Jesus Verses

Luke 2:14 Context

The Gospel of Luke was written by a Gentile doctor who traveled with Paul on some of his missionary journeys.

Luke wrote the book to Theophilus, who many believe was a wealthy Roman official, in order to give him an account of Jesus’ life and ministry and show the way of salvation.

Luke 2:14 Meaning

Luke chapter 2 is the fullest account of Jesus’ birth story in the Bible.

It begins with an explanation of why Mary and Joseph have to travel to Bethlehem (for tax reasons), and how there is no room for them there. This is why they have to settle into a stable.

Read and Learn More 100 Bible Verses To Overcome Worry and Anxiety

In verse 8, the scene shifts to a field nearby, where shepherds are watching their flocks under the stars. An angel shows up, revealing God’s glory.

This understandably terrifies the shepherds, but immediately the angel reassures them that he has good news for them rather than judgment. He tells them where to find a baby that will be their Messiah and Lord.

The angel is joined by a huge number of other angels, filling the skies with the song we read above. The lyrics of the song they sing can be summarized as:

1. God is worthy of all glory; and
2. he wishes peace for us.

What a brief but powerful message. How can sinners like us have peace with a glorious, perfect God? That is the question behind the gospel message.

And the first step for the gospel to be fulfilled was for Christ to come in human form, as a baby.

Luke 2:14 Application

God is glorious. God wants peace with us. If we read only the first line, we worship God in terror. If we emphasize only the second line.

we can fall into the trap of not truly acknowledging God’s holiness, which takes away the whole point of being saved from our sins.

But when we put these two things together, they paint a complete picture of a perfect God who also wants to be in a relationship with us.

There is no better news than this! When you’re not at peace, remind yourself that God is on your side.

He wants there to be peace in your mind and heart. The next step is to ask him to help you get there, which can only happen through Christ’s sacrifice for you.

“Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change.”

James 1:17 ESV Context

The book of James is often referred to as wisdom literature, much like what we see from the Old Testament’s Psalms, Proverbs, and Ecclesiastes.

James was indeed wise, writing with complete acceptance of Christian doctrine and exercising his religion with the first-century church in Jerusalem. Paul dubbed James a pillar of the church in Galatians 2:9.

James 1:17 Commentary

James Chapter 1 Verse 17

This is to say, that James has an authority that lends us the ability to trust his message. He was no doubt aware of and fell subject to the persecution Christians would have suffered during this time in history.

James 1:17 Meaning And Interpretation

Read and Learn More 100 Bible Verses To Overcome Worry and Anxiety

Worry, fear, and anxiety would have been common emotions for James and his fellow believers, and well warranted.

James 1:17 ESV Meaning

And yet, James exhorts us to remember that we have a high spiritual goal and to be on guard against falling victim to the pressures that surround us.

Bible Verse About Every Good Gift

We’re called to walk in faith and to evidence our transformation in Christ by exhibiting good works. Through belief and obedience, God gives us what we need to live this way.

In his unfailing consistency, he gives us good and perfect gifts! Some like to differentiate between “good gifts”.

God’S Good Gifts From Above (James 1:17)

i.e., earthly provisions from the Lord such as health, relationships, work, and sustenance—even the ability to read this book!— while others like to call out the “perfect gifts,” which are spiritual.

And eternal gifts such as redemption, forgiveness, regeneration, and salvation. Hallelujah!

James 1:17 KJV/NIV/ESV Explanation

James 1:17 ESV Application

James 1:17 Sermon Outline

When encumbered with difficulty—be it from outside ourselves through circumstances, or from inside ourselves through struggles with behavior or conscience—God desires to give us his good gifts.

Noticeable signs of struggle, such as emotions like worry and anxiety, can be assuaged when we go to the Lord and ask him to show us our good and perfect gifts.

Bible Verse About Every Good Gift

Every Perfect Gift Is From God – Bible Verse

We could keep a running tally for our own reference. And when the list seems complete, we could ask the Lord if he has any new gifts he would like to impart on or in us.

Worries and anxieties will come, but the Lord has gifts for us to handle them. We must merely ask.

