Grace and Truth Through Jesus Christ

Scripture: John 1:17 (ESV) – “For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.”

John 1:17 draws a powerful contrast that reveals the fullness of God’s redemptive plan: “For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.” Here we see the unfolding of God’s purposes, moving from the law to the person of Jesus, who embodies grace and truth. Both the law and the gospel are gifts from God, but they serve different purposes in His divine plan.

The law given through Moses was holy, righteous, and good. It revealed God’s standards and showed humanity what a life pleasing to Him looks like. However, it could not grant the power to fulfill those standards or deliver us from our sinful nature. Instead, the law exposed our sin and left us longing for a Savior. Calvin reminds us that the law is like a mirror that shows us our imperfections but cannot cleanse us. It prepares us, convicting us of our need for grace and pointing us to the One who can save us.

Then came Jesus Christ, bringing grace and truth in their fullest sense. The grace He offers is not a mere improvement of the old covenant but a completely new and transformative reality. Through Jesus, we are no longer under the condemnation of the law but are recipients of unmerited favor and the gift of salvation. The truth He brings is not simply a better understanding of religious teachings; it is the revelation of God’s ultimate plan for redemption. In Christ, we see the perfect blending of God’s justice and mercy, where His truth does not contradict His grace but upholds and magnifies it.

This verse invites us to reflect on the magnitude of what Christ has done. The law showed us our desperate need; Jesus met that need fully. We are no longer striving to achieve righteousness through our own efforts, but we rest in the grace freely given to us. Yet, grace does not mean we can live as we please. The truth of Christ calls us to live lives transformed by that grace, marked by obedience, love, and holiness.

Consider how you relate to both the law and the grace of Christ. Do you live under the weight of trying to earn God’s favor, feeling crushed by your failures? Or have you embraced the grace of Christ, allowing His truth to guide and empower you? Remember, grace is not a license to sin but the power to live a life that honors God.

Reflection Questions:

  1. How does understanding the purpose of the law help you appreciate the grace and truth that Jesus brought?
  2. Are there areas in your life where you are still striving under the burden of the law rather than resting in the grace of Christ?

Prayer: Lord God, we thank You for Your law, which reveals Your holiness and our need for a Savior. But we praise You even more for the grace and truth that came through Jesus Christ. Help us to rest in His finished work, no longer striving under the law’s demands but living joyfully in the freedom of Your grace. Transform us by Your truth, so that we may live lives that reflect Your love and holiness. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

*edited and modernized from John Calvin’s sermon on John 1:17*

Grace Upon Grace

Scripture: John 1:16 (ESV) – “For from His fullness we have all received, grace upon grace.”

John 1:16 brings us into the heart of the Christian experience: “For from His fullness we have all received, grace upon grace.” Here, the apostle John declares the abundant and overflowing blessings that come to us through Jesus Christ. The phrase “grace upon grace” describes the inexhaustible supply of God’s favor and blessings that believers receive through Christ. This grace is not given sparingly but poured out generously from the fullness of our Savior.

What is this “fullness” that John speaks of? It is the complete sufficiency of Jesus Christ. In Him dwells all the fullness of God (Colossians 2:9), and He lacks nothing. Because He is fully God and fully man, Jesus is perfectly equipped to meet every need we have. Calvin emphasizes that the grace we receive is not fragmented or incomplete. It is a rich, abundant flow that continues to supply us, moment by moment. There is grace for our salvation, grace for our daily sanctification, and grace for our ultimate glorification. Every blessing and gift comes from Christ’s fullness.

Think about the phrase “grace upon grace.” It paints a picture of one wave of grace crashing over us, only to be followed by another, and another, without end. God’s grace does not run dry. As believers, we have received grace in the past, we receive grace in the present, and we will continue to receive grace in the future. It is a boundless ocean, covering every sin, empowering every moment of weakness, and filling every empty place in our hearts.

This truth ought to fill us with immense gratitude and a sense of security. No matter how weak or sinful we may feel, God’s grace is more than sufficient. We often think we need to earn God’s favor, but John 1:16 reminds us that all our blessings flow from Christ’s fullness, not from our own merits or efforts. Our relationship with God is based entirely on His generosity and love, not on anything we can achieve.

But this grace also calls us to a life of holiness and service. As recipients of such overwhelming favor, how can we not live in a way that honors God? His grace should lead us to love others, to serve with joy, and to walk humbly before Him. Grace transforms us; it does not leave us as we are.

Reflection Questions:

  1. How have you experienced “grace upon grace” in your life? Take a moment to reflect on the many ways God’s grace has been evident, both in times of joy and in trials.
  2. Are you living in the freedom and security that God’s abundant grace provides, or are you still trying to earn His favor? How can you rest more fully in Christ’s sufficiency?

Prayer: Gracious Father, we stand in awe of the fullness of Your Son, Jesus Christ. Thank You for the grace upon grace You have lavished on us. Help us to live in the joy and freedom of this grace, knowing that we are fully loved and accepted because of Christ. Transform our hearts, Lord, so that we reflect Your grace to others, living lives that honor You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

*edited and modernized from John Calvin’s sermon on John 1:16*

The Greatness of Christ

Scripture: John 1:15 (ESV) – “John bore witness about Him, and cried out, ‘This was He of whom I said, “He who comes after me ranks before me, because He was before me.”‘”

In John 1:15, we are presented with John the Baptist’s testimony concerning Jesus: “John bore witness about Him, and cried out, ‘This was He of whom I said, “He who comes after me ranks before me, because He was before me.”’” John the Baptist’s declaration about Christ is both simple and profoundly significant. He calls out, in no uncertain terms, the supremacy and eternal pre-existence of Jesus. Although John’s earthly ministry began before Jesus’ public ministry, he acknowledges that Jesus far surpasses him in rank and dignity.

