I have heroes. I have heroes in the faith, heroes who do incredible things, and even heroes on the big screen. In fact, my biggest fear is not that I will never be a hero to anyone, but that I already am a hero to someone and that I will fail that person. Being human can be difficult.
John 1:1-28 gives us two different pictures. One is of the Word, the One who co-exists with God and even shares some of the divine perogative of God. Namely, the Word of God shapes the world.
The next picture is of John. He's a hero. People are coming out to him in droves. He's a kooky, stark, counter-cultural and charismatic prophet who attracts the masses with a simple message of repentance. And the leaders don't like him... which only helps his prophetic street cred. No prophet is ever liked by people with vested interest in the status quo.
And here's the tricky part- John is asked if he is the Messiah, the real Hero, the liberator and the one sent by God to set things right. To say "yes" would be an instant ticket to influence, power and the ability to make a positive influence in the world. Just imagine the possibilities...
But John says "no." He acknowledges that Jesus is different, that Jesus is beyond even the most obedient prophet. We will see in the next installment that John recognizes Jesus' ability to take away the sins of the world, something no human being has ever been able to do.
So when you think of Jesus, how is He different than the heroes of your life? What makes this one person so special that we would dare call Him Lord of the universe?
Or so special you'd even die for Him as so many have done before... False prophets probably don't exhibit a lot of humility either and what you said about prophets not being liked by people with vested interest in the status quo.... what can I say but so true, even today
ReplyDelete