Matewu 28 - KBTP & GNTD

But the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people

The story of Jesus is the ultimate glow-up, from a newborn in a manger to the Savior of the world. His journey isn’t just inspiring; it’s transformative for everyone who believes. Let’s unpack how Jesus’ humble beginnings and divine mission changed history forever, all rooted in Scripture.

1. A Humble Start

“And she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them” (Luke 2:7).

Jesus’ story begins in the most unassuming way imaginable. Born in a small town and placed in a manger because there was no room for His family in the inn, His birth reflected humility and simplicity. The King of Kings arrived without the fanfare one might expect for royalty. Yet, this humble start sets the stage for a life that would redefine greatness, teaching us that our worth isn’t tied to our circumstances but to God’s purpose for our lives.

2. Announced to the Underdogs

“But the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people’” (Luke 2:10).

Imagine being a shepherd on a quiet night, and suddenly, the sky lights up with angels announcing the birth of the Savior. The first people to hear about Jesus’ birth weren’t rulers or religious leaders but shepherds, ordinary, overlooked individuals. This choice reflects God’s heart for the marginalized and forgotten. By starting with the underdogs, God showed that His kingdom is for everyone, regardless of status or position.

3. Prophesied to Change the World

“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace” (Isaiah 9:6).

Centuries before Jesus’ birth, the prophet Isaiah foretold His arrival. This verse captures His divine mission: to bring peace, guidance, and hope to a broken world. Jesus wasn’t just another leader; He was the fulfillment of a promise, the embodiment of God’s love, and the answer to humanity’s deepest needs. His glow-up was written in the stars long before He took His first breath.

4. Growing in Wisdom and Favor

“And Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man” (Luke 2:52).

Jesus’ childhood wasn’t skipped over in His story. He grew up like us, experiencing the challenges and joys of life. From His time in the temple as a young boy, astounding scholars with His understanding, to His later years preparing for His ministry, Jesus’ growth shows that even the Savior embraced the process of learning and maturing. This reminds us that growth, both spiritual and personal, is a vital part of God’s plan for our lives.

5. The Moment of Revelation

“Then a voice came from heaven, ‘You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased’” (Mark 1:11).

At His baptism, Jesus’ identity was publicly affirmed by God Himself. The heavens opened, and God declared His love for His Son, marking the beginning of Jesus’ public ministry. This moment wasn’t just about Jesus, it was a revelation for the world, a confirmation that the Messiah had come to fulfill His divine mission. It was a turning point, transitioning Him from preparation to action.

6. Sacrificial Love for All

“But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8).

Jesus’ glow-up wasn’t about personal gain or recognition. It was about love, sacrificial, selfless, and unconditional. His journey led to the cross, where He paid the ultimate price for our sins. This act of love redefined what it means to give, showing that true greatness lies in serving and sacrificing for others. Jesus’ death and resurrection opened the door for everyone to experience God’s grace.

7. Risen and Reigning

“He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay” (Matthew 28:6).

The ultimate glow-up: Jesus conquered death. His resurrection wasn’t just a miracle; it was the fulfillment of His promise and the foundation of our faith. By rising from the grave, Jesus proved that He has power over sin and death, offering eternal life to all who believe. His reign as the risen Savior continues to transform lives today.

The Bottom Line

Jesus’ journey from the manger to the cross and beyond is a story of transformation, humility, and redemption. His life redefined greatness and brought hope to the world. As we reflect on His glow-up, let’s remember that His story isn’t just history, it’s an invitation to experience a glow-up of our own through faith in Him.

Kumuka kwa Jesu

(Mako 16:1-10Luke 24:1-12Johani 20:1-10)

1 Shule kwe Sabata, mu mazhokuyedza e zhuba le kutanga mu tshipi, Mariya we Magadala na Mariya mmwe bakayenda kunobona ikumbu. 2 Kukabe ne kutengenyeka kwe shango kukulu, ngobe ntumwa wa She wakadeluka kudwa kudzimu, kayenda ku ikumbu kakunguludza bgwe kagala pezhugwi kwalo. 3 Wakabe elingika se lupenyo gwe vula ne zwiambalo zwizwe zwili zwitjena se kapuku. 4 Balindi bakantja kwazo bakatetema bakasala benga bathu bafa.

From Manger Baby to World Savior: Glow-Up of the Century

5 Ntumwa we kudzimu kati ku bakadzi ibabo, “Musitje, ngobe ndoziba kuti moshaka Jesu wakabambugwa. 6

Aapo ipapa, wamuka sekwa akaleba. Izhani mubone paakabe ali lele. 7 Kudwapo muyende tjinyolotjo munobudza badiyiwa babe muti, ‘Wamuka mu bafi,’ ngono unowoyenda mbeli kwenyu ku Galili, ikoko mowombona. Bonani ndamubudza.”

