Day 1
Faith Fact
I have a purpose.
Faith Verse
"Again He said, "Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I am sending you." John 20:21
Read:
How can I know my purpose in Jesus' mission?
John 1:19–24
The word purpose means the reason something exists. God has a purpose for each one of us. John the Baptist was confident in his purpose in God’s kingdom. He knew exactly what he was born to do. He baptized people in the Jordan River and surrounding areas. He told people to get their hearts ready for God’s kingdom.
In the same way, John knew who he was not. The priests and temple assistants asked him. John boldly and clearly told them he was not the Messiah, Elijah, or the prophet they were looking for. Instead, he let them know his purpose. John’s purpose was to prepare the way for Jesus.
We all have a purpose too. Each of us must do our job so that Jesus’ mission can be completed. God is the one who lets us know our purpose when we seek after Him. When we know who God is, we know who we are. Each of us has a unique purpose. But God also calls each of us to one purpose that’s like John’s—to point people to Jesus.
Talk About It:
Prayer:
Dear Jesus, I know that You have a plan for my life. You have a purpose for my life! Help me to know You more. As I grow in You, help me to know the purpose for my life. Jesus, please shine through me so the hearts of others are prepared to meet You. Amen.
I have a purpose.
Faith Verse
"Again He said, "Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I am sending you." John 20:21
Read:
How can I know my purpose in Jesus' mission?
John 1:19–24
The word purpose means the reason something exists. God has a purpose for each one of us. John the Baptist was confident in his purpose in God’s kingdom. He knew exactly what he was born to do. He baptized people in the Jordan River and surrounding areas. He told people to get their hearts ready for God’s kingdom.
In the same way, John knew who he was not. The priests and temple assistants asked him. John boldly and clearly told them he was not the Messiah, Elijah, or the prophet they were looking for. Instead, he let them know his purpose. John’s purpose was to prepare the way for Jesus.
We all have a purpose too. Each of us must do our job so that Jesus’ mission can be completed. God is the one who lets us know our purpose when we seek after Him. When we know who God is, we know who we are. Each of us has a unique purpose. But God also calls each of us to one purpose that’s like John’s—to point people to Jesus.
Talk About It:
- Question 1. Was John the Messiah?
Answer 1. No (John 1:20) - Question 2. What was John’s purpose?
Answer 2. To be a voice who told people to clear the way for the Lord (Jesus), to prepare for His coming (John 1:23) - Question 3. How do you know that John was confident in his purpose?
Answer 3. Answers will vary. - Question 4. Why was John’s purpose important?
Answer 4. Answers will vary. - Question 5. How can I know my purpose in life?
Answer 5. Answers will vary.
Prayer:
Dear Jesus, I know that You have a plan for my life. You have a purpose for my life! Help me to know You more. As I grow in You, help me to know the purpose for my life. Jesus, please shine through me so the hearts of others are prepared to meet You. Amen.
Day 2
Faith Fact
I have a purpose.
Faith Verse
"Again He said, "Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I am sending you." John 20:21
Read:
What is God's highest purpose for us?
John 1:24–28
Pharisees came to the Jordan River to question John. “What right do you have to baptize?” they asked. However, John was confident in his purpose. He did not argue or try to prove his authority. He simply told them his job and immediately pointed them to Someone greater than him. That was Jesus. John took the attention away from himself. Instead, he put the attention on Jesus!
God has a purpose for each of us in His work. But, our highest purpose is this—we need to point people to Jesus. Whether it is singing on a stage, preaching a message of hope, creating a work of art, running a race, being a good friend, or doing chores, all these things have one purpose. We do them for God’s glory! We do them to bring attention to how good He is! When people have questions, we can answer confidently as John did. We can turn people’s eyes from us to the Savior of the world!
Talk About It:
Prayer:
Dear Jesus, the purpose You have for me is so good! Whatever I do Jesus, I want to bring glory and honor to You. In things people see, let me point to You. In things people don’t see, let me glorify You. It’s all about you Jesus! I love you! Amen.