“Pray like this: Our Father in heaven, may your name be kept holy.”

Romans 8:28 ESV Context

In this section of Paul’s letter, he acknowledges our suffering. Here, Paul looks toward the future glory of God’s children.

Romans 8:28 ESV Meaning

If you’re dealing with anxiety, you’ve probably been told “Everything is going to be okay.” These words are never ill-intentioned; people do not mean harm when they tell you this.

God Works All Things For Good (Romans 8:28)

However, this phrase doesn’t help with your anxiety at the moment. It can even feel like a slap in the face. Don’t they understand? Everything is not okay.

The apostle Paul is not here to quickly shake off hard times. In fact, Paul had recently been stoned for sharing the good news of Jesus Christ, so he gets it; life is not easy.

Read and Learn More 100 Bible Verses To Overcome Worry and Anxiety

Romans 8:28 Explained: For Those Who Love God

But what he says here is true: Paul is not giving you his version of “it’s okay.” Paul is sharing the gospel!

When God calls you, when you love Christ, the Holy Spirit dwells in you, and all things work together for good because God is good.

Biblical Hope And Romans 8:28

It’s safe to say that Jesus’ death on the cross entailed more suffering than we will face in our lifetimes. Jesus took your pains, your worries, your anxiety, and your sins, and he died to free you from that suffering.

He bore that weight on the cross! When you have faith in him and are in pursuit of him, he works all things together for good. You may not see that today or tomorrow, but know that God is working on behalf of those whom he has called.

Romans 8:28 Commentary (ESV)

Romans 8:28 ESV Application

Spend time today worshiping the Lord for all he has given you! Life is difficult, yes. But finding moments to celebrate his glory is endlessly important.

When you’re feeling like everything is not okay, and you can’t see his good plan, a little bit of worship can quickly remind you of his presence and his goodness.

Romans 8:28 And Trusting God In Trials

So cry out “Hallelujah!” Sing your favorite worship song and give him praise today.

“For nothing will be impossible with God.”

Luke 1:37 ESV Context

The first chapter of Luke very fittingly lays the backdrop to Luke’s account of Jesus’ birth and life. He begins with Gabriel’s visits to Zechariah, then to Elizabeth to announce the coming of John the Baptist.

And Luke continues with Gabriel’s visit to Mary to announce that she has been chosen among women.

Gabriel’s last statement to any of these three humans during this encounter.

And it emphatically punctuated the news he brought—most significantly that Mary, a young virgin engaged to be married, was pregnant with the Messiah.

Read and Learn More 100 Bible Verses To Overcome Worry and Anxiety

Luke 1:37 ESV Meaning

It stands to reason that although Mary is favored by God and has humbly submitted to the Lord’s will for her life, she would be worried about how all of this would work out.

Luke doesn’t offer the reader that morsel, but we know she is only human. She had to have been concerned with how to tell Joseph, her betrothed, and what he would undoubtedly think and plan to do.

She would have to suffer the judgment and misunderstanding of all her family, of her entire community. Her whole world was turned upside down in a miraculous moment. This had never happened before. To anyone. Ever. Scary!

To her credit, Mary took Gabriel at his word: She believed. Mary knew the Lord had done this because she knew she hadn’t. So she let the anxiety-causing details of the situation take a backseat to the Word of the Lord.

Luke 1:37 ESV Application

Oh, that we would have that same resolve! If we could lean into the Word of the Lord and believe his promises—after all, nothing will be impossible with God; he is in charge of the real.

Really big and the very, very small—our burdens are not too much for him. He cares for the birds of the air and the flowers of the field. He calls the stars by name and counts the hairs on our heads. He holds us in the palm of his hand.

The heavens are his throne, and the earth is his footstool. He owns the cattle on a thousand hills.

How intently he cares for us and our worries and anxieties. Today we can release our encumbrances to the Lord, for whom nothing is impossible.

“I lift up my eyes to the mountains— where does my help come from? My help comes from the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth.”

Philippians 4:13 Context

The book of Philippians was written by the apostle Paul to the church at Philippi, which was a city in eastern Macedonia.

