Where Are You Looking?
"Why were your headquarters so nice?" asked my friend. I was puzzled. "What do you mean?" I thought to myself. "The ministry wanted to take care of the staff so we could serve Jesus." He said, "Really? What about the indoor waterfall?" His question exposed me: It's possible to be surrounded by Scripture, talking about Jesus, and still be promoting oneself.
John 1:6-13
There was a man sent from God whose name was John. He came as a witness to testify about the light, so that all might believe through him. He was not the light, but he came to testify about the light. The true light that gives light to everyone was coming into the world. He was in the world, and the world was created through him, and yet the world did not recognize him. He came to his own, and his own people did not receive him. But to all who did receive him, he gave them the right to be children of God, to those who believe in his name, who were born, not of natural descent, or of the will of the flesh, or of the will of man, but of God.
Yesterday we looked up. Today, we look sideways. John tells us the true light came into the world. God stepped into our darkness so we could become his children. It's a stunning promise of a new identity. Usually, identity comes from being born into a noble family or willing yourself into a higher station in life. But John says that receiving this light makes you God-born. Yet John holds off on telling us the light's identity. Instead, he introduces us to John, who was not the light. And he deepens the conflict: God's people rejected God. They had the prophecies and the preparation. But they were so invested in defending themselves as God's special people that they couldn't recognize God when he arrived. It's possible to stand in the light but only see darkness. So, John's story draws us in and asks if we want to see God. The world didn't recognize him. Neither did his people. As we look around, some people are pointing to themselves. But John the Baptist could see the light. Are you looking for the light?
Reflection Questions
Why does John make sure we know the Baptist "was not the light"?
The true light came into the world, but "the world did not recognize him." What keeps people from recognizing Jesus?
What does it mean to "receive" Jesus according to this passage?
One Thing to Try
John the Baptist's job was to point to Jesus so others could believe. Think of one person in your life who helped you see Jesus more clearly. Share who it was with your friend, and how they helped you see.