I have a purpose.
Faith Verse
"Again He said, "Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I am sending you." John 20:21
Read:
What is God's highest purpose for us?
John 1:24–28
Pharisees came to the Jordan River to question John. “What right do you have to baptize?” they asked. However, John was confident in his purpose. He did not argue or try to prove his authority. He simply told them his job and immediately pointed them to Someone greater than him. That was Jesus. John took the attention away from himself. Instead, he put the attention on Jesus!
God has a purpose for each of us in His work. But, our highest purpose is this—we need to point people to Jesus. Whether it is singing on a stage, preaching a message of hope, creating a work of art, running a race, being a good friend, or doing chores, all these things have one purpose. We do them for God’s glory! We do them to bring attention to how good He is! When people have questions, we can answer confidently as John did. We can turn people’s eyes from us to the Savior of the world!
Talk About It:
- Question 1. What was John doing at Bethany?
Answer 1. Baptizing people in water (John 1:28) - Question 2. What are some purposes that God has for you right now?
Answer 2. Answers will vary. - Question 3. How can you bring attention to Jesus in your life?
Answer 3. Answers will vary. - Question 4. How did John compare himself to Jesus?
Answer 4. “I’m not even worthy to be his slave and untie the straps of his sandal.” (John 1:27) - Question 5. What is God’s highest purpose for us?
Answer 5. Answers will vary.
Prayer:
Dear Jesus, the purpose You have for me is so good! Whatever I do Jesus, I want to bring glory and honor to You. In things people see, let me point to You. In things people don’t see, let me glorify You. It’s all about you Jesus! I love you! Amen.
Day 3
Faith Fact
I have a purpose!
Faith Verse
"Again He said, "Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I am sending you." John 20:21
Read:
How can you prepare the way for Jesus?
John 1:29–31
John the Baptist knew his purpose. He worked for years to prepare the way for the coming Messiah. Yet, for most of that time, he did not see who he was preparing for. John had preached and baptized people in water. People were repenting of their sin. John had prepared the people and himself so well. Because of this, everyone was ready for the great reveal of Jesus! John’s preparation led people to Jesus.
Think of preparing a cake. You need to have all the right ingredients in the right amounts. You must have the right tools. You have to bake the cake for the perfect amount of time. Sometimes, putting in all that work is a long process, but it is worth it in the end when we have a delicious piece of a sugary, sweet dessert! God’s purpose for our life can work in the same way. We prepare, we work hard, and we plan. We listen to God’s voice. We read the Bible. We serve, give, and tell others about Jesus. We creatively use our talents and gifts for Him. All this preparation can lead to one sweet result—Jesus can be revealed to the world!
Talk About It:
Prayer:
Dear Jesus, with all my life and all my heart, I honor You. I worship You. I want my life’s purpose to be to serve You and prepare the way so others can know You. It’s all about You, the Lamb of God! Thank You for saving me and taking away my sin so that I can be with You eternally. You are so good! Amen.
I have a purpose!
Faith Verse
"Again He said, "Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I am sending you." John 20:21
Read:
How can you prepare the way for Jesus?
John 1:29–31
John the Baptist knew his purpose. He worked for years to prepare the way for the coming Messiah. Yet, for most of that time, he did not see who he was preparing for. John had preached and baptized people in water. People were repenting of their sin. John had prepared the people and himself so well. Because of this, everyone was ready for the great reveal of Jesus! John’s preparation led people to Jesus.
Think of preparing a cake. You need to have all the right ingredients in the right amounts. You must have the right tools. You have to bake the cake for the perfect amount of time. Sometimes, putting in all that work is a long process, but it is worth it in the end when we have a delicious piece of a sugary, sweet dessert! God’s purpose for our life can work in the same way. We prepare, we work hard, and we plan. We listen to God’s voice. We read the Bible. We serve, give, and tell others about Jesus. We creatively use our talents and gifts for Him. All this preparation can lead to one sweet result—Jesus can be revealed to the world!
Talk About It:
- Question 1. What did John call Jesus in verse 29?
