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Phillip hoped that Jesus was the “Prophet to Come” (1:45). God had always sent prophets to interpret the experiences of his people and instruct them in his ways. Moses was the first and greatest prophet, and he had said that one day another prophet like him would come (Deuteronomy 18:14-22). Was Jesus the one?
Prophets use words. The only way we understand anything is if words explain it. Each of us has a world of experiences every day. Do they have meaning? Is there a point? Is my life going in the right direction? I could use my own words to define my experience, but I’m not exactly objective. Or an inspired prophet. I need a perspective bigger than my own.
Thankfully, God speaks. Phillip knew this and hoped that Jesus would bring the ultimate, final message of God. Which Jesus did. But not only that—Jesus was both the messenger and the message. He was The Word. He was The Word spoken to create the world (Genesis 1:3) and he was The Word given to explain God. Because he was God.
How can we allow God to use his words to shape our understanding of the world we live in today? Ask him to show you the meaning of today’s moments (lunch, dishes, yard work, commuting) and the significance of today’s encounters (with family, friends, co-workers). Seen through the lens of his Word, everything in our lives has meaning.
Notes: Verses 1-18 are commonly known as the prologue to the whole gospel of John. Every major theme that is covered in the gospel is introduced in these first 18 verses. Look for the themes highlighted in these verses as you read through the gospel.
by Marc Lucenius
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- What is next?
- Day 21, John 21
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- Day 16, John 16
- Day 15, John 15
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- Day 8, John 8, Bonus Blog
- Day 8, John 8
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2 comments:
I love how John knew exactly who he was and was not. The humility he showed when he was sought out. How many times have I taken the opportunity to tell folks who I am.
John simply says who he is not. He is not Christ. He is not Elijah, nor is he The Prophet. Rather he is simply the voice of one. John does not let his ego, position or agenda take away from people recognizing Christ. He knew who Christ was and who he was not.
A lesson in humility by John!
Verse one is stunning. The Word was both with God and was God Himself. This shows 2/3 of the Trinity--a concept that really trips up some Jewish friends of mine who, in addition to thinking the concept of a trinity logically impossible, think the notion contradicts the statement of the Shema in Deuteronomy 6 that "The LORD is One."
Verses 32 through 34 speak of the Spirit of God. The picture of Gods person(s) is complete, if still remaining mysterious.
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