Epiphany 2

Epiphany 2

19 January 2014

John 1:29-34

There are moments in our lives where we simply must share. The list is endless. The birth of a child. An engagement. A new job. Scroll down a Facebook news feed and you will see what’s happening in people’s lives. Some events are life changing…some are downright boring. Yet, it’s noteworthy for them!

It’s easy to talk about exciting things we have seen. When we experience something exciting we want to tell everyone; parents, family and friends. Sometimes people we might not really know.

In our Gospel for today (John 1:29-42) John tells us – “I myself have seen and have testified that this is the Son of God. “ (vs.34) John would remind us that Jesus is the Son of God based on what he has seen and based on what he has witnessed.

John bore witness with his own eyes. “I saw it happen! My witness stands. This is the Son of God!” What did John see? He saw the Spirit descending in the form of a dove, lighting upon Jesus and remaining.

John’s message is simple. This is the Son of God. Sent in the fullness of time. Assumed human nature. And has the Holy Spirit bestowed on Him without measure. John simply reports the words He has heard from heaven. This is my beloved Son. As the Son of God, He is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world. His baptism with the Holy Spirit gives life and light to all.  The testimony of John will always have its focus on Jesus.

A man is remembered by five attributes. His character. His conversation. His conduct. His contributions. His creed.

His character – who his is.

His conversation – what he says.

His conduct – what he does.                                                         

His contributions – what he gives.
His creed- what he believes.

With respect to Jesus’ character – It is flawless.

As to His conversation – even His enemies said, “Never a man spoke as He.” All were astonished at the powerful things He said. His words have resounded for over 2,000 years. Changing the lives of millions.

Jesus’ conduct – It was impeccable. He lived the perfect and sinless life.

And what did He contribute? Hope to the hopeless, sight to the blind. The lame man that asked for alms Jesus gave him legs. He gives eternal life to all who believe.

Jesus’ creed - He is the eternal, pre-existent Son of God. He proved this when He rose from the dead.

The message continues - The testimony of the early eyewitnesses cannot be denied. And we too have witnessed this in our own lives. A world still needs to hear and you are the voice, the arms, the feet of Christ. John bore witness and so do you. Continue and carry on even in this New Year. Gossip the Gospel Be a sermon in shoes!