Paul had visited Philippi more than once and seemed very close to the church there, calling them his “joy and crown.”

Philippians 4:13 Commentary On Strength In Christ

The main point of the letter was to give them updates and encourage them toward faithfulness and unity in Christ.

Read and Learn More 100 Bible Verses To Overcome Worry and Anxiety

Philippians 4:13 Meaning

This chapter of the Epistle to the Philippians is full of gems—especially for those who struggle with anxiety and fear.

It contains the famous verse “Be anxious for nothing,” as well as the well-known passage encouraging Christians to focus their minds on whatever is true, good, pure, and beautiful.

Meaning Of “I Can Do All Things Through Christ” Explained

Verse 13 is also extremely popular, as we see it proclaimed by athletes celebrities, and other Christians in the spotlight.

As well it should be—it’s a powerful message about trusting in the Lord rather than ourselves.

But what should we take it to mean? Is it a promise that whatever we strive for—fame, health, sports championships, etc.—we can achieve through Christ’s strength?

The verses preceding 13 provide some clarity. Verses 11 and 12 talk about knowing what it’s like to be in need but learning to be content in all circumstances.

Paul talks about sometimes being well-fed but at other times being hungry. Does that sound like someone who always gets what he wants? All of a sudden, verse 13 doesn’t sound like it’s about achievement or success.

Philippians 4:13 Bible Study Guide

But rather about having the strength to carry through regardless. It’s about Christ being that strength for us when we don’t have strength in ourselves.

“Doing all this” is less about accomplishing big things and more about Christ strengthening us for whatever he has in store for our lives.

There will be hardship, but Christ will be there to comfort you. There will be weakness, but he will provide strength. But in the end, there will be victory, and he will be its author.

Biblical Perspective On Philippians 4:13

Philippians 4:13 Application

Philippians 4:13 is a victory cry, but maybe not in the way it’s often interpreted. It’s less a guarantee of success and more a promise of God providing what we need in all circumstances.

Philippians 4:13 Niv Meaning And Application

Claim this promise, regardless of what you’re going through. We need God’s power every day. We don’t always know what he has in store for us, but we know nothing surprises him and that he’s big enough to see us through.

“They will have no fear of bad news; their hearts are steadfast, trusting in the LORD.”

Matthew 10:26 Context

Matthew, the author of this Gospel, was a former tax collector who left his work to follow Jesus, becoming one of Christ’s twelve apostles.

Tax collecting was a despised profession by the Jewish people, as it was a way to get rich at the expense of your fellow countrymen.

“Do Not Be Afraid Of Them” Bible Verse

Matthew’s account of Jesus’ life places an emphasis on the fulfillment of Old Testament promises and prophecies.

Read and Learn More 100 Bible Verses To Overcome Worry and Anxiety

Matthew 10:26 Meaning

This verse is in the middle of a long passage where Jesus gathers his twelve disciples (called “apostles” here for the first time) and sends them away with instructions on how to disciple others.

He gives them power to heal and power over demons and instructs them to proclaim the kingdom of heaven.

But much of this passage is a warning. They will be hated. He is sending them out as sheep among wolves. Even their families will turn against them. And perhaps worst of all, they won’t be believed.

Not being believed can be so painful, whether you’ve been wrongly accused or are just trying to stand up for the truth and no one’s listening.

Fear Not Bible Verses (Matthew 10:26)

It can be so disheartening to preach what God has taught you only to be mocked or ignored. But Jesus promised us this: In the end, the truth always wins out.

There is nothing hidden that will not be disclosed. There is such a thing as truth, and it is found in Jesus. And Jesus guarantees that in the end, he will win. Every knee shall bow and every tongue confess that he is Lord.

How encouraging that your preaching is not in vain.

Biblical Courage In Persecution

Matthew 10:26 Application

Keep preaching what God lays on your heart, with all love and humility. You may not see the fruit now, but fruit will come.

Don’t assume you know the truth in every circumstance, but know that the truth in every domain—relationships, work, politics, and of course the gospel—will always eventually come to light.

“Hidden Things Will Be Revealed” (Matthew 10:26)

The gospel is a public message, gloriously so! It is for everyone, and God wants it proclaimed to the ends of the earth.

