From time to time, stories of people who’ve taken advantage of celebrities in their families surface in the news. Athletes, artists, actors—it happens again and again.
John, the cousin of Jesus, had such an opportunity. He could have easily boasted that Jesus was his cousin (Luke 1:36). But he didn’t. In fact, of Jesus he said, “He must become greater and greater, and I must become less and less” (John 3:30).
When John bumped into Jesus one day, instead of boasting that He was family, John told his followers, “Look! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!” (John 3:29). The next day, when John was with two of his disciples, “Jesus walked by, [and] John looked at him and declared, ‘Look! There is the Lamb of God!’ ” (John 3:36).
Some people like to say Jesus is the One who solves our problems, gives us healthy self-esteem, makes us happy, heals our diseases, and helps us prosper financially. To present Jesus as the One who came to deal with our sins can be viewed as uncool, unappealing, insufficient, even offensive—for there are those who don’t see that they have a sin problem.
John, however, presented Jesus as the Lamb of God (John 3:29,36). He understood that our ultimate need is to deal with our sin—our rebellion against God. Jesus died so that we might be restored in our relationship with Him. Before the Savior was born, an angel told Joseph—His earthly father—to name Him Jesus, “for he will save his people from their sins” (Matthew 1:21).
Like John, we are now part of Jesus’ family (John 1:12). We’re “brothers and sisters” by His blood (1 Peter 1:18-20; Hebrews 2:10-11). Because He’s the Lamb of God who takes away our sins, we can call Him our brother and Savior!
NLT 365-day reading plan passage for today: Judges 16:1-21
More:
Read Matthew 12:48-50 and Hebrews 2:10-18to find out more about how you’re related to Jesus.
Next:
Why do you think we’re sometimes slow—reluctant even—to tell others about our relationship with Jesus? This coming week, who can you tell about Jesus—your brother and Savior?
Gary Shultz on March 13, 2016 at 6:49 am
K.T., you bring an interesting point. To “show boat” anything about our faith is probably not coming from the roots of good understanding or appreciation. I would like to take a part of that from the “next” section and respond. In today’s society I find it very difficult to do “cold call” witnessing. So many have paraded being a christian as a cheap, get well, be well, we’re part of the club venture. I find it now takes building trust, washing away bad manners and words and starting with humble, honest words that explain the relational aspect of our faith instead of a three ring circus. We need more people with the humbleness of John. Thanks K.T.
jim spillane on March 13, 2016 at 2:38 pm
Gary – even though I have “a famous relative,” I find it difficult to witness about Him. For some reason, I don’t seem to do a good job with it. So I’ve decided to put my “great commission” on hold for a time while I look for ways to improve. I continue to pray for guidance, I’ve drilled down on some of my true Christian friends in an effort to understand their techniques, and I’ve even gotten a copy of Pastor Greg Laurie’s new book “Tell Someone,” which I have almost completed. I certainly agree when you state that “it is very difficult to do ‘cold call’ witnessing,” and I’m not quite ready for that yet. My experiences have been with the many friends I have who are not believers, and are very analytical thinkers. If they can’t explain it, they don’t believe it. And you and I well know that there is much to the Bible that we just can’t explain. Abraham Lincoln, in a letter to a friend, wrote “I am profitably engaged in reading the Bible. Take as much of this book on reason that you can, and take the rest of it on faith, and you will live and die a better man.” Many times that idea is tough to get across. But my challenge continues, and I will not be defeated (how can I lose when I have Christ on/at my side.) Sorry for the long-winded reply, but as is so often the case, you got me thinking. Blessings to you, my friend.
Gary Shultz on March 14, 2016 at 6:58 am
Jim, once again you have very kind. What amazes me is that you have a relative of social stature also. I did not mention it; however, my brother often appears on the Outdoor Channel. Since I live and often circulate in rural and small town settings people often look at me say I look familiar. So much for that….I to also have been witnessing to a family member. It is a slow process of building trust for me and her. She is a very sharp lady as you indicate with some of your friends. I have also found I can do nothing unless God is in the picture. God is drawing, I just keep conversation pointed to Him. Witnessing to the analytical adult is not a slam dunk, at least the way I find it, it may be at times, but a lot of barriers have been built, a lot of folks have done disservice to the cause of Christ and we find very skeptical people. As you know, I’m sure, when God moves He is able, all I want to do is be the part He has allowed me to be. Cold call, hot call, we pick up the part God has allowed for us and become an earthly part of a heavenward process. May your steps be blessed as you find the place God has for you. You’re a good man Jim, thank you.