Think of some of the most famous people that have been imitated before. Who comes to mind?
Elvis? He could possibly be the most impersonated guy in our modern world.
Read John 1:14-18.
Main Point: God’s faithfulness of love is manifested in the coming Messiah. It is through this that we receive grace. However, this brings us to our obvious question: "What is grace?" Take some time to write down your thoughts on grace.
A simple definition of grace is receiving what you do not deserve. We do not deserve heaven. We do not deserve to have a relationship with the Father. We do not deserve justification. But the grace of God, in order to show Himself glorious, extends itself to the most wicked of sinners. Further, it is no longer the Law (think back or check the point of the Law in the previous post). It is to serve as a tutor to bring us to Jesus.
Secondly, this passage tells us that Jesus has revealed God to us. Now here is arhetoricall question: Do you want to know God better? Well then, if Jesus reveals God, what should we do? How do we know what Jesus was like and grow to be more like Him and look at Jesus‚ life?
If you want to know God, KNOW JESUS!
Read John 1:19-34.
Main Point: John the Baptist (a.k.a. JTB), because of the greatness of Jesus, in humility denies being the Messiah and points to Jesus.
How great is Jesus? Wrestle with this and write your answers on the left side of a piece of paper.
Now on the other side, consider how great we are. Write down your thoughts.
How do the two compare?
We should follow JTB’s example and point others to Jesus as well.
Now read John 1:35-51.
Main Point: Jesus calls His first disciples.
These disciples went out to make more disciples who were given the task of making more disciples, etc. Eventually, they reach us. Now, what does it mean to be a disciple?
Here are some interesting things on what being a disciple meant:
1. That the rabbi thought you could be just like him (he believed you had the "junk”).
2. You learned how to think like the rabbi, basically becoming a replica (or clone) of the rabbi.
3. You followed him everywhere, learning about what he did in every aspect of life.
4. It was the greatest honor to be called to be a disciple of a rabbi.
All of this, Jesus means concerning us! We have been called to be disciples, to follow our rabbi (Jesus) everywhere and learn Him and how he loves others in all situations. Then, from there we imitate Him in all aspects of life. Welcome to being a disciple (if you are a believer). What an honor it is.
Wrapping up, consider the challenge to KNOW JESUS! If you have no plan that you are using now, then be encouraged to find one. If not, simply begin with the gospels and work your way through. Or, it would take you three weeks at a chapter a day to work through John.
Second, in humility glorify Christ, point to Him instead of yourself. Think of a way in which you can do that at school, work, etc. this week.
Lastly, while you learn and spend time with Jesus, remember to imitate Him in your daily life. Write down a situation that maybe you handled in a way that Jesus would not have handled it, and commit to changing that in your life next time.
Love God, love others
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