Journal John 1 (all references are from the ESV; changes in punctuation are mine)
Scripture: (talking about John the Baptist) “The next day he saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, “Behold: The Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world! This is he of whom I said, ‘After me comes a man who ranks before me, because he was before me.’ I myself did not know him, but for this purpose I came baptizing with water, that he might be revealed to Israel.’” John 1:29-31
Observation: Such a casual mention to the disciples of John. Probably wasn’t that casual, but perhaps wasn’t theatrical either—somewhere in the middle. How do I think about and present the Lamb of God in my daily conversation?
Analysis: The Gospels are neat to read. Not exactly theological like Romans; not exactly like an instructional manual; not exactly like history such as in the OT—but like Guardians of the Galaxy, “A little bit of (all).”
Thinking about John and Jesus’ relationship, John does backflips in Mom’s belly just getting close to Jesus in Mary’s belly.
They are cousins, close cousins presumably and maybe had more than a passing friendship growing up.
As adolescence approaches, John’s life is taking a turn perhaps. Jesus’ is as well: in parallel, but different. John’s prophetic thoughts are increasing about the Lamb and the coming Kingdom, apparently just a little clueless that his cousin is whom he is dreaming about.
I wonder what that day was like when John first went, “Behold, the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world…. wait a minute…is that Jesus? My Jesus? That runt cousin of mine? Good Lord, can it really be?” John saunters over to him and says, “Jesus, really? You kept this from me all these years?” “Yeah, sorry, Johnny. It wasn’t my secret to reveal yet. Glad you are now in the know….”
This is where I want to be: “Look there! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world”, and then be able to explain why that is.
I hammer this to myself: Study the Gospel. Study and breakdown all the specific aspects of the Gospel. Enjoy in awesome reflection what the Triune God has done for underserving men like me.
Hammer point: Don’t think the Gospel is fully known, because there are facets of it that can be discovered daily.
Prayer: Father, journaling about Your Word is hard. It is beneficial, but so difficult. That is why I suppose journaling isn’t done much. Help me be thorough in reading and journaling through your word. I don’t do it daily: I probably should. Reading and writing: who would have known at 8 years old how important this skill would be? AMEN