John 1:10-13
Find a place and time free of distractions for the next 7-10 minutes. Sit comfortably and breathe deeply for a few seconds before you begin. If you haven’t read the Introduction to John’s Gospel, read it here.
Read John 1:10-13 slowly, taking in the thoughts contained in each sentence. Then meditate on each sentence as follows:
“He came into the world he created, but the world did not recognize him.”
The world and all its inhabitants were made by him, through him, and for him, yet it seems he wasn’t what the world expected. Before you began spending consistent time with Jesus, did you have any preconceived ideas about who Jesus was and how you expected Jesus to act? Talk to Jesus about this.
“He came to his own people, and even they rejected him.”
The people of Israel were chosen by God to be ambassadors of God’s shalom to the world, but they repeatedly lost sight of that mission. Jesus was an Israelite who embodied and lived shalom, but most of his fellow Israelites turned against him.
Consider for a moment what it would feel like to be rejected by the very ones who should recognize and welcome you. What feelings arise in you? Share them with Jesus.
“But to all who believed in him and accepted him, he gave the right to become children of God.”
Sit for a moment with the idea of being a child of God. Picture yourself as a child in the presence of your perfect, unfailing parent, God. If negative images come to mind, notice them and let them pass. Imagine that God the Father looks at you through the loving eyes of Jesus. Stay with this image for as long as you need.
“They are reborn – not with a physical birth resulting from human passion or plan, but a birth that comes from God.”
What emotions arise in you at the idea of being reborn just as God created you to be? Take a moment to notice anything you are feeling.
Read John 1:10-13 again taking note of anything that stands out to you.
Followers of Jesus are Jesus’ people, his sisters and brothers, on Jesus’ mission to spread shalom to the world. Take a moment to consider how you are seeking to represent Jesus to the world. Talk with Jesus about this and anything else you are thinking or feeling.
End your time of meditation by focusing in on the name of Jesus. Just breathe and silently repeat the name of Jesus over and over for a moment.
If you have sensed an invitation from Jesus to a particular action during this meditation, make a note of what you plan to do to follow through.
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The Everyday Jesus Follower’s Guide ebook can help you learn how to recognize God's voice, how to read and understand the Bible, how to develop deep spiritual friendships, and how to become the person you were meant to be. Use it alone, with a friend or in a small group.
