John 1:29-34
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 1:29-34 remembering that Jesus was the younger cousin of John the Baptist.
So much is packed into these few verses. At the very onset of Jesus’ earthly ministry, John the Baptist describes him as the “…Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world…” and in these words, John points to Jesus’ coming sacrificial death and his saving work on behalf of all humanity. This is Jesus’ ultimate mission – to take away the sin of the world and restore people and the world to God’s original intent.
Stop to meditate on the idea that Jesus came to restore you and the world around you to God’s perfect, original intent. How do you feel, or what do you think about this? Share your thoughts with Jesus.
John the Baptist’s bold and prophetic statement wasn’t automatic. John came to believe that his cousin was the Messiah only by listening to God, watching for God’s confirmation and believing when he saw it. Because of John’s faith in God, he now has the privilege of announcing the Good News – the Chosen One of God has come, and all who put their trust in him will be baptized not only with water but with the Holy Spirit.
Imagine Jesus dipping you down into the presence of his Holy Spirit. Imagine experiencing the presence and power of the Holy Spirit dripping off of you as you rise. What emotions or thoughts arise as you picture this? Talk to Jesus about what you are thinking or feeling.
Read John 1:29-34 again pausing to reflect on the meaning of John’s bold statements about Jesus: “Look! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world…he existed long before me…[he] will baptize with the Holy Spirit…he is the Chosen One of God.”
If you identify as a follower of Jesus, how did you come to believe in him? If you are simply exploring Jesus, what led you to start that journey? Take a moment or two to write out a short version of your story, or simply tell your story to Jesus.
Which of John’s statements about Jesus speaks loudest to you today, or which aspect of John’s description of Jesus would you like to experience in a deeper way? Talk to Jesus about this and consider asking him for what you desire.
How does your understanding of who Jesus is mesh with John the Baptist’s bold statements about him? Take a few moments to contemplate what you might say about Jesus if you were “testifying” about him. Use these last few minutes to tell Jesus what you think and believe about him. Simply finish the statement, “Jesus, you are…” over and over.
If at any point in this time of meditation you have become aware of an action you need to take, write it down and then take a first step in that direction today.
Subscribe here to receive these guided meditations free by email Monday-Friday each week. If you find these meditations helpful, please forward them to a couple of friends.
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.
