Read John 1:29–2:12
How did you come to believe in Jesus? Did your parents teach you as a child? Did you stumble into a church? Maybe you experienced healing after a desperate prayer. What John shows us in this passage is that there are many ways by which people come to believe in the one Messiah. John the Baptist believed because he saw the Spirit descend. Two of his disciples believed because of his testimony. One of them told Peter. Philip just followed Jesus’ command. Nathanael was impressed with Jesus’ knowledge. The servants at the wedding saw Jesus’ sign.
It seems like John is setting up what will be a very important theme throughout his gospel. Jesus provides many ways and opportunities for us to know him. And just as importantly, not everyone will know him, despite all their opportunities. Did you notice an important character missing from the list above? The headwaiter, by all available evidence, didn’t see the Worker through the work. When Jesus miraculously turns water into wine, he concludes the wine must have been stored in the back. He doesn’t outright reject Jesus, but he makes the same mistake many others will in this gospel: interpreting a supernatural work through a natural lens.
We’ll continue to discuss this theme of unbelief throughout John’s gospel, but for now think of all the opportunities you have to share the good news of the gospel: the Messiah is here! Think back on the way you came to know who Jesus is. Who shared Him with you? How did they do that? How did you react? Did you immediately receive it or did you need further convincing? Take all of that personal experience, filter it through scriptural truth, and then share your testimony and tell of Jesus’ work.
Begin praying with Psalm 130:7:
“Israel, put your hope in the LORD.
For there is faithful love with the LORD,
and with him is redemption in abundance.”