“How abundant are the good things that you have stored up for those who fear you, that you bestow in the sight of all, on those who take refuge in you.”

Romans 8:38–39 Context

The book of Romans was written by the apostle Paul, likely in AD 57 on his third missionary journey.

It is a letter intended for the people of the church of Rome, which was mostly Gentile but probably also had a substantial Jewish minority.

Paul really wanted to visit this church in person but had not been able to, so this letter is in preparation for his hoped-for eventual visit.

“For I Am Convinced That Neither Death Nor Life” Bible Verse

Paul didn’t personally know this church yet, so his letter focuses on the basics of the gospel: salvation from sin and righteousness through God’s grace, both Jews and Gentiles.

Romans 8:38–39 Meaning

Paul spent the first eight chapters of Romans talking about the need for salvation through Christ because of sin.

Those who have accepted this freedom from sin will gain righteousness through sanctification, and fully experience God’s love. The argument Paul has been making is concluded here on a very triumphant note!

Paul’s phrase “For I am convinced,” tells us that he’s speaking from his heart and his own experience.

He has such strong confidence in the permanence of God’s love that he wants to make sure all other believers fully understand the scope and power of God’s love too.

Bible Verses About God’S Unchanging Love

He’s declaring to the church that God will never stop loving them, and his love can never be taken away from them, not by anything.

To illustrate and solidify his point, he lists out all the possible things the Romans might worry could take God’s love away from them.

Paul’s intention is clearly to cover all the bases here. This list can be taken both literally and figuratively.

For example, “neither height nor depth” can mean nothing above us, like a storm in the sky, and nothing below us, like the waves in the sea, and it can mean no matter how low we go or feel or how high we go or feel.

Romans 8:38–39 Application

Even at your most worried and anxious, nothing you dream up or imagine can come between you and God’s love for you.

No matter how lonely, attacked, or weak you feel, God still loves you just as much as he always has and always will.

Nothing Can Separate Us From God’S Love (Romans 8:38-39)

He is more powerful than anything and anyone else, and his love wins out over everything and everyone: the natural and the supernatural, the now and the later, the actions of others, and even your own actions.

No matter how unloved and alone you feel, God’s Word is crystal clear—you are never unloved and you are never alone.

When your ever-changing feelings threaten to overwhelm you, you can fall back on the unchanging truth of God’s promises that are never overwhelmed.

James 1:2 Context

The book of James is a call to action for believers to ensure their faith is authentic and to produce words and deeds accordingly.

James 1:2 Meaning

Trials are inevitable in our lives. James talks about when we experience trials, not if we experience trials. However, our reaction may uncover the state of our faith.

James asks us to “consider it a pure joy” when disruptions come our way. Joy likely isn’t our natural response to adversity.

“Count It All Joy My Brothers” Bible Verse

Why then would James instruct us to view it as such? James holds the answer:

Read and Learn More 100 Bible Verses To Overcome Worry and Anxiety

The authenticity of our faith is revealed when it’s tested, and the more difficulties we face, the stronger our faith will grow. If we never encounter trouble, our faith may lack a secure foundation.

Trials refine our faith and strengthen our character. This is why we should accept life’s disruptions with joy and view them as opportunities to walk closer to Jesus.

Bible Verses About Joy In Trials

Abundant spiritual growth can come from adversity, but if we don’t posture our hearts correctly before Jesus, we will miss the opportunity. Grab hold of these opportunities to draw closer to the Lord.

Get on your knees and talk to your Father in heaven. He is there waiting to comfort you and to wrap his arms around you.

James 1:2 Application

When trials come your way, instead of asking “Why me?” ask “Why not me?” Jesus never promised that we would live free from difficulty. Actually, Jesus promised that we would live with difficulty.

Use your trials as opportunities to produce stronger, richer faith and character. Use your trials to draw closer than ever to your Savior.

Finding Joy In Suffering (James 1:2)

Share your experiences with someone walking through a similar situation to offer comfort or advice. Ask Jesus to help you view these hard times as periods of joy, and ask him to refine your faith in the process.

