Our lives and ministries should be centered on directing others to Jesus, recognizing Him as the ultimate answer to our deepest needs. John the Baptist's ministry was a model of this, as he pointed people away from himself and toward Jesus, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world. This highlights the necessity of recognizing Jesus as the ultimate solution to our sin problem. In our own lives, we are called to emulate this focus, ensuring that our actions and words consistently point others to Christ. By doing so, we fulfill our purpose and help others find the true source of hope and salvation. [04:26]
John 1:29-30 (ESV): "The next day he saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, 'Behold, 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 before me, because he was before me.’"
Reflection: Who in your life can you intentionally point toward Jesus today, and how can you do so in a way that reflects His love and truth?
Day 2: Acknowledging Our Need for Salvation
Following Jesus is not about heroism but acknowledging our desperate need for salvation. We are like sheep in need of a shepherd, and Jesus, the Lamb of God, is the only one who can truly save us from our sins. This understanding shifts our perspective from self-reliance to dependence on Christ. It is a humbling realization that we cannot save ourselves, and it is only through Jesus that we find true redemption and peace. Embracing this truth allows us to live in the freedom and grace that He offers, knowing that our salvation is secure in Him. [06:34]
Isaiah 53:6 (ESV): "All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned—every one—to his own way; and the Lord has laid on him the iniquity of us all."
Reflection: In what areas of your life are you still trying to be your own savior, and how can you surrender these to Jesus today?
Day 3: Experiencing Spiritual Transformation
Jesus invites us to come and see, offering a deeper understanding of spiritual truths. This invitation is a call to experience the transformative power of His presence, moving beyond the physical to the spiritual. By accepting this invitation, we open ourselves to the profound changes that occur when we encounter Jesus. Our spiritual sight is sharpened, and we begin to see the world through His eyes, understanding His purposes and plans for our lives. This transformation is ongoing, as we continually seek His presence and allow His truth to shape our hearts and minds. [12:00]
Ephesians 1:17-18 (ESV): "That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of him, having the eyes of your hearts enlightened, that you may know what is the hope to which he has called you, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints."
Reflection: How can you intentionally seek to experience the transformative presence of Jesus in your daily routine this week?
Day 4: Embracing Our New Identity in Christ
Jesus has the authority to change our identity, just as He renamed Simon to Peter. In Christ, we receive a new identity, reflecting our transformation and the unique purpose He has for each of us. This new identity is not based on our past or our failures but on who we are in Him. It is a powerful reminder that we are loved, chosen, and called to live out His purposes. Embracing this identity allows us to walk in confidence and freedom, knowing that our worth and value are found in Christ alone. [15:20]
2 Corinthians 5:17 (ESV): "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come."
Reflection: What aspects of your old identity do you need to let go of to fully embrace who you are in Christ?
Day 5: Finding Comfort in His Knowledge
Jesus knows our internal and external conditions, providing comfort and assurance. His intimate knowledge of our lives reminds us that we are never alone, and His presence is a source of peace in every circumstance. This understanding brings great comfort, as we realize that nothing about us is hidden from Him. He knows our struggles, fears, and desires, and He walks with us through every season of life. Trusting in His knowledge and presence allows us to rest in His care, knowing that He is always with us and for us. [24:34]
Psalm 139:1-3 (ESV): "O Lord, you have searched me and known me! You know when I sit down and when I rise up; you discern my thoughts from afar. You search out my path and my lying down and are acquainted with all my ways."
Reflection: How can you remind yourself of Jesus' intimate knowledge and presence in your life when you face challenges or uncertainties?
Sermon Summary
In this message, we explore the profound glory of Jesus Christ as revealed in the Gospel of John. The central theme is the unveiling of Jesus' glory, which is meant to be continually experienced by believers as they engage with the Gospel. This glory is not just a historical fact but a present reality that offers grace upon grace to those who see and believe. The message is structured around seven glimpses of Jesus' glory, each revealing a unique aspect of His divine nature and mission.
Firstly, Jesus is the goal of John the Baptist's ministry. John's purpose was to direct people away from himself and towards Jesus, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world. This highlights the necessity of recognizing Jesus as the ultimate solution to our sin problem. Secondly, Jesus is the sin remover, emphasizing that following Him is not an act of heroism but a desperate need for salvation. We are like sheep in need of a shepherd, and Jesus is the only one who can truly save us.
Thirdly, Jesus is the giver of spiritual sight. He invites us to come and see, offering a deeper understanding of spiritual truths beyond the physical realm. This invitation is a call to experience the transformative power of His presence. Fourthly, Jesus is the Messiah, the anointed one who fulfills the prophecies and promises of God. His identity as the Messiah is central to our faith and hope.
Fifthly, Jesus has the authority to change our identity. Just as He renamed Simon to Peter, He gives each believer a new identity, reflecting our transformation in Him. Sixthly, Jesus commands allegiance with sovereign authority. Our choice to follow Him is a response to His divine initiative, underscoring the grace that draws us to Him. Lastly, Jesus knows our internal and external conditions. His intimate knowledge of our lives is a source of comfort and assurance, reminding us that we are never alone.
Key Takeaways
1. -PdpfE&t=266s'>[04:26] 2. Desperate Need for a Savior: Following Jesus is not about heroism but acknowledging our desperate need for salvation. We are like sheep in need of a shepherd, and Jesus, the Lamb of God, is the only one who can truly save us from our sins.
