The time is coming when the LORD will make every plant and tree in the land grow large and beautiful. All the people of Israel who survive will take delight and pride in the crops that the land produces.

I will send victory from the sky like rain; the earth will open to receive it and will blossom with freedom and justice. I, the LORD, will make this happen."

It was the will of the LORD that his servant grow like a plant taking root in dry ground. He had no dignity or beauty to make us take notice of him. There was nothing attractive about him, nothing that would draw us to him.

Jesus answered him, "I am the way, the truth, and the life; no one goes to the Father except by me.

We know that the Son of God has come and has given us understanding, so that we know the true God. We live in union with the true God---in union with his Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God, and this is eternal life.

My children, keep yourselves safe from false gods!

The LORD is a God who is eager to save, so he exalted his laws and teachings, and he wanted his people to honor them.

Then a voice said from heaven, "This is my own dear Son, with whom I am pleased."

While he was talking, a shining cloud came over them, and a voice from the cloud said, "This is my own dear Son, with whom I am pleased---listen to him!"

"Glory to God in the highest heaven, and peace on earth to those with whom he is pleased!"

Christ was without sin, but for our sake God made him share our sin in order that in union with him we might share the righteousness of God.

Let us praise God for his glorious grace, for the free gift he gave us in his dear Son!