Daily reflection: John 1

John's Gospel is different from the others. His tone and language are different; there are longer stretches of teaching, and fewer but longer stories, some of them different from the other Gospels. It begins with a unique sermon-poem. Where Matthew and Luke have birth stories, John echoes Genesis: 'In the beginning'. Christ was not just the Man of Nazareth: he was the incarnate God, the Word who became a human being (verse 14).

These are tremendous verses, and they lift our hearts and minds to heaven. But it wasn't this kind of intricate theology that drew people to Jesus – or that draws him today. At the beginning of his ministry, Philip, one of his earliest followers, tells Nathanael that he has found the Messiah. When Nathanael is sceptical, Philip tells him: 'Come and see' (verse 46).

It's that 'Come and see' which is so powerful. People who engage in 'apologetics' – arguing for Christianity by showing how atheists' objections to it can be countered – do valuable work in removing obstacles to faith. But they probably don't convert nearly as many people as those who simply invite others to 'come and see' Jesus at work, in their lives or in their churches. It's as we come to know him more and are drawn deeper into the story of his life, death and resurrection that we become 'followers' of his. That's one reason why the priority of every believer is to become Christ-like – so that others can look at us and see him.

Pray

God, help me to live in such a way that others can see Jesus in me, and be drawn to him as their saviour and Lord.

This reflection was written by Mark Woods, Bible Society's Editor

Come and see

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