John 1:35-51
Tuesday, 4 May 2021
“We have found Him of whom Moses in the Law and also the Prophets wrote – Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph.” - John 1:45
In today’s reading portion we can see John the Baptist who found Jesus as the ‘Lamb of God’ Vs-36, the first disciples saw Jesus as the ‘Messiah’ Vs-41, Philip calls Jesus as ‘Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph’ Vs-45 and Nathanael saw Jesus as the ‘King of Israel’ Vs-49.
It’s really sad when we come across to people who have just known Jesus as a historical character in the books of Bible and more so when people cannot see Him as a Creator. Some think that Jesus’ existence was only during His life on earth. They have their own concept but unfortunately nobody tries to search the truth from the Word of God.
Let’s get to know Jesus through the above three names:
The Lamb of God: The symbol of the lamb has its roots in the Old Testament and was a shadow of Christ. For centuries people sacrificed animals. For the Jews a lamb was the main animal of sacrifice, which they offered to God for their sins. Jesus is called the Lamb of God because He is the perfect and complete sacrifice offered to God for our sins. In 1Peter 1:18-19 we are told, ‘’you were ransomed… not with perishable things like silver or gold but with the precious blood of Christ as of a spotless unblemished lamb.” There is no need for us to offer a sacrifice because Jesus died for our sins to make us right with God. Hebrews 10:14 says: “For by one sacrifice he has made perfect forever those who are being made holy.” Because He was sinless, Jesus could take our place and die for our sins. Because He was the Son of God, He could die for the sins of the whole world.
The Messiah: The word comes from a Hebrew word ‘mashiach’ which means ‘anointed one’ or ‘chosen one’. The Old Testament predicted a coming Deliverer, chosen by God to redeem Israel. The Jews called this Deliverer as Messiah. Though many of the prophecies they knew pointed to Jesus as their Messiah, may failed to believe in Him. The ultimate evidence that Jesus is indeed the promised Messiah is His resurrection from the dead.
Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph: The description given by Philip is how people knew Jesus before they learned about His deity. They were ignorant about His birth in Bethlehem. It’s legally true but not actually. Unfortunately even today many think as Philip did. They chose to label Him as the son of a carpenter who lived an exemplary life.
The King: Nathanael recognizes who Jesus is because of the knowledge Jesus had of him. He is verbalizing his recognition of Jesus’ authority over him and his submission to Christ. But today we understand that Jesus is the King of Kings, who reigns in our hearts now and will one day come to rule as King for all eternity.
Jesus is the same yesterday, today and forever (Heb.13:5)- He was a Lamb for us, He is our Messiah and He will be King who will rule over all when he comes back to earth. For us- our yesterday is gone, tomorrow is yet to come- but as we live today, let’s receive this Messiah into our hearts who will take all of our sins, deliver us from the bondage of sins and take us to eternity when He comes back as King of kings!
Prayer: Dear Lord Jesus, I invite you to be my Saviour and King who will rule over my life! Amen.