Who Is Jesus To You?

John’s POV

I’ve been reading in John’s Gospel for my quiet time. It’s been three weeks, and I’m still in chapter one because I’m reading with new insight. The Apostle John wasn’t just recounting the details of Jesus’ ministry. He was reliving the days spent with his Best Friend.

So, I’m reading with John’s POV (point of view), and I’m asking myself this question: How did the depth of their friendship make John’s Gospel different? He begins with a eulogy, the summary of Jesus’ life and ministry…

Eulogy of a Best Friend

“He was in the world, and though the world was made through him, the world did not recognize him. He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him. Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God—children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God. The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.” John 1:10-14

The Apostle John recognized Jesus as both God and Best Friend. Jesus was the living, breathing, God-in-Flesh, who came from heaven to dwell among men. Yet He was also the quick-witted, humble carpenter, who cooked fish for breakfast and regularly picked fights with the Pharisees.

• John’s realization of Jesus’ humanity and divinity made me stop and think: Who is Jesus to me?

Jesus, More Than “Just” God

For the past few weeks, I’ve felt the stirring. Longing. Yearning. Dare I say it…passion? When our pastor reads a New Testament passage, and paints the picture of those characters’ lives, I’m captured by Jesus—awed at His tenderness, drawn by His absolute knowing of each person He meets. I feel myself falling in love with this Jesus, the One who adores children, heals the broken-hearted, and speaks with wisdom.

• Why do I love Him?

Because I recognize His ministry to me in the ways He ministers to the people in Scripture—way down deep, where others can’t reach. The way He whispers Truth to my heart when fear makes my life a lie… The way He paints the sky with a rainbow when I need reassurance… The way He wipes my tears with peace when the path ahead is long… He knows me, yet He loves me. Jesus, my Love, my All, my Heart—He is more than my infinite Creator. He is the intimate Lover of my soul.

Jesus, More Than “Just” Flesh

Here’s gut-level honesty: If Jesus could only minister to my needs, I would grow weary of Him. If He was merely a compassionate man, I would soon think Him weak. If He was too attentive, I would be annoyed by His constant presence.

• I want mystery, ferocity, challenge, and power. I want God in flesh, and so He came…

“John testifies concerning him. He cries out, saying, ‘This was he of whom I said, “He who comes after me has surpassed me because he was before me.” From the fullness of his grace we have all received one blessing after another. For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.”          John 1:15-17

The Law placed God above me, beyond me; but Jesus—though I didn’t deserve it—brought God’s favor within my reach. In fact, Jesus took that undeserved favor and washed me, wrapped me, and filled me with it. What a mystery. God’s wrath satisfied. I am challenged by the depths of Him, and I long to experience His power in this earthly existence.

• He is mystery, ferocity, challenge, and power—God in flesh, my Beloved.

Who Is Jesus To You?

Just as each of us has a unique fingerprint, I believe each of us has a unique spiritual fingerprint—a relationship with the Creator like no one else…ever. Your relationship with Jesus won’t be like mine, or mine like yours. It’s personal. Intimate. Feel free to share your answers in the comments—or keep them between you and your Savior. Selah.

Today’s Question:

• Take a few moments right now to consider: Who is Jesus to you?
  • Friend?
  • Beloved?
  • Brother?
  • Champion?
  • King?
  • Shepherd?
  • ________________?
• How does that relationship change the way you read His Word?