Answer 1. The Lamb of God (John 1:29) - Question 2. What was John doing to prepare the people for the Messiah?
Answer 2. Telling them about the coming Messiah and baptizing them with water (John 1:31) - Question 3. John described Jesus as greater than him. What does that tell us about John?
Answer 3. John knew his purpose was to prepare the way for Jesus. Answers will vary. - Question 4. How do you think John felt when the Messiah was finally revealed?
Answer 4. Answers will vary. - Question 5. How can you prepare the way for Jesus?
Answer 5. Answers may vary.
Prayer:
Dear Jesus, with all my life and all my heart, I honor You. I worship You. I want my life’s purpose to be to serve You and prepare the way so others can know You. It’s all about You, the Lamb of God! Thank You for saving me and taking away my sin so that I can be with You eternally. You are so good! Amen.
Day 4
Faith Fact
I have a purpose.
Faith Verse
"Again He said, "Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I am sending you." John 20:21
Read:
How can you tell others the truth of Who Jesus is?
John 1:32–34
Before Jesus was named as Messiah at the Jordan River, God had been speaking to John. He had spent years getting to know God. John knew what God loved and hated. He knew the good and faithful God that He is. God had told John about the coming Messiah. Because of this, John could boldly tell others, or testify, about Jesus’ identity before the people. John made this moment simple for those people there to understand. John also confirmed the truth from his heart. In case the people didn’t get it before, he told them directly. Jesus was the Messiah, the Chosen One!
The longer and more seriously we follow Jesus, the better we’ll know Him and His truth. When you spend time with a friend, you know more about who they are. You know what they like and dislike, their great qualities, and their true heart. If someone were to ask you about your friend, you could tell them directly and truthfully who they are. The same is true with Jesus. When we spend time with Him in prayer, reading the Bible, and being with others who are following Him, we can give testimony to who He is. Our testimony is part of our purpose to bring others to Jesus!
Talk About It:
Prayer:
Dear Jesus, thank You for all of the things that You have done in my life. Each one is a testimony to who You are—good, faithful, merciful, and kind. I can’t wait to share with others about who You are. Thank You for giving me purpose and joy in You. Amen.
I have a purpose.
Faith Verse
"Again He said, "Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I am sending you." John 20:21
Read:
How can you tell others the truth of Who Jesus is?
John 1:32–34
Before Jesus was named as Messiah at the Jordan River, God had been speaking to John. He had spent years getting to know God. John knew what God loved and hated. He knew the good and faithful God that He is. God had told John about the coming Messiah. Because of this, John could boldly tell others, or testify, about Jesus’ identity before the people. John made this moment simple for those people there to understand. John also confirmed the truth from his heart. In case the people didn’t get it before, he told them directly. Jesus was the Messiah, the Chosen One!
The longer and more seriously we follow Jesus, the better we’ll know Him and His truth. When you spend time with a friend, you know more about who they are. You know what they like and dislike, their great qualities, and their true heart. If someone were to ask you about your friend, you could tell them directly and truthfully who they are. The same is true with Jesus. When we spend time with Him in prayer, reading the Bible, and being with others who are following Him, we can give testimony to who He is. Our testimony is part of our purpose to bring others to Jesus!
Talk About It:
- Question 1. Who did John testify that Jesus was in verse 34?
Answer 1. The Chosen One of God (John 1:34) - Question 2. What sign did John see that Jesus was the Chosen One of God?
Answer 2. The Holy Spirit resting on Him. (John 1:32) - Question 3. How do we get to know God?
Answer 3. Answers will vary. - Question 4. Why is it important to tell others about who Jesus is?
Answer 4. Answers will vary. - Question 5. How can you testify to the truth of who Jesus is?
Answer 5. Answers will vary.
Prayer:
Dear Jesus, thank You for all of the things that You have done in my life. Each one is a testimony to who You are—good, faithful, merciful, and kind. I can’t wait to share with others about who You are. Thank You for giving me purpose and joy in You. Amen.