John 1:19-28
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 1:19-28 paying close attention to John the Baptist’s answers to the questions of the Pharisees.
John is very clear on who he is not. He is not the Messiah nor Elijah nor the Prophet, but John knows the Scriptures and he knows his purpose in life. When asked who he is, he quotes from a beautiful prophecy penned by the Isaiah in the Old Testament: “I am a voice shouting in the wilderness, Clear the way for the Lord’s coming!” - Isaiah 40:3.
Do you have any sense of your life’s purpose? Take a few moments to contemplate this question and discuss it with Jesus.
Read John 1:19-28 again noticing how John continually points away from himself to Jesus.
John is also very clear about the nature of his calling. John calls people to repent – to turn from their dysfunctional, destructive ways and turn towards God. John’s baptism is simply symbolic of repentance, and when challenged about what he is doing, he doesn’t hesitate to point to Jesus. For John, Jesus is the authority.
Jesus’ way is counter-intuitive to the ways of the world. When we soak up Jesus’ teaching, his Spirit, the Holy Spirit, begins to transform the way we think. We begin to find ourselves thinking and acting more and more like Jesus, and over time, Jesus, rather than the world, becomes our authority.
How well do you know the teachings of Jesus and how, if at all, have you been changed by them? Take a moment to talk with Jesus about this. Consider asking him to increase your desire to think and act like him. You might want to ask the Holy Spirit to fill you with Jesus’ life-transforming power.
In and of ourselves, none of us is worthy to serve Jesus, but Jesus invites anyone willing to follow him to experience meaning and purpose as his co-workers restoring God’s shalom to the world. How do you react to this?
As you end this time of meditation, spend a few moments talking to Jesus with complete honesty. Share with him your desire or lack of desire to live a life of service to him. If you sense he is calling you to take an action of any kind, write it down and make a plan 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.
