We see that John takes the image of the lamb and relates it not just to the Passover but also to our sinfulness. The

Transcription

1 1 Our Gospel lesson for today begins with one of the greatest encounter of all time John the Baptist, coming face-to-face with Jesus. The announcement of John, Behold the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world, summarizes the Gospel. Yes, this is true, but unfortunately, our Gospel lesson is filled with images that we may not understand because we do not see many lambs today. However, in Jesus days, there were many lambs and the lamb had two important meanings for believers: First, the lamb conveyed a sense of innocence and purity, much like the image of the Suffering Servant mentioned by the prophet Isaiah: he was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he did not open his mouth; like a lamb that is led to the slaughter, and like a sheep that before its shearers is silent, so he did not open his mouth (Isaiah 53:7). Secondly, the lamb was the central symbol of God s deliverance of his people from their oppression in Egypt, an event remembered by the slaughtering of a lamb for the celebration of Passover. We see that John takes the image of the lamb and relates it not just to the Passover but also to our sinfulness. The

2 2 Gospel of John makes it understandable that this Lamb of God is not solely for the people of Israel but everyone. Behold the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world. Our Gospel lesson also preserves an important conversation that grew out of an exchange between Jesus and several individuals who were disciples of John the Baptist. John encouraged his followers to change their commitment to Jesus. Many of them, like Andrew, were trying to determine what that would mean; so they asked Jesus where he was staying. Jesus responded by saying simply: Come and see. That simple invitation, Come and see, initiated the Jesus Movement. Not too long Andrew invited his brother, Peter, and, Peter invited others to come and see the One they believed was the Messiah, the Promised One. This way of inviting and welcoming should be central to the core of our Church. Like Andrew, let us find opportunities; not just to come and see, but to bring others to Jesus. Let us remember that Christians are not

3 3 born; Christians are invited by those who are a part of the Church and, therefore, let us be ready to say the words of John: Behold the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world! Christians do not impose, Christians invite. Those people whose lives were changed experience a transformation, not because they were intimidated, but they were changed by an invitation: Come and see. Last Sunday, ten of our youths were confirmed. I heard for some of them that they were invited to youth group by their friends. No one told them to make a decision for Christ. No one told them to give the right answer. Like the people who became followers of Jesus were those who accepted that simple invitation to come and see. Jesus called them into His life, with an invitation and they followed Him. It was a simple invitation, and it changed everything. Christ calls us to invite others. It can be a simple invitation. What is it about being part of St. Paul United Methodist Church that gives you joy? Who do you know that needs some of that?

4 4 Jesus asks, What are you looking for? Are you looking for grace and peace? Are you looking for life eternal? Are you looking for lasting connection with the God who created the heavens and the earth? The disciples asked, Where are you staying? Discovering Jesus; means finding the Way, the Truth, and the Life. The Alpha and the Omega. The One who will change us through our Christian journey. And, with Jesus, we can reach out to people who do not know Jesus; people who are seeking for Jesus. We can invite others to come and see Jesus at work in our Church, among us, changing us, loving us, and giving us life. I hope that you, who are members of St. Paul United Methodist Church, are excited about this congregation. I think we have a lot happening here. We have a worship life that enriches and strengthens those who come. We have a Church life that gives individuals a sense of belonging, a feeling of participation in a community of faith. We are determined to be more caring toward those in need; we are beginning with the Pastor s Discretionary fund and our food collection. We know we need to do

5 5 more, but this is a start. Behold, the Lamb of God! Christ s body is finding expression in so much that we do. I invite you to come and see, come and see, Jesus, the Way, the Truth, (and the Light). Follow Him, follow Him, come as a child, O come and see" (Marilyn Houser Hamm, TFWS #2127). Amen!