Day 3 - Who is Jesus to You? | February Devotional in the Gospel of John
John 1:29 The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, “Behold! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!...34 And I have seen and testified that this is the Son of God.”...36 And looking at Jesus as He walked, he said, “Behold the Lamb of God!”
John and Jesus were related because their mothers, Elizabeth and Mary, were related (Luke 1:36). Sometimes family familiarity or friendship gets in the way of recognizing someone's greater purpose. Jesus encountered this for a season during His earthly ministry. (Matthew 12:46-50). He also said, “A prophet is honored everywhere except in his own hometown and among his relatives and his own family.” (Mark 6:4)
However, this was not a problem with John. Beyond the family connection and familiarity, he recognized Jesus in His messianic purpose. John was the forerunner and prophetic voice for Jesus. He recognized Him as "the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world" and "the Son of God." Not much was written about their relationship though it is likely they interacted in some family way.
The key for John, and for us, is that he never failed to honor, recognize, and testify to the identity and purpose of the Lord Jesus Christ. In a world full of personalities and lesser "messiahs," we also do well to always recognize, honor, and, testify to the unique and life-changing place of Christ in our lives.
That recognition of Christ should inform our choices, lifestyle, and interactions with others. Anything less puts Jesus on the same level as our other interests.
Reflection Question: How do you specifically recognize Jesus in your life beyond words and thoughts?
Action item:
