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REFLECTION
Who is this Jesus?
by Mary Alice McGinnis
In this first chapter of the Gospel of John, the disciple John writes about another John. John the Baptist is described as an oddball kind of person that wandered around in clothes made of camel hair, eating locust and wild honey. According to Luke’s Gospel, John the Baptist first met his cousin, Jesus, when they were both still in their mothers’ wombs. Baby John leapt inside Elizabeth’s belly upon hearing the voice of his Savior’s mother, Mary. The Holy Spirit was already stirring in John's heart, even before he was born! Fast forward 30 years and John the Baptist tells us that he is preparing the way for the One who is to come after him - who was before him. As Jesus enters the scene, John cries out - "Look!" Some translations use the word BEHOLD! This was an emphatic declaration! Look, see, pay attention, don’t miss this!! John gives a blaring testimony, like a witness taking the stand in a courtroom. He cannot remain silent or neutral but is compelled to unveil the truth of what he has seen and heard. What was that truth? Who is this Jesus? Many thought he was just a good teacher. Others said Jesus was a prophet. Still, others just thought Jesus was a crazed lunatic at best and a deranged heretic at worst. But John testifies with boldness and clarity,
“Look (behold), the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world.” Even though Jesus was simply John’s cousin by birth, God had revealed to him exactly who Jesus was - the Chosen One of God. John was convinced beyond a shadow of any doubt that Jesus was the spotless Lamb, chosen from the foundation of the world, to be the atoning sacrifice for all sin, for the whole world, for all time.
"For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life handed down to you from your ancestors, but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect.
He was chosen before the creation of the world but was revealed in these last times for your sake.” 1 Peter 1:18-20
The Christmas Day of 2021 is now past. A new year has begun. On Christmas Eve, Pastor Steve reminded us that Christmas is just the beginning. The human life of the Savior had just begun. His mission here on this earth had just taken on flesh. Now, He wants to bring us new life, and new hope, and new joy right now. Life, hope, and joy that will LAST!
On this first day of 2022, what will you do with this Jesus? Lean into the sure and certain HOPE that Jesus is the SPOTLESS Lamb of God, and be filled with JOY of what He has done for YOU!
PRAYER PRACTICE
Breath Prayer: Take 2-3 minutes today to pray a simple breath prayer. Get somewhere quiet and relaxing. Breathe in deeply, and then breathe out fully. As you breathe in, ask God to fill you with His presence, love, peace, hope, etc. As you breathe out, offer to God the things you need Him to take from you – sin, doubt, shame, anxiety, fear, etc. Pray this way for just a few minutes, trusting God to work.
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