John 1 Devo

John 1

Okay, anyone else saying what in the world is going on? Please know before you get frustrated and give up you are reading through the TOUGHEST PART OF JOHN in verses 1-18. DO NOT GIVE UP HERE. In summary, verses 1-18 establish that Jesus is the Word, he is God, he is a separate entity (being) from God, he is the way to eternal life, and when you receive him you have the right to be a child of God. If you want to dig in and really study these verses you can check out the Blog post Is Jesus God on this site, but that is as far as we will go on this devotion.

In verses 19-28 we see John struggling to let others know he is not Jesus. John is clear that he cannot save anyone, he is not THE light, and he cannot give someone the Holy Spirit. He is the table setter preparing the way for Jesus. We need to acknowledge that we, like John, can save no one. We can’t make someone meet God and we are not the leaders. GOD IS. We are not the shepherd, we are the watch dogs running around in circles trying to help the sheep look at the shepherd. God is the shepherd, we are just watch dogs.

Do you ever get over focused on the watch dog and lose focus of the shepherd? Do we ever try to impress others with our faith? Parents, pastors, friends, girlfriend/boyfriend? Take this time to refocus on God over anyone else.

Reread verse 29. What does this mean? Why/How would the Son of God (Jesus) do this?

Jesus calls on Simon and names him Peter (rock). As you will see, Peter is anything but a rock. He doesn’t think, he is over anxious, he lacks wisdom, and even unfaithful. However, when Jesus dies Peter pick up the baton and helps start the first churches that follow Christ. Even though Peter was a mess, Jesus always had a plan for him.

Do you know that God has a PLAN FOR YOU?

As you follow Jesus that plan becomes more clear and attainable. ARE YOU OPEN TO GOD’S PLAN?

We also see the calling of Nathanael. I love that Nathanael doesn’t believe and then something simple like Jesus saw him under a fig tree instantly turns him around. Jesus basically says, “Why do you believe in me because I saw you under a tree? I could have just been using binoculars! You have seen nothing.” Jesus tells Nathanael he will see great things when he follows. We also see our second title for Jesus: “Son of Man”.

In what ways have you seen God do great things? If you are struggling to answer this, in what ways have you truly followed him?

As we commit to truly following Christ in our day to day walks, in what ways do you want to see God show up? This is not get a raise when you skip work, find a new girlfriend when you don’t shower, or get a great grade when you didn’t study. What ways do you want to see God show up for his kingdom?

The disciples had Jesus to follow, but how can we follow God in our lives? What is God calling you to do for Him?

THANKS FOR READING GUYS AND GALS. IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS FEEL FREE TO LEAVE A COMMENT ON THE BLOG OR IF IT IS PERSONAL YOU CAN FACEBOOK ME AT WILLIAM KRANZ.