Our scripture this week is John 1:29-42.
The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, “Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world! This is the one I meant when I said, ‘A man who comes after me has surpassed me because he was before me.’ I myself did not know him, but the reason I came baptizing with water was that he might be revealed to Israel.” Then John gave this testimony: “I saw the Spirit come down from heaven as a dove and remain on him. And I myself did not know him, but the one who sent me to baptize with water told me, ‘The man on whom you see the Spirit come down and remain is the one who will baptize with the Holy Spirit.’ I have seen and I testify that this is God’s Chosen One.” The next day John was there again with two of his disciples. When he saw Jesus passing by, he said, “Look, the Lamb of God!” When the two disciples heard him say this, they followed Jesus. Turning around, Jesus saw them following and asked, “What do you want?” They said, “Rabbi” (which means “Teacher”), “where are you staying?” “Come,” he replied, “and you will see.” So they went and saw where he was staying, and they spent that day with him. It was about four in the afternoon. Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, was one of the two who heard what John had said and who had followed Jesus. The first thing Andrew did was to find his brother Simon and tell him, “We have found the Messiah” (that is, the Christ). And he brought him to Jesus. Jesus looked at him and said, “You are Simon son of John. You will be called Cephas” (which, when translated, is Peter ).
John 1:29-42
This week we have read about the faithful witness of John, who pointed people to Jesus, that they might know Him and be saved. We are called to be faithful witnesses as well, sharing the Good News of Christ’s salvation and His love for us. It isn’t always easy to be His representatives, but those who claim His name and His promise must always be ready to tell His story.
We heard about the first people to follow Jesus, those He asked to “come and see”. These became His disciples, learning about the kingdom of God and how we must be part of His plan. Later, Jesus would entrust the continuation of His ministry to these faithful ones.
Jesus invites us to be like John and the disciples, pointing others to Him and sharing His story. Like them, He has called us to be part of the kingdom work and entrusted us with carrying on what He began. God has a plan for all of creation and He has a part in that plan for each of us specifically.
Loving Lord, we are amazed at Your grace and mercy, given to each of each in spite of our failings. Bless us to continue the work You gave us through the loving example of Jesus. Amen.