By Mike Caton

John 1:10-11 – 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.

Have you ever been to a place where they should have known you, but they didn’t? That can be a little frustrating. Maybe you made an appointment somewhere and when you got there, they had no idea that you were coming. Maybe you were invited somewhere, but when you got there they seem to have lost your invitation. Well, imagine if that happened at your children’s home. That is what happened when Jesus came to earth. Even though he had created the world, created the people, given the Jews the Law, guided them, loved them, and considered them the apple of his eye, they didn’t recognize him. The Messiah had been predicted from the beginning, the Law and the Prophets all spoke about his coming. And the Jews failed to realize who Jesus was.

But we need to acknowledge the fact that we live in a world that is doing the same thing. There are such extreme views of who Jesus Christ is. Many choose to ignore him completely, claiming he was just another man who lived a long time ago. Maybe he taught good things, maybe he did good things, but he was just a man. Others might acknowledge that he is from God, but they refuse to admit he is the Son of God, the light John speaks about here. Maybe they will give him lip service, but they refuse to submit themselves to his power and authority. Sadly, there are too many in this world who are not willing to make a commitment to the Lord. It seems they want the blessings he can give, but they want the world’s blessings as well.

We need to be careful that we don’t fall into that same category. We need to be sure we recognize Jesus for who he really is, we need to study God’s word for the most accurate picture, and we need to put into practice what we learn. Jesus called people to count the cost, to take up their cross and follow him daily. He wants a commitment from us. Are you willing to be a disciple of Jesus?

Father, help me see Jesus as he is. In Jesus’ name, amen.

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