John 1:35-42
When the first disciples came to Jesus, it was because of John the Baptist's testimony. He referred to Jesus as the Lamb of God (vs. 36). This was overheard by two men who then turned to follow Jesus, eventually becoming his disciples (vs. 37). We infer from their confession and statements that these men were familiar with the Old Testament and the scriptures and the coming Messiah (vs. 41, 45). The fact that John's words and testimony had such an impact would also lead us to believe that these men were familiar with his ministry and who he was and who he served. So when John worships and praises Jesus, it carries with it some weight and pull, enough so that these men inquire more of Jesus (vs. 38-39). John was really doing nothing all that out of the ordinary, simply following God in obedience (vs. 31-34). But his simple obedience was used by God to draw people to his Son Jesus. John knew that in himself he offered nothing to these people, aside from Jesus himself (vs. 20, 36). He never meant to possess the spotlight or have people see him, but to prepare the way for Jesus, knowing that only Jesus could help these people, forgive and save these people. His only mission was to point people to Jesus. This is the same position that we must assume in our lives. No matter how much we may want to flatter ourselves, we offer people nothing outside of Jesus. We cannot save or forgive or redeem or lead people into what God has for them. Only Jesus can do these things, therefore we must point them to him. No matter how much we serve people, help people, care for people, give to people, or love people, if we are not doing with the intention of pointing them to Jesus, in obedience to his leading, then we have done nothing at all (John 15:5). They are dead works, to be burned at the judgement (I Corinthians 3:11-15). However holy and righteous our works may appear, Jesus is all there is (Isaiah 64:6). John knew this, and therefore desired that all people would see is Jesus, nothing else (John 3:30). What do people encounter when they meet and interact with us? If it is simply a nice person or a helpful person or a caring person, and not Jesus, then we have failed to be salt and light as commanded. John does not desire to be a nice and caring person in people's eyes (Luke 3:7-9), and neither did Jesus (Matthew 10:34). We are characterized by our love for others and commanded to be peacemakers, but it is all in the name and leading (Holy Spirit) of Jesus, in the advancement of his kingdom and his name, not ours. People must encounter Jesus when they encounter us. Paul wrote that one plants, another waters, but God gives the growth (I Corinthians 1:5-7). In either case, the person is sowing gospel truth, leading people to an encounter with Jesus. So what if we feel like we do not fall into either of these categories? Jesus said that we are either gathering or scattering (Matthew 12:30), so if we feel we fit into neither category then we fall into the opposite category: drawing people away from Jesus. There is no middle or in between according to Jesus. John drew people to encounter Jesus, as seen in the lives of the first disciples and the people coming to him to be baptized. Whether a person runs to Christ or from Christ is not ours to determine. We simply point them to Jesus and God gives the growth. We just must be the fragrance (II Corinthians 2:15). What do people encounter when encountering us? Is it Jesus? Or is it anything else? If it is not Jesus then we are scattering people and set against Jesus (Matthew 12:30), not matter how nice and pleasant we are. Even Satan, who lusts after our demise, appears nice and pleasant (II Corinthians 11:14; Daniel 11:32). Do not be deceived. We cannot claim to know Jesus and continually forsake showing him to people. Because if this is the case, then in reality we are showing the very opposite of Christ.
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