John 1:19 - John 2:28: Point/Follow

Book of John, Chapter 1:19 – 2:25

There is so much for us to learn from this portion of the book of John. Take a moment to read about John the Baptist, the calling of the first disciples, the miracle at the Wedding of Cana, and Jesus at the Temple in Jerusalem for the Passover celebration. Then grab your cup of tea, relax, and make it personal.

Point/Follow

Each of the accounts in this section of John can be looked at from the perspective of these two words – Point and Follow.

Let’s begin with John the Baptist. People were coming from all over the surrounding area to hear him teach, and to be baptized by him. Yet he took no fame or glory for himself, John the Baptist’s goal was to point people to Jesus, the Messiah. He says in Matthew 3:11; I baptize you with water for repentance. But after me will come one who is more powerful than I, whose sandal I am not fit to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire.

By declaring himself unworthy to carry Jesus’ sandals, John is humbling himself lower than the lowest servant. In John 1:36 we learn that John even pointed two of his own disciples to go with Jesus and become followers of the “Lamb of God.”

In the next verses we read of Jesus calling the first of his disciples: Andrew, Simon Peter, Philip, and Nathanael. The disciples were called to follow. It is very important when we follow someone to know the person whom we are following, and to not look away. Read Luke 9:57-62 to learn what Jesus says about those who will follow Him, there He reminds us to keep our eyes on Him and to not look away or we might find ourselves tempted to turn away and stop following .

When we follow someone it is vital to know that individual is worthy of being followed. When we follow those who are not worthy, we can find ourselves in all kinds of trouble.

Jesus is Lord of Creation – He is worthy to be followed. Next we read about Jesus first miracle at the Wedding at Cana. He demonstrates His power over creation as He turns water into wine. As Jesus’ mother, Mary comes to Him for help – she could have demanded obedience but she takes the focus off of herself and tells the servants to “Do whatever He tells you.”  John 2:5 Mary points to Jesus, she may or may not have been expecting a miracle; she may have simply turned to Him for help to save the hosts embarrassment. Whatever her thoughts, she turns our focus to her Son, and He willingly honored His mother.

The servants followed Jesus instructions, made His glory public, and His disciples believed. John 2:11 This, the first of His miraculous signs, Jesus performed at Cana in Galilee. He thus revealed His glory, and His disciples put their faith in Him.

Jesus is Lord of the Temple – He has the authority to cleanse His Father’s house.

In chapter 2 verses 13-17,  we see the merchants and money changers in the Temple taking what should have gone to God. Jesus makes a whip of cords and “drove them from the temple area.” The purpose of the Temple was to be the place to meet God.  Scripture tells us that since we have received the Holy Spirit our bodies have become temples where the Spirit dwells. How do we use our bodies in ways that honor God and point toward Him?

In John 2:19-20 we read; Then the Jews demanded of Him, “What miraculous sign can you show us to prove your authority to do all this?” Jesus answered them, “Destroy this temple, and I will raise it again in three days.” Jesus here declares His authority and His worthiness to be followed.

Let’s make it personal:

POINT:                                                                                    Follow:

Where do I point?                                                                   What do I follow?

To whom do I point?                                                               Who do I follow?

Humans look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks into the heart.  1 Samuel 16:7

Are we so busy looking around that we take our eyes off the One who is worthy and has the authority to be followed? Are we so selfish that we want the glory for ourselves, rather than pointing toward the Savior? Do we thrive on attention and want to be the one who is followed rather than inviting others to join us in following Jesus?

The goal the Lord desires for us is to clearly point to our Lord and Savior, and to follow His example of love for the Father and others.

We learn at the end of John chapter 2 that, “But Jesus didn't trust them, for he knew mankind to the core. No one needed to tell him how changeable human nature is! LB

It is so easy to follow when it is exciting and miracles are happening, when everyone seems to believe the same way we do . . . the final question of the day is one that seems to be becoming more and more important. We look around and see our faith being challenged in so many ways. The question is: Will I continue to follow Jesus, the Savior, will I continue to point to Him; giving Him all the glory even if no one else will follow Him with me?

Thanks be to God, we are able to follow Jesus in love and follow the Father in obedience by the power of the Holy Spirit who attests to Jesus authority and worthiness!

Point to and Follow the One, Jesus, to whom all glory is due now and forever.