“For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.” John 3:16 (John 1:35-4:54)
John is the only Gospel writer who tells the story of Jesus’ early ministry and just like the prophets of old, He wasted no time confronting those who profaned the sanctity of the Temple. He extended His message beyond the Jewish nation appealing to the common man by touching everyday lives.
The first disciples came through John as he pointed them to the real Lamb of God, made a confession of joy in Jesus’ deity and declared he would become less as Jesus became more. John, Andrew, Simon, Philip and Nathan were named Jesus’ first partners in ministry.
By turning water into wine at His mother’s beckoning, Jesus begins His ministry of miracles. Although He was reluctant, He took part in a domestic, yet religious event that was the center of community life. This sets a precedent of a joy that accompanies Jesus’ presence in all we do. However, Jewish tradesmen use of the sacred Temple grounds for profiteering was incredibly offensive. The money changers were cheating those who were most vulnerable. After watching Jesus’ actions toward man, Nicodemus, a Pharisee and member of the Sanhedrin, came to Jesus in the dark of night. He became a believer but kept His faith a secret until all others had run away in fear and then he came forward, boldly defending Jesus.
Samaria was the archenemy of the Jewish people. These people were used to repopulate Israel when Assyria carried the Jews into bondage after the fall of Israel. Jews had good reason to hate Samaritans, but Jesus took the road less traveled, meets a woman at Jacob’s well and offers her a life giving water that will quench her thirst for all time. Following her testimony, many Samaritans were saved.
In the earliest moments of Jesus’ ministry we see a love that permeates all parts of earthly life; domestic relationships, shame of past sins, secret questions and fear of being socially ostracized. Jesus met all of these people in their moments with eternal solutions. Grasp and cling to His hope as if it is your only…..because it is.
Love,
Gretchen