’s only recourse is prayer that trusts in the mercy of God and in the power of God to relieve and to rescue. Despite the troubles we face, our Lord Jesus uses his power and comfort to work blessings in our lives, even during trying times.
Get to Know Jesus as the Prophet
Christ is the central message of the Scriptures. He is the great prophet who was foretold in the Old Testament, and he is the Savior whom we continue to proclaim in the New Testament era. No other person and no other gospel can provide us the peace and comfort that Christ gives.