They say no one will know the Christ's origin when he arrives.

They say the Christ's arrival will make his origin obvious.

They say the man comes from nowhere at all.

Stay humble and keep seeking Jesus beyond first impressions.

Trust first impressions and stop asking more questions.

Wait for complete explanation before taking any faith step.

Assume a familiar background means there is nothing more to learn.

If you would like to receive Jesus, pray this with me: Lord Jesus, I admit that I have sinned and trusted my own understanding. I turn from my sin and ask you to forgive me. I believe you died for my sins and rose again. I confess you as Lord and receive you as the Christ from God. Lead me in truth, and help me know you more deeply than outward appearances. Amen.

Receive the Christ

Father, revive your Church where we have grown overconfident and dull. When we think we already know Jesus, humble us; when we judge by appearances, open our eyes. Make your people eager to seek the Christ with fresh wonder and honest faith, in the name of Jesus. Amen.

Renew Our Reverence

Name one assumption you have about Jesus. Ask God to show you where it is too small, then ask for a teachable heart and one clear step of obedience.

Pray for Humble Sight

Bring thanks for: Jesus who is more than a familiar background; God's patience with your questions; and the grace that lets you recognize the Christ beyond first impressions.

Give Thanks for the Christ Revealed

Pray for people who dismiss Jesus too quickly because he seems ordinary, familiar, or hard to fit into their expectations. Ask God to give them open eyes and a willingness to seek honestly.

For Those Who Think They Already Know

Father, keep me from assuming I have you figured out. When I am tempted to settle for a first impression, soften my heart and make me listen. Help me welcome your truth, even when it surprises me, in the name of Jesus. Amen.

Keep Me Teachable

ἀλλὰ{al-LA###ahl-LAH###(but)} τοῦτον{TOO-ton###TOO-tohn###this one} οἴδαμεν{EE-DA-men###EE-dah-mehn###we know} πόθεν{PO-then###POH-thehn###from where} ἐστίν{es-TEEN###ehs-TEEN###is} ὁ{ho###hoh###(the)} δὲ{DE###DEH###(but)} χριστὸς{khree-STOS###khree-STOHS###Christ} ὅταν{HO-tan###HOH-tahn###when} ἔρχηται{ER-khee-te###EHR-khee-teh###(he) comes} οὐδεὶς{oo-DEES###oo-DEES###no one} γινώσκει{yi-NO-skee###yi-NOH-skee###(he) knows} πόθεν{PO-then###POH-thehn###from where} ἐστίν{es-TEEN###ehs-TEEN###is}

John 7:27 — DynamicTAB

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