Observation and Principles

Today’s Reading: John 1:35-42

It is two days after John the Baptist was questioned by the Priests, Levites, and Pharisees and the day after he first saw Jesus.

To be honest, I don’t know if these are literally “the next day” or if they are John (the author’s) way of saying “The next thing that happened.” I don’t think that it really matters either way, and for the purpose of this blog, I am going to assume that they are referring to literal days.

I must decrease.

In two days, John the Baptist has seen Jesus twice. Both times, John proclaims, “The Son of God,” and “The Lamb of God!”

By this time, John the Baptist had a pretty good following of disciples. Most people, when they get in some position of power, do everything within their power to hold on to that power. Upon seeing Jesus, John the Baptist didn’t hesitate to say, “Hey guys, stop following me. This Jesus, He’s the one you should be paying attention to. He’s the one with the answers. He’s the one I’ve been talking about all along.”

John the Baptist gave up his own power (over his disciples) to proclaim the truth of Jesus. One of the hardest things that we have to face as Christians is stepping aside, giving up self, so that Jesus can be glorified. The truth is, that God deserves all the glory, and we deserve none of it. I have a hard time with getting that idea switched around backwards and taking all the glory for myself.

The excitement of a new believer

Jesus’s first two disciples had originally been followers of John the Baptist (v. 35-36). Andrew and an unnamed disciple (probably John, the author of the gospel), saw Jesus, heard John the Baptist’s proclamation, and left to follow the Messiah.

“The first thing Andrew did was to find his brother Simon and tell him, ‘We have found the Messiah.’” (v. 41)

Do you remember the enthusiasm and passion you felt as a new believer? For me, it has been a long time since I was a “baby Christian”, but sometimes I find that passion welling up inside of me, and I cannot contain my delight and thankfulness. I want to laugh, dance, and tell the world–all at the same time.

The Jews has been waiting for the Messiah for hundreds of years. When Andrew started following Jesus, he probably wanted to laugh, and dance, and tell everyone around him. We do know that the first thing he did was go invite his brother Simon (Peter) to the celebration.

What would Jesus Name you?

The last scene in today’s Bible reading is Jesus’ first meeting with Peter. I always laugh when I imagine the scene.

In Bible times, a person’s name was very significant. If you think back to Old Testament stories, God often renamed the Bible fathers at a time when they began to follow him. Some examples of people whose names were changed: Abram/Abraham–exalted father/father of many, Jacob/Israel–the Deceiver/wrestles with God.

The name, “Simon” means “One who hears” or “obedient.” Jesus met Simon and recognized his impulsive nature and hot temper. Jesus says, “Simon, you are rocky. You name will be Cephas (Peter) which means rock.”

I imagine that Andrew was laughing in the background thinking, “You could say that again.” and Jesus sat back with a smile knowing that Simon Peter would truly become a rock who hears from God and obeys. After Jesus’s death and resurrection, Peter became rock solid in his faith and mission of building the Church.

I wonder what name Jesus would give me? What secret story does He hold for my future?

Popularity: 53% [?]