Read by: Karissa Bodoh
In the very beginning of this Gospel, John lays out some key themes meant to guide us through the narrative. If you don’t have time read the first 18 verses in John chapter 1, here are some highlights that are important for today's passage.
First is that Jesus came from the Father to his own but will not be recognized by them. Second is that those who do believe will have the right to be born of God. And third is that while we have seen Moses, we haven’t seen the Father. But He has been made known to us in Jesus.
At this point in the story, John is asking us as the hearers: can we recognize him? Do we believe? Do we know him?
----------REFLECT----------
1. What word or phrase stood out to you in this passage?
2. Jesus tells the Jewish leaders he’s speaking to that even though they study scripture and set their hopes on the Torah, they are missing the very thing it all points to. In what ways might people do this kind of thing today; knowing scripture, but missing Jesus?
3. What about you? What could cause you to miss Jesus? Is it not being able to see past the light of people talking about Jesus? Could it be the way you read scripture? Or maybe desiring the glory and praise of others? What might hinder the life Jesus offers you?
