The Lamb of God

The next day he saw Jesus coming towards him and declared, ‘Here is 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 ahead of me because he was before me.” I myself did not know him; but I came baptizing with water for this reason, that he might be revealed to Israel.’ And John testified, ‘I saw the Spirit descending from heaven like a dove, and it remained on him. I myself did not know him, but the one who sent me to baptize with water said to me, “He on whom you see the Spirit descend and remain is the one who baptizes with the Holy Spirit.” And I myself have seen and have testified that this is the Son of God.’ The next day John again was standing with two of his disciples, and as he watched Jesus walk by, he exclaimed, ‘Look, here is the Lamb of God!’ The two disciples heard him say this, and they followed Jesus. When Jesus turned and saw them following, he said to them, ‘What are you looking for?’ They said to him, ‘Rabbi’ (which translated means Teacher), ‘where are you staying?’ He said to them, ‘Come and see.’ They came and saw where he was staying, and they remained with him that day. It was about four o’clock in the afternoon. One of the two who heard John speak and followed him was Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother. He first found his brother Simon and said to him, ‘We have found the Messiah’ (which is translated Anointed). He brought Simon to Jesus, who looked at him and said, ‘You are Simon son of John. You are to be called Cephas’ (which is translated Peter). John 1:29-42

The testimony of John the Baptist was enough for Andrew and then, Simon Peter. John's Gospel differs from the other three in that way, as the others have Jesus calling them away from their fishing, their livelihood. Andrew and another disciple of John stay with Jesus for a day and then went and got Simon Peter. I am reminded of the telephone game we used to play in groups at school and church. Someone would start by whispering a phrase in another's ear and round the circle it went. By the end, what was said at first was not at all like what it began as. So, we have multiple stories, but still one truth, that Jesus was the lamb of God and Andrew and Peter followed him. Their lives changed instantly. And we are invited to see, however we get there, Jesus was the one who came for all, died for all and connects us all to the living God.

Precious Creator, in tenderness you sent Jesus

and however we seek you, you will find us all

making us all you children here on this planet.

We often feel far off from your love and unconnected

we often get confused, disappointed and isolated

feeling far off from your love and your healing love.

Help us to follow you, O Lamb of God, who loves us

let us be confident in your sustaining power and grace

and show us the truth of your love in this broken world. Amen.