DAY #143: John 1:29-51

Every morning and evening, a lamb was sacrificed in the Temple for the sins of the people (Exodus 29:38-42). Isaiah 53:7 prophesied that the Messiah, God’s servant, would be led to the slaughter like a lamb. To pay the penalty for sin, a life had to be given—God chose to provide the sacrifice himself.

When Jesus died as the perfect sacrifice, he removed the sin of the world and destroyed the power of sin itself. Thus God forgives our sin (1 Corinthians 5:7). In calling Jesus the Lamb of God, John pointed to Jesus as the substitutionary sacrifice provided by God.

Jesus takes away the sin of the world. The Greek word for “takes away” can also mean “take up.” Jesus took away our sin by taking it upon himself. This is the image depicted in Isaiah 53:4-9 and 1 Peter 2:24. Jesus paid the price of our sin by his death. We claim the forgiveness he provided by first taking ownership of our sin.

These disciples of John the Baptist were Andrew and John, the writer of this Gospel. Both these men had followed John the Baptist until he pointed them to the Lamb of God, Jesus Christ. Why did these disciples leave John the Baptist? Because that’s what John wanted them to do—he was pointing the way to Jesus, the one John had prepared them to follow.

After spending a day with Jesus, Andrew immediately went to find his brother Simon (who would later be named Peter) and tell him that he had found the Messiah, or the Christ.
Andrew brought Simon to meet Jesus. Andrew appears two more times in this Gospel; each time he is bringing people to Jesus. Jesus’ first two disciples (Andrew and John) sought out Jesus. Andrew brought the third disciple, Peter, to Jesus. Jesus sought out the fourth disciple, Philip. Jesus looked for him, found him, and called him to be his disciple. Next, we see that Philip brings Nathanael to Christ.

Jesus’ direct, intimate knowledge of him must have taken Nathanael by surprise. If we remember that God’s grace and love come to us even though he knows all about us, we may find ourselves being even more grateful to him. Jesus had been aware of Nathanael’s exact location before Philip called him. Jesus had seen Nathanael studying the Scriptures before Philip had called him to come and see Jesus. Instantly, Nathanael realized that Jesus is the Son of God and the King of Israel.

The early disciples of Jesus were well versed in the Scriptures. Life in the small towns of Israel revolved around the synagogue, where the Old Testament was constantly read, taught, and argued. Unlike many of the studied religious leaders of the day, these simple men understood the Scriptures, and knew what to look for. So when the Messiah came, they recognized him!

SO WHAT? (what will I do with what I have read today?)

It's pretty clear. We are called to bring people to Jesus. He will do the rest. Lord, raise up an army of believers here in the SRV who will be witnesses for you. Raise up folks who will be unashamed of speaking for You and standing for You.

"For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek." Romans 1:16 (NKJV)

Lord, when people come to know You - use COV to build them and disciple them and equip them and train them. Give our people a heart to follow You like this. Lord, I pray for our people now - may each one reach one and build one in this next year. Lord, don't let people get in a rut. Don't let our people get comfortable or apathetic. Everyday, birth within them a desire to be Your people and wholeheartedly follow you.