FOCUS: Meditate on the passage and write down your thoughts and observations OR do a S.O.A.P. study and select one verse to focus upon.
SHARE: This is a 412teens community group discussion. Please be let your voice be heard by posting one or more of the following in the comments below. (We will respond to every submission!)
Scripture: "And he preached, saying, 'After me comes he who is mightier than I, the strap of whose sandals I am not worthy to stoop down and untie.'" —Mark 1:7 [FULL CONTEXT]
Observation: In biblical times, it was common to wash or wipe down the feet of your visitors, but guests (even very important ones) would remove their sandals themselves. Not even a slave would be forced to touch the sandals of a visitor. John's humble expression here shows us that he recognized just how holy Jesus was—how it would be a privilege to remove this man's sandals. And yet, he considered himself unworthy even to touch the straps of Jesus' sandals. John came before Jesus to prepare people to receive Him, for he knew Jesus was connected to God, powerful, and one to be revered.
Application: Jesus is clearly holy and perfect, but what does holiness look like for imperfect human beings? The definition of holiness is "dedicated or consecrated to God; sacred." Holiness begins with getting "right" with God by receiving His forgiveness for our sins (John 3). Once we have accepted Jesus' sacrifice, we are deemed righteous and holy because we are God's adopted sons and daughters (1 Peter 2:9).
God's children are "set apart" from the darkness of the world and ought to live as though they are set apart. But how? Peter gives us the formula for living a holy life:
"So prepare your minds for action and exercise self-control. Put all your hope in the gracious salvation that will come to you when Jesus Christ is revealed to the world. So you must live as God’s obedient children. Don’t slip back into your old ways of living to satisfy your own desires. You didn’t know any better then. But now you must be holy in everything you do, just as God who chose you is holy. For the Scriptures say, 'You must be holy because I am holy.'" —1 Peter 1:13-16
Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for Your holiness. Help me to remember that I am holy and should act as such when I interact with my friends, family, and anyone I encounter when I'm out and about. Keep Your holiness at the forefront of my mind this week and give me opportunities to practice Christ's holiness. I pray in Your name. Amen.
