Welcome back to 31 Days of Love in Red Letters. To start back at Day 1 of this series, click here.
In John chapter 1, Jesus walked along the road, while Andrew and John followed. The day before, they heard John the Baptist call him Jesus the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world. They wanted to know more.
They followed behind him, and Jesus noticed. He initiated a conversation. Jesus spoke up first, asking them what it was they wished for, what they wanted from Him.
Maybe we should all ask ourselves the same question. What do I desire? Do I want Christ, but also glory for myself? People’s praise? Things this world offers? Or do I want God’s favor alone and the life He offers me?
Jesus notices when a person takes interest in Him. I love the beautiful way Matthew Henry says this: “Christ takes early cognizance of the first motions of a soul towards him.”
And then? He invites them in for more.
Jesus said, Come and see where I’m staying. He invited them over. He opened His life up to them. Right away, no need to wait, and they went.
After they spent the day with Him, Andrew ran home to find his brother Simon and tell him about the Messiah. He wanted Simon to see Jesus for himself.
And he brought him to Jesus. Jesus looked at him and said, “You are Simon son of John. You will be called Cephas” (which, when translated, is Peter). John 1:42, NIV
When Jesus looked at Simon, He saw beyond who Simon was. When we read the gospels, it’s easy for us to understand what kind of guy Simon was at that time. He was impulsive and unstable, the kind of rough-around-the-edges guy who makes us feel a little better about our own issues.
But Jesus saw Simon for who he would become, by the grace of God—a pillar of the early church. Jesus gave him a new name right then and there–Peter, which means Rock.
Next week, we’ll read about another invitation Jesus extended Peter.
For this weekend, think about this: What are you looking for? What do you desire?
The invitation to come and see stands. If you want to read more of His love wrapped up in red letters, read John chapter 1.
And with that, I’m checking out until Monday…have a great weekend!
~Angela
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