Homily: Camellia Jiles

“The next day again John was standing with two of his disciples, and he looked at Jesus as he walked by and said, ‘Behold, the Lamb of God!’ The two disciples heard him say this, and they followed Jesus. Jesus turned and saw them following and said to them, ‘What are you seeking?’ And they said to him, ‘Rabbi’ (which means Teacher), ‘where are you staying?’ He said to them, ‘Come and you will see.’ So they came and saw where he was staying, and they stayed with him that day, for it was about the tenth hour. One of the two who heard John speak and followed Jesus was Andrew, Simon Peter's brother. He first found his own brother Simon and said to him, ‘We have found the Messiah’ (which means Christ). He brought him to Jesus. Jesus looked at him and said, ‘You are Simon the son of John. You shall be called Cephas’ (which means Peter).” - John 1: 35-42

One of the first things that stood out to me when reading this passage is how much happens in just these short verses. In verse 35, John the Baptist is with two of his disciples, Andrew and an unnamed man. Seven verses later Jesus is naming Andrew's brother, Simon, the rock of the church. This is extraordinary, but when breaking down this passage, we can see that this sequence of events is driven by the faithful actions of those in the story, such as the disciples following Jesus to his home and Andrew sharing the incredible news of the Messiah with Simon Peter. But I specifically want to focus on something that at first glance I was inclined to overlook, which is John’s proclamation in verse 35. Upon seeing Jesus walk by, he exclaims: "Behold, the Lamb of God!" This is completely in character with who we see John to be in the gospels: the one to make straight the path of the Lord, who declared himself unworthy to even untie Jesus’ sandal. But John naming Jesus for who he is here is the faithful act that sets this story in motion. His instruction to look upon the Lamb of God calls his disciples to see the glory that's before them and to recognize it for what it is-- behold, God on earth, king, savior, the prophesied Messiah-- and was the culmination of the work that John had been doing for his entire ministry: to make straight the path of the Lord. And in response to John's bold words, his disciples seemingly drop everything to join Jesus on this path, surely knowing in that moment that whatever they sought, they would find it in its most perfect, complete form by following him. 

Whether it’s in a small group setting or our individual relationships, all of us are called to disciple others. In studying this passage, I was reminded of the importance of understanding what that role means and how to do it faithfully. John shows us the significance of declaring the truth, of calling something by its proper name and sharing that truth with those in our care. In reading this, I was met with the fact that half of the time I forget that Jesus is with me, and how can I point another towards someone I’m often too distracted or anxious or busy to even notice? We have to be able to acknowledge the Lord’s presence and call others to see-- really, actually look-- at the glory that's before them. Although we may have no clue what this will lead to and may even doubt that our words will make a difference in anyone’s life, they will inevitably sow seeds that, if fallen on fertile soil, will lead to the growth of God’s kingdom. So, as John the Baptist does here, I urge you now to behold the Lamb of God. He's walking by you now, sitting beside you, dwelling within you, and he's at the communion table. Recognize Jesus for who he truly is, and the next time you receive his Body and Blood, give thanks that he so freely gives us all of himself whenever we follow him. Amen.

Camellia is a 2020 graduate of Louisiana Tech with a degree in Studio Art and is currently serving as a ministry intern for the year of 2020-2021. She is extremely quick-witted, a joy to be around and a great blessing to the Wesley community. She enjoys learning new gardening skills, creating beautiful art, and spending quality time with others.