8 Ndizo bakadzi ibabo bakadwa pa ikumbu tjinyolotjo betja, koga bakashatha kwazo, ngono bakalabuka bakanobudza badiyiwa babe.

9 Ngono Jesu kabashangamidza kati, “Dumilani.” Bakazha kunli bakabhata makumbo awe bakan'namata. 10 Ipapo Jesu kati ku bali, “Musitje, yendani mubudze zwikamu zwangu bayende ku Galili, banowondibona ikoko.”

Mbiko ye balindi

11 Kukati bakadzi batji mu zila, bamwe be balindi bakangina mu nzi nkulu, ngono bakabudza bapirisiti bakulu tjimwe ne tjimwe tjakashingikala. 12 Kukati bapirisiti bakulu bashangana ne bakulu be Bajuta, balangana, bakapa babhayani mari manjinji ali tjizwimba nlomo, 13 beti ku bali, “Muti, ‘Badiyiwa babe bakazha pakati kwe busiku bakankwiba iswi titjakayizela.’ 14 Ikoku akungazha mu zebe dze nlauli, towon'gutsha kuti timuduse mu mbatsha.”

15 Ndizo babhayani bakatola mari, bakashinga sekwa badwiwa. Ndizo lungano igogu gwakadwilidzwa pakati kwe Bajuta kuswikila ngwenu.

Jesu ebong'wa nge badiyiwa babe

(Mako 16:14-18Luke 24:36-49Johani 20:19-23Mishingo 1:6-8)

Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit

Day 7: Share the Gospel

The greatest act of kindness is sharing the good news of Jesus! As we conclude this challenge, let’s take a step of faith and spread His love.

7 Bible Verses to help you when feeling lonely

These verses offer reassurance of God's unwavering presence and love, helping us navigate feelings of loneliness with faith and hope.

16 Ipapo badiyiwa bali gumi lina ng'ompela bakayenda ku Galili ku dombo Jesu laakabadwa kuti bayende kulili. 17 Bakati bembona bakan'namata, koga bamwe babo bakabe bedudumwa. 18 Ipapo Jesu kazha ku bali kabadwa kati, “Simba lose kudzimu ne mu shango lakapiwa imi. 19 Ndizo yendani muyite badiyiwa mu zwitjaba zose mubadubike nge zina la Tate ne le Nkololo ne le Meya yakayengemala, 20 mubadiya kulondolodza tjimwe ne tjimwe tjandakamulaya nge kwatjo. Ngono nge malebeswa ndinamwi misi yose kunoti ku bupelo gwe shango.”

The Resurrection

(Mark 16.1-10Luke 24.1-12John 20.1-10)

1 After the Sabbath, as Sunday morning was dawning, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to look at the tomb. 2 Suddenly there was a violent earthquake; an angel of the Lord came down from heaven, rolled the stone away, and sat on it. 3 His appearance was like lightning, and his clothes were white as snow. 4 The guards were so afraid that they trembled and became like dead men.

5 The angel spoke to the women. “You must not be afraid,” he said. “I know you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. 6 He is not here; he has been raised, just as he said. Come here and see the place where he was lying. 7 Go quickly now, and tell his disciples, ‘He has been raised from death, and now he is going to Galilee ahead of you; there you will see him!’ Remember what I have told you.”

8 So they left the tomb in a hurry, afraid and yet filled with joy, and ran to tell his disciples.

9 Suddenly Jesus met them and said, “Peace be with you.” They came up to him, took hold of his feet, and worshiped him. 10 “Do not be afraid,” Jesus said to them. “Go and tell my brothers to go to Galilee, and there they will see me.”

The Report of the Guard

11 While the women went on their way, some of the soldiers guarding the tomb went back to the city and told the chief priests everything that had happened. 12 The chief priests met with the elders and made their plan; they gave a large sum of money to the soldiers 13 and said, “You are to say that his disciples came during the night and stole his body while you were asleep. 14 And if the Governor should hear of this, we will convince him that you are innocent, and you will have nothing to worry about.”

15 The guards took the money and did what they were told to do. And so that is the report spread around by the Jews to this very day.

Jesus Appears to His Disciples

(Mark 16.14-18Luke 24.36-49John 20.19-23Acts 1.6-8)

16 The eleven disciples went to the hill in Galilee where Jesus had told them to go. 17 When they saw him, they worshiped him, even though some of them doubted. 18 Jesus drew near and said to them, “I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth. 19 Go, then, to all peoples everywhere and make them my disciples: baptize them in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, 20 and teach them to obey everything I have commanded you. And I will be with you always, to the end of the age.”