John 1:29-51

40 Days of John

Day 2: John 1:29-50

John continues defining who Jesus is and how he relates to the world in today's reading.  Jesus is both fully God and fully human.  

John the Baptist (Jesus' cousin) who makes "the way for the Lord." testifies to the fact that Jesus is the Son of God, the Messiah, the Lamb of God, God's Chosen One, our Teacher...all in One.  His testimony is a powerful first-hand account of Jesus' relationship to God.  We also hear more about WHY Jesus came to walk among us...

"Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world."

John 1:29

And then, we meet some of Jesus' first disciples- Andrew, Simon Peter, Philip and Nathaniel.  

Jesus knows who these people are even before they really know Him.  And I think it's the same with us.  Jesus, being fully God, our author and creator, fully knows us, regardless of where we are in our own faith journeys, regardless of the degree of our knowledge and belief, regardless of how much time we have spent with Him...Jesus knows us by name (inside and out).

We see this especially as Nathaniel meets Jesus for the first time,

"How do you know me?" Nathanael asked.

Jesus answered, "I saw you while you were still under the fig tree before Philip called you."

Then Nathanael declared, "Rabbi, you are the Son of God; you are the king of Israel."

John 1:48-49

Notice, Jesus responds directly to Nathanael as he questions Him.  Yet, Jesus doesn't answer his question exactly.

I feel that way sometimes.  I know Jesus answers my prayers, my deepest questions, and He often does it in ways that I wouldn't expect...making me think, leaving me wanting to know and learn more.  Have you ever noticed that?

It seems, also, that once these guys (these first disciples) have encountered Jesus, and they realize who He is...it changes their lives...  It takes them in directions they would never be able to imagine on their own.

I am reminded that Jesus knows you and me by name too.  He says in oh so many ways, "Follow me" (John 1:43).

And when we say "YES," not just with our words but with our direction in everyday life, He fills us with the same promise we find in today's reading...

"You believe because I told you I saw you...You will see greater things than that..."

John 1:50

We have no idea what's in store when we say "YES" to our Savior, but we can be sure it's Good News and life-changing, life giving even.  

Jesus is here now-- for you and for me.

A prayer for today-

Dear God,

Thank You for giving us Jesus to take away the sin of the world.  Thank You for knowing me and loving me so much.  Thank You for calling me by name and showing me Your greatness.

I pray for a mind that remembers You, eyes to see You, and a heart that follows You.  Transform my life, Lord, by Your presence.

What does it mean for me to believe?  Where do you need me to go?  Who do you need me to take with me?  Help me hear Your voice and Your direction.

I pray also for You to be with _________________ today.  He/she/they need You, and so I ask this prayer in Your name, knowing that the one who calls and sends also redeems and sustains us.

In Jesus' name I pray,

Amen

In Christ's love,

*This post is part of A Mind-Maker-Upper's Everyday Reading Project.  Click here to read more.