Key Thought:
While the authors of the synoptic Gospels work to lay out a detailed description of the life and ministry of Jesus (as an adult) so that the reader can inductively understand the writer’s view of the Messiah, John gets right to the point. Starting in verse one, he presents his theological conclusion of the Messiah’s ultimate identity. He is God in the flesh!
When we are feeling needy it is always nice to have a provision suddenly appear: a family member lends us the money we need, the appliance or tool we need goes on sale, and we can suddenly afford it, or we are looking for a better job, and the perfect opportunity comes our way. It is also a blessing when someone simply gives us a gift that meets a need or a want in our life simply out of love.
Yet, by far the greatest thing that someone can do for us during times of real need, even more than giving us presents, is to give us their presence. Whether we are throwing a big party or we are laid up in the hospital or we have recently experienced a significant loss, the most significant grace someone can typically offer is the grace of their presence.
Bible Reading:
Monday – Philippians 2:5-11
Tuesday – Colossians 1:15-20
Wednesday – Hebrews 1:1-3
Thursday – 1 John 1:1-3
Friday – John 1:14-18
Key Questions to Ponder During the Week:
- Have you ever thrown a party or had a celebration where you didn’t care about people bringing gifts or food, but were more interested in simply having your loved ones near?
- Share about an event in your life when you were most content just to have friends or loved ones with you.
- When was a time that you gave the gift of your presence to someone who really needed you?
- How do you think that those who knew Jesus while he walked the earth felt to simply have him near to them?
- As you realize that Jesus was actually God’s presence here on earth, how does this fact impact your life?
- Have you experienced the presence of the risen Jesus in your life during a time of need?
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