July 19, 2018

Spittin’ Image

July 19, 2018

DAILY READING

Psalm 23
Colossians 1:15-23
This weekend’s reading: Matthew 14:22-32

FIELD NOTES

If you were to see a picture of my husband as a young adult and then look at a photo of our son who’s in his early 30s now, you would be amazed at how much two people can look alike. It’s not an exaggeration to say that our son is the “spittin’ image” of his dad.

Paul tells us in our Bible reading today that Jesus is the “spittin’ image” of God. When we read the Gospels and hear Jesus’ words and see Jesus’ actions; when we observe his compassion for the weak, the oppressed, the sin-enslaved; when we watch him heal the sick and forgive the sinners, we see what God is like. In the Gospel of John, the disciple Philip says to Jesus, “Show us the Father,” and Jesus responds, “Have I been with you all this time, Philip, and yet you still don’t know who I am? Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father!” (John 14:8-9).

So if you ever want to know what God is like, read the gospels, and you’ll know. In Jesus, all the fullness of God dwells.

QUESTIONS FOR THE FIELD

  • If Jesus is the “spittin’ image” of God, how would you describe God?
  • How does knowing God is like Jesus make you feel?

FAMILY FIELD TALK

  • Ask your parents or other trusted adult who you resemble most in your family. What characteristics of that person would you most like to have?
  • The Bible tells us Jesus is exactly like God. How would you describe Jesus to a friend? That’s the same way you can describe God!

PRAYER
Gracious Creator, thank you for coming to earth in Jesus to show us who you are and what you’re like. Help us to grow to have a strong “family resemblance” as we strive to be more like Jesus. Amen.