3. Spiritual Sight and Understanding: Jesus invites us to come and see, offering a deeper understanding of spiritual truths. This invitation is a call to experience the transformative power of His presence, moving beyond the physical to the spiritual.
4. New Identity in Christ: Jesus has the authority to change our identity, just as He renamed Simon to Peter. In Christ, we receive a new identity, reflecting our transformation and the unique purpose He has for each of us.
5. Intimate Knowledge and Comfort: Jesus knows our internal and external conditions, providing comfort and assurance. His intimate knowledge of our lives reminds us that we are never alone, and His presence is a source of peace in every circumstance.
What does John 1:14-16 reveal about the nature of Jesus' glory and its impact on believers? How does this passage connect to the sermon’s theme of experiencing "grace upon grace"? [01:23]
In John 1:35-37, what was John the Baptist's role in directing his disciples towards Jesus, and how did they respond? [04:10]
How does Jesus' interaction with Simon in John 1:42 demonstrate His authority to change identities? What significance does this have in the context of the sermon? [14:05]
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Interpretation Questions:
How does the concept of Jesus as the "Lamb of God" who takes away the sin of the world challenge or affirm your understanding of salvation? [05:29]
In what ways does Jesus' invitation to "come and see" in John 1:39 extend beyond a physical invitation, and what does it mean for spiritual understanding? [12:00]
How does the sermon illustrate the importance of recognizing Jesus' intimate knowledge of our internal and external conditions? Why is this knowledge considered comforting? [24:34]
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Application Questions:
Reflect on your own life and ministry. How can you ensure that your actions and words point others to Jesus as John the Baptist did? What specific changes might you need to make? [04:26]
Consider your current spiritual journey. Are there areas where you are following Jesus out of desperation rather than heroism? How can acknowledging your need for a Savior transform your relationship with Him? [06:34]
Jesus offers a deeper understanding of spiritual truths. What steps can you take this week to move beyond the physical and engage more deeply with the spiritual aspects of your faith? [12:00]
Jesus has the authority to change our identity. Reflect on how your identity in Christ has transformed you. Are there areas where you still struggle to embrace this new identity? [15:20]
Jesus knows our internal and external conditions. How does this knowledge impact your trust in Him during difficult times? Can you recall a situation where this understanding provided comfort? [24:34]
Identify a specific area in your life where you feel alone or misunderstood. How can the assurance of Jesus' intimate knowledge of your situation bring you peace and confidence? [24:56]
Think of someone in your life who might be seeking spiritual truth. How can you invite them to "come and see" Jesus in a way that is meaningful and authentic? [21:37]
Sermon Clips
The word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only son from the father full of grace and truth. In verse 16 and from that fullness of Grace and Truth and Glory we have all received Grace upon Grace. [00:01:18]
John's Ministry exists to get people to leave him and go to Jesus because Jesus is the Lamb. Jesus is followed by these two because he's a sin remover. Animals can't do it, the Lamb of God can do it. Following Jesus is first and foremost not heroic. I'm desperate, I'm a sinner, I need a savior. [00:04:23]
You follow Jesus like sheep follow a Shepherd. I'm hungry, I'm needy, I'm lost, I'm desperate, I'm a sinner, wolves abound, save me. That's the way we follow Jesus. If that's too little for you, you're not ready yet, you're too big. We're just sheep, we're desperate for a savior. [00:06:16]
Jesus turned and saw them following and said to them, what are you seeking? They said to him Rabbi which means teacher where are you staying? He said to them come and you will see. So they came and saw where he was staying and they stayed with him for that day. [00:07:30]
Jesus intentionally uses language at multiple levels of meaning. He deals with people who are at one level of meaning while he's working at another level of meaning and he's trying to draw him down into where he is. That's what's going on again and again and again in this gospel. [00:08:20]
Jesus has the authority to change your identity. Jesus looked at him and said so you are Simon son of John you shall be called sephus which means Peter. In John's gospel there's not a word of explanation about this. The point is I change your name period next Point anybody else want to talk. [00:13:45]
He does that for every one of you who will come to him. Now how do I know that it's not just Peter who gets a new name? You get a new name. I'll read you where Jesus said that and I'll tell you where it is to the one who conquers I will give some of the Hidden mana. [00:15:25]
Jesus knows our internal and external condition. Jesus saw Nathaniel coming toward him and said of him behold an Israelite indeed in whom there is no deceit. Nathaniel said to him how do you know me and Jesus answered him before Philip called you when you were under the Fig Tree I saw you. [00:20:42]
Jesus knows two kind of things about everybody. He knows what's on the outside your circumstances whether you on a fig tree or not and he knows your inside and whether you're deceitful or not. He knows two things about everybody he knows you're inside he knows you're outside. [00:22:39]
It's a great grace that Jesus today the Son of God the king of Israel knows our condition outside if you're alone sometime and you get into trouble and nobody knows it you're all by yourself and you're in big trouble Jesus knows it you are never in a situation that nobody knows about. [00:24:36]
I sometimes wonder not whether anybody has had a sorrow that I have or an anger that I have or a desire that I have I know they they they have had those but they've never had mine they've never had this sorrow meaning mine this anger this lust this whatever ever nobody has ever been in my skin. [00:33:00]
I know it better than you know it I know it I'm there I'm in you I am you I am crucified with Christ it is no longer I who live but Christ who lives in me I find that a huge relief I'm not alone neither with regard to my external circumstances nor with regard to the uniqueness. [00:34:34]