“But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.”

Jeremiah 17:7–8 NLT Context

In the chapter leading up to this verse, God is telling Jeremiah about the nation of Judah. The people of Judah had followed in their ancestors’ footsteps, becoming unfaithful and abandoning God in favor of idols.

And so, because of their insistence on following their own evil desires and their refusal to listen to him, God let them go. He left them to their ways, even though he knew they would waste away without him.

But what could he do? They had their heart set and would not be turned from it. Instead of trusting in God, they decided to trust in their own ways.

Jeremiah 17:7–8 NLT Meaning

The result wasn’t a thriving life. God compared them to stunted shrubs living in a barren, salty, uninhabited wilderness, without hope for the future. They were missing out on their best possible life.

“Blessed Are Those Who Trust In The Lord”

Read and Learn More 100 Bible Verses To Overcome Worry and Anxiety

Jeremiah 17:7-8 (Contextual Verses)

But those who put their confidence in God? They are like trees planted along a riverbank, whose leaves stay green and never stop producing fruit.

Even in hard seasons, when everything around them is drying up, their leaves are green because they are connected to a source of life that is unaffected by the seasons.

Trust In The Lord Bible Verses

Their lives are vibrant! They are fruitful, offering sustaining fruit to those around them. Not only are they fruitful in the fertile seasons of warmth and plentiful rain, but in all seasons.

Jeremiah 17:7–8 NLT Application

We were never meant to live dependent on our own strength and abilities, apart from God. That was never his plan for us.

We were made to live in a relationship with God, trusting him to guide us through and provide for us at each of life’s twists and turns.

Jeremiah 17:7 Commentary

Whatever comes your way today, count on God. Instead of trusting in your own knowledge and logic, be confident in his reliability, his truth, his ability, and his strength.

When we accept God’s deep love for us, and we spend time studying his Word and learning his Truths, we will flourish. He will keep us thriving and vibrant through all of life’s trials.

Jeremiah 17:7 Devotional

“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.”

TITUS 3:5 Context

The book of Titus was written by the apostle Paul to Titus, his friend and colleague in ministry.

The letter was sent while Titus was leading a new church on the island of Crete, and it gives guidance about issues of church organization and how to live a godly life, as well as warnings against false teaching.

Titus 3:5 NIV Commentary

TITUS 3:5 Meaning

Chapter 3 of Titus begins with wise instructions about how to conduct yourself in culture and society: Be humble and obedient to authority, live in peace, don’t lie about others, and be gentle.

While our cultural context is always changing, these wise words remain as a guide for what the Christian life should look like.

He Saved Us Not Because of Righteousness Explained

Read and Learn More 100 Bible Verses To Overcome Worry and Anxiety

God’s Grace in Titus 3:5 NIV

The chapter goes on to contrast this lifestyle to the way the believers lived before they knew Christ.

They were foolish and disobedient and easily deceived, “enslaved by all kinds of passions and pleasures,” and lived with hatred and envy.

This is what we were like before Christ came to save us. He didn’t show mercy to good people but to evil ones.

Which brings us to our focal verse. Our salvation had nothing to do with anything we’d done but was an act of mercy by a loving God.

Titus 3:5 Bible Study Guide

Through his grace, we were born again and renewed by the Holy Spirit. We are no longer what we used to be. In other words, there is a powerful turning point in the life of every Christian.

When you trust Christ, you become a new creature. You were once at war with God, and now you are in his family.

From there, Paul goes on to talk about our new lives as heirs of God’s kingdom. But with that privilege comes the responsibility to live up to our new position. Do what is good and avoid arguments and divisiveness.

Biblical Perspective On Titus 3:5 NIV Salvation

TITUS 3:5 Application

Isn’t it a wonder to know that your hope in Christ has nothing at all to do with what you’ve done?

We often feel pressure to perform, feeling shame from our past, and that we aren’t doing enough in the present. But this isn’t the truth. That’s not how the God of mercy works.

Admit to God that you’re not good enough, that you can never earn his love. But thank him for loving you anyway. Then, place your trust in this God who loved you even in your evil state, who will withhold no good thing from you.

“Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.”