Looking to Jesus

Scripture Reading: John 1:29–34

“Look, the Lamb of God, 

who takes away the sin of the world!” 

John 1:29

When John the Baptist saw Jesus coming toward him, he did not draw attention to his own ministry or explain his role. He simply pointed and said, “Look.” In that moment, John showed us how faith begins—not with effort or self-improvement, but with attention. Scripture tells us that John came as a witness, “that all might believe through him” (John 1:7), and he fulfilled that calling by directing every gaze toward Jesus, the Lamb of God given for the life of the world. Following Christ always starts here: by beholding who He is and trusting what God has done for us in Him.

John’s greatness did not rest in his unusual lifestyle or his striking appearance in the wilderness. What made him a true prophet was his complete surrender to God’s purpose. He was willing to decrease so that Christ might increase, even sending his own disciples to follow Jesus instead. John obeyed the voice of God, speaking what he was given to say, however strange or costly it seemed. He could not have imagined how powerfully God would speak through his obedience, yet Scripture reminds us that “the one who sent me to baptize with water told me” (John 1:33). John trusted, obeyed, and God revealed His Son.

This passage invites us to examine where we are looking. When faith turns inward, it becomes anxious and heavy; when it turns outward to Christ, it becomes grateful and free. John teaches us that true discipleship is not about making a name for ourselves, but about making room for Jesus to be seen. As we keep our eyes fixed on Him—the One on whom the Spirit descended and remained—we learn to worship with joy and to follow with trust, confident that God still speaks through hearts surrendered to His will.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank You for giving us Your Son, the Lamb who takes away our sin. Turn our eyes away from ourselves and help us look to Jesus with trust and gratitude. Teach us to obey You faithfully, and let our lives point others to Him. Amen.

Worthy is the Lamb

A Reflection on Revelation 5:12-13

“Worthy is the Lamb, who was slain,

to receive power and wealth and wisdom and strength

and honor and glory and praise!”

— Revelation 5:12 (NIV)

In this heavenly vision, all creation declares the worthiness of Jesus, the Lamb who was slain. His worth is not based on worldly power, but on His sacrificial love. William Barclay reminds us, “The triumph of Christ was the triumph of suffering love.” Unlike rulers who seek dominance, Christ reigns because He gave Himself for others.

This worship is not passive or sentimental—it is a bold declaration. Eugene Peterson, in Reversed Thunder, writes, “The songs of heaven are not sentimental; they are defiant acts of witness. To sing ‘Worthy is the Lamb’ in a world that exalts power and cruelty is to declare allegiance to a different kingdom.” Worship is an act of resistance. It means standing against the world’s values and aligning ourselves with Christ’s kingdom of love, humility, and justice.

Alexander Maclaren reminds us, “The history of the world moves toward this one point: the universal acknowledgment of Christ’s glory.” One day, every creature will join this song. But we don’t have to wait—we can live in worship now. True worship is more than singing; it is a life surrendered to Christ. Richard Foster writes, “The more we behold Christ in worship, the more we become like Him.”

Let us not wait for heaven to honor the Lamb. May our lives, choices, and love declare His worthiness each day.

Prayer

Lord Jesus, You are worthy of all honor and praise. In a world that values power, help me stand for Your kingdom of love and truth. May my worship be a witness, not just in song, but in how I live. Align my heart with heaven’s song, declaring Your worthiness in all I do. To You be praise, now and forever. Amen.