RPG Adults
PREACH NOT SELF BUT CHRIST
TUESDAY, APRIL 22
John 1:35-51
2 Corinthians 4:1-5
“…We have found the Messias…”
PREACH NOT SELF BUT CHRIST
Now that the Messiah has arrived, John was ready to take a back seat. He directed his personal disciples to the Lord Himself. Andrew was a disciple of John, but now followed Jesus. Andrew then brought Simon his brother to see the Lord. Even before Andrew could introduce his brother, Jesus already knew his name, and identified him as Simon, son of Jona. This is one proof of Jesus’ omniscience. The Lord took a special interest in Simon, and gave him a new name, Cephas (Aramaic) or Peter (Greek), meaning “a stone.”
Next in line was Philip. Jesus enlisted him as one of His disciples. Philip then found Nathanael and told him, “We have found him, of whom Moses in the law, and the prophets, did write.” Philip recognised Jesus as the Messiah foretold by Moses and the Prophets (i.e. the Old Testament). Jesus is the Moses-like Prophet of Deuteronomy 18:15, and the Suffering Saviour of Isaiah 53. Jesus again displayed His omniscience in His conversation with Nathanael. He knew all about Nathanael when He saw him under the fig tree even before Philip called him. This led Nathanael to confess Jesus as the promised Messiah — “the Son of God” (cf. Dan 3:25), and “King of Israel” (Isa 44:6).
While all the disciples wondered at the greatness of their Messiah, Jesus told them that they could expect to see greater things from Him: “Verily, verily, I say unto you, Hereafter ye shall see heaven open, and the angels of God ascending and descending upon the Son of man.” There are several episodes in Jesus’ life where we are afforded a glimpse of His glory. On such occasions the heavens opened, and the angels descended to minister unto Him. One such event had already taken place, namely, His baptism and subsequent temptation experience (Matt 3:13-4:11). Others to come would be His transfiguration (Matt 17:1-9), His agony in the Garden of Gethsemane (Luke 22:39-46), His resurrection (Matt 28:1-7), and His ascension (Acts 1:1-11).
THOUGHT: Not self-esteem, but Christ-esteem.
PRAYER: Father, may my only purpose in life be to glorify Thee and enjoy Thee forever.