More about John...

The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, "Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world! This is the one I meant when I said, 'A man who comes after me has surpassed me because he was before me.' I myself did not know him, but the reason I came baptizing with water was that he might be revealed to Israel." John 1:29-31 (NIV)

The next day John was there again with two of his disciples. When he saw Jesus passing by, he said, "Look, the Lamb of God!"

When the two disciples heard him say this, they followed Jesus. Turning around, Jesus saw them following and asked, "What do you want?"

They said, "Rabbi" (which means Teacher), "where are you staying?"

"Come," he replied, "and you will see."

So they went and saw where he was staying, and spent that day with him. It was about the tenth hour.

Andrew, Simon Peter's brother, was one of the two who heard what John had said and who had followed Jesus. The first thing Andrew did was to find his brother Simon and tell him, "We have found the Messiah" (that is, the Christ). And he brought him to Jesus.

Jesus looked at him and said, "You are Simon son of John. You will be called Cephas" (which, when translated, is Peter). — John 1:35-42 (NIV)

Several of you let me know that Sunday’s post really challenged you. I think that’s what God had in mind, because like you, it truly challenged me. Yet I find John is still walking around in my head, as if his story still needs to be told. Or perhaps the writer in me is just trying to understand a character not well defined in the Bible.

What struck me from the above verses was how the two disciples following John left him and followed Jesus. One of whom was Peter, the one who Jesus planned to build his church upon. Again the picture shows John’s mission of preparing things for Jesus. He enlisted these two men for the Messiah’s cause and then released them to the Lord he’d faithfully served.

But did he wonder? Did he watch these two men go with Jesus and long to go with them? Did he wonder why he wasn’t destined to be one of the twelve—a confidant and friend to the long awaited One?

After all, he’d spent his whole life preparing for this time, didn’t he? At least as far as what we’re told in the Bible, his life course was set from the womb. And as we know from God’s Word in Psalm 139, even before that.

We could argue that John didn’t wish or long to be a part of this select group, because his calling was as necessary as the disciples. He had his place, his roll to play in a most important story. But I can’t help thinking that some small and very human part of him wanted to be included, to be like the rest. To fit into this elite crowd, instead of walking a seemingly lonely path to his death.

How often have we found ourselves in this very same position? Wishing we were some place else. Comparing our position with others and longing for the same circumstances. Watching couples at church, and aching to know, even just for a moment, what it feels like to have your spouse at your side, worshipping the one true God. Longing to know what it’s like to pray with your spouse over the issues you’re both facing together. Desperate for your children to see you both united by a common faith.

Maybe John did feel left out at times and maybe he did wish he could be one of the disciples instead of missing all the action with Jesus while he sat in a prison. But he must have overcome these feelings and doubts, because even when it meant risking everything, he did what he’d been sent to do. He spoke the truth and stayed his course.

The path of the unequally yoked is one of the hardest I’ve ever had to walk and am still walking. It’s easy to get lost in wishes, wonderments and longings, and miss the big picture. John may not have had the glory of the twelve, but he proved himself faithful and never wavered in his service. He may have had doubts, but he didn’t run away or give up.

Perhaps his resolve and strength came from having the Holy Spirit. John wasn’t set on his mission and left to flounder, just as we aren’t either. Jesus sent reassurance to John, letting him know his cause was just and complete. And he praised John for what he’d done.

And in those glimpses I catch the reality of John. He didn’t come to serve men but to serve Christ. In the end, it didn’t matter how he fit in or what he did or didn’t have. He fulfilled his calling to prepare the way for Jesus. As simple as that.

John kept his eyes on Jesus. He knew it wasn’t about him but about the mighty God he served. And that’s where I find inspiration. John’s story wasn’t about him, it was about Jesus.

And preparing the way.

Praying, believing, and preparing…
Dineen

Comments

[ann_in_grace]

You write:
"One of whom was Peter, the one who Jesus planned to build his church upon."

I have a problem with this statement, because I believe Jesus is the Rock, and Peter was a stone.
How do you mean then?

[Dineen Miller]

Hi Ann,
Thank you for your comment and for making me examine my words. I can see how that could be confusing and I should have worded it more in the sense of Jesus' calling on Peter to lead the disciples and begin building the church. You are right that Christ is our foundation, our "Rock." Peter is the one he sent to lead the disciples and be an early voice of Christ's teachings. His name also translates to mean "rock."

Peter's role in the church eventually became more like a bridge in his efforts to keep the diverse strands of early Christianity unified.

I hope that clarifies a bit more. Again, thank you for keeping me accountable. :-)

[Lynn]

Dineen,

I really related to this post.

He fulfilled his calling to prepare the way for Jesus. As simple as that.... It is our calling too...

Oh to just rest in this. Thank you.

[Dee]

Another excellent post! Jesus said that John was a "burning and shining light". Would Jesus said that of me? I know the answer and my light is not shining or burning bright enough, ouch! This devotion has challenged me!!

[Angela]

You know Dineen the more I read about John the more I want to know. I know we are to strive to become more like Christ and the way he lived his life but if we study others in the Bible we can learn so much from them. We can related to their struggles and to their victories through Jesus Christ. Many had faith so great yet did not have the word to read every day. We do and still fail to do so. How faithful they were and how slack we can be today. The great thing is God still loves us just as he did John, Peter, Paul or any one else. That is what makes it so great. Hope you have a great week.

[Tamara]

thank you dineen, the comparison John to the other disiples and we in our church community is great - thank you for showing me again: each of us has a calling - all have the same God - John wasnt a disciple with the 12 others - and apostel peter - he was hung upside down to die - a horrible death - john got to die quickly with his head chopped off - silly comparison from me but it got me thinking: we dont know what is tomorrow - so like lynn wrote: let us rest in exactly this spot where Jesus has put us. hugs, Tamara

[Dineen Miller]

LOL! I love what you said, Tamara. It's so perfect. You definitely hit the nail on the head. :-)