John 2-4
Devotion by Cayce Fletcher (SC)
Our passage of scripture today is action-packed, as Jesus begins his ministry and starts to teach and gain followers as he moves through Judea and Galilee. The reading is bookended by two signs (of which there are 7 in the book of John): Jesus turning water into wine and healing the official’s son.
It’s interesting to compare the beginning of Jesus’ ministry with the temptations he faced in the wilderness. Jesus was tempted to exert his authority in a way that disregarded God. His obedience required humility.
Today, we read about him walking humbly in obedience, doing the will of the Father at a wedding feast, in the temple, and even in a Samaritan village. As he was walking in obedience, he was being elevated. He was shown to have authority over nature, teachers, the temple, and even death.
Like the actual signs themselves, the whole book of John is a book of witness. John is giving his eyewitness testimony, but he is also documenting how Jesus affected the lives of those around him. Each of these instances ends with “____ believed him.” I’ve heard it said that the book of John can be summed up with the phrase, ‘Come and See.’
As we read through the gospels, we are invited to ‘come and see’ the work of Jesus. Like the stories we read today, we can choose to believe in the words and signs of Jesus.
What is the right response to this belief?
John 3:21, “But whoever lives by the truth comes into the light, so that it may be seen plainly that what they have done has been done in the sight of God.”
When we believe in Jesus, we are stepping into the light. We are choosing to live righteous lives in obedience to God as we imitate Christ and are made more like him. Belief in Jesus is the first step in a life obedience.
What is the outcome of this belief? The gospel of John is very clear about that.
Belief in the Son brings eternal life. John the Baptist sums this up in John 3:35-36, “The Father loves the Son and has placed everything in his hands. Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life, but whoever rejects the Son will not see life, for God’s wrath remains on them.”
We must echo him when we choose to follow Christ: Jesus must increase, and I must increase. That is the true path of life.
Cayce Fletcher writes and podcasts at amorebeautifullifecollective.com. Check out the blog and other resources to help you create a life you love and cultivate your heart for God. This free resource here will help you take your Bible study one step further with a Bible reading tracker, Bible study reflection page, and more.
Reflection Questions
- How do the miracles and signs we read today show the authority that God has given Jesus?
- What is so important about belief? Why is belief in Jesus the cornerstone of our faith (as opposed to action or other traditions)?
- How are you choosing the path of belief and obedience in your life? Is your life bearing witness to Christ?
Seek Grow Love 