john 1:29-42
The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and declared, “Here is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world! This is he of whom I said, ‘After me comes a man who ranks ahead of me because he was before me.’ I myself did not know him; but I came baptizing with water for this reason, that he might be revealed to Israel.” And John testified, “I saw the Spirit descending from heaven like a dove, and it remained on him. I myself did not know him, but the one who sent me to baptize with water said to me, ‘He on whom you see the Spirit descend and remain is the one who baptizes with the Holy Spirit.’ And I myself have seen and have testified that this is the Son of God.”
The next day John again was standing with two of his disciples, and as he watched Jesus walk by, he exclaimed, “Look, here is the Lamb of God!” The two disciples heard him say this, and they followed Jesus. When Jesus turned and saw them following, he said to them, “What are you looking for?” They said to him, “Rabbi” (which translated means Teacher), “where are you staying?” He said to them, “Come and see.”
They came and saw where he was staying, and they remained with him that day. It was about four o’clock in the afternoon. One of the two who heard John speak and followed him was Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother. He first found his brother Simon and said to him, “We have found the Messiah” (which is translated Anointed). He brought Simon to Jesus, who looked at him and said, “You are Simon son of John. You are to be called Cephas” (which is translated Peter).
LISten
REFLECT
1. As one of the Elders expressed during their recent retreat, we often feel unprepared when it comes to expressing our faith. In what ways have you pondered your qualifications as a Christian?
2. If asked, what would be your response to the question of why you are a Christian? How would that question make you feel?
3. Have you ever felt as if your words were broken? Did the imperfection of your words prevent them from having an impact?
4. Is it uncomfortable to speak when you don't have the right words? If so, how do we as individuals and a church overcome this and speak anyway?
Pray
God of life and new life, you are splendid and strong. Your voice thunders above the sound of loud waters. You sit enthroned above the floods of life.
As Jesus heard you speak to him in his baptism, may we also hear you calling us your beloved, through Jesus Christ, your son, our brother. Amen.
Credits:
Created with images by lyng883 - "DSC04987- River Jordan-" • Frontierofficial - "Ghana Teaching Project"