Last year our church studied the second half of John - of which many chapters are devoted to powerful conversations that occurred during the Last Supper. This year, we’re hitting the rewind button, and starting from the beginning of this book.
The Gospel of John is written with a clear purpose:
“These are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.” (John 20:31)
Throughout John 1–11, different people encounter the same Jesus—but respond to Him in very different ways. Religious leaders, social outsiders, curious crowds, hostile opponents, grieving friends—all are confronted with the same question, whether spoken or implied:
“WHO AM I TO YOU?”
Over these different encounters, Jesus leaves us with many ways to understand who He is. If we believe who Jesus says He is - it also means that He’s left us with many ways to understand GOD. That means through Jesus, GOD can move from our theoretical realm of understanding, into the knowable realm.
There’s so many reactions recorded from seeing Jesus. Everyone is amazed, and confronted by who He is. Many people believe in Him, some people follow. But many also choose to reject Him. Jesus will confront all of us one day - effectively, asking you “Who am I to you?”. For those who believe in Him - that will be a joyful day indeed.