John’s words highlight the truth that Christ is more than a great teacher or a spiritual leader; He is the eternal Son of God. When John says, “He was before me,” he is testifying to Jesus’ divine nature. Jesus, though born into the world after John, existed from all eternity. In this confession, John makes it clear that Jesus is not merely a man who appeared on the scene, but the eternal Word who took on flesh. Calvin stresses that recognizing the eternal nature of Christ is fundamental to understanding who He truly is. We must not diminish Jesus to someone on our level; He is infinitely greater, deserving of our reverence and worship.

John the Baptist’s humility is also noteworthy here. Despite his own influence and the crowds that came to hear him preach, John understood his place in God’s redemptive plan. He was the voice preparing the way for the Lord, but he knew that his role was always to point beyond himself to the One who is greater. This humility is a mark of true discipleship. We are not called to draw people to ourselves but to direct them to Christ, who alone is worthy of glory.

Reflect on this: How often do we try to elevate ourselves in the eyes of others rather than magnify Christ? Even as believers, we can be tempted to crave recognition and build our own kingdoms. But John’s testimony is a reminder that our highest calling is to exalt Jesus, not ourselves. The greatness of Christ overshadows all human accomplishments, and it is our joy and duty to declare His preeminence.

Moreover, John’s witness invites us to consider the eternal nature and divine majesty of Jesus. In a world that often seeks to make Jesus more palatable or relatable by downplaying His divinity, we must stand firm in proclaiming who He truly is: the eternal Word, the uncreated Creator, the One who was before all things and in whom all things hold together.

Reflection Questions:

  1. Do you recognize and proclaim the eternal greatness of Christ in your own life? How can you grow in humility, like John, pointing others to Jesus rather than seeking glory for yourself?
  2. Are there areas where you have tried to elevate yourself instead of exalting Christ? How can you redirect the focus back to Him?

Prayer: Almighty God, we thank You for the testimony of John the Baptist, who declared the greatness of Your Son. Help us to embrace the humility that John displayed and to make much of Jesus in our lives. May we always remember that Christ ranks before us because He is eternal and sovereign. Empower us to bear witness to His greatness with boldness and joy. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

*edited and modernized from John Calvin’s sermon on John 1:15*

The Word Became Flesh

Scripture: John 1:14 (ESV) – “And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen His glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.”

John 1:14 is one of the most profound and awe-inspiring statements in all of Scripture: “And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us.” This is the heart of the Christian faith—the mystery and majesty of the incarnation. The eternal Word, who was with God and was God, took on human flesh. He stepped into our world, embracing the fullness of humanity while remaining fully divine. In this verse, the magnitude of God’s love and grace is on full display.

The Word, who created the heavens and the earth, humbled Himself to live among His creation. He did not come in pomp or royal splendor but took on our frailty, our limitations, our pain. This act of condescension is beyond human comprehension, yet it reveals the very heart of God. Calvin emphasizes that Christ’s incarnation was essential for our salvation. If He had not become like us in every way, apart from sin, He could not have been our perfect representative or our Redeemer.

The phrase “dwelt among us” literally means He “tabernacled” or “pitched His tent” among us. Just as God’s presence filled the tabernacle in the wilderness, so now, through Jesus, God’s presence dwelled among His people in a far more intimate and personal way. The glory that once dwelled in the Holy of Holies was now revealed in the person of Christ. Yet, this glory was not just a dazzling display of divine power; it was full of grace and truth. In Jesus, we see God’s character perfectly revealed, full of compassion and unwavering righteousness.

Consider the wonder of this: God came near. He walked where we walk, felt what we feel, and experienced the struggles of this life. Yet in every moment, He radiated the perfect love and holiness of God. The disciples could testify that they had seen His glory—not a glory that repelled but one that drew people in, marked by the fullness of grace and the beauty of truth.

As we meditate on the incarnation, we must ask ourselves: Are we living in awe of this reality? Do we see the significance of God becoming flesh and what it means for our daily lives? Christ’s incarnation means that God understands our struggles intimately. He is not a distant deity but a compassionate Savior who walked among us and knows our weaknesses firsthand. It also means that we can see and know the character of God through Jesus, who perfectly revealed the Father.

Moreover, the incarnation calls us to live lives full of grace and truth. Just as Christ embodied these attributes, we, too, are called to be vessels of His grace and truth to the world around us. We are to extend His compassion to others while standing firm in the truth of the gospel.

Reflection Questions:

  1. How does the truth of God becoming flesh impact your view of His love and compassion for you?
  2. In what ways can you reflect the grace and truth of Christ in your interactions with others?

Prayer: Lord Jesus, we are overwhelmed by the mystery and wonder of Your incarnation. Thank You for becoming flesh, for dwelling among us, and for revealing the glory of God in all its fullness. Help us to live in awe of Your presence and to share Your grace and truth with a world that desperately needs it. May we never take for granted the nearness of our Savior, who understands and loves us deeply. Amen.

*edited and modernized from John Calvin’s sermon on John 1:14*

Born of God’s Sovereign Grace

Scripture: John 1:13 (ESV) – “Who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God.”

In John 1:13, we are reminded of the miraculous and sovereign work of God in our salvation: “Who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God.” This verse emphasizes that our status as children of God is not the result of human effort, family lineage, or personal striving. Rather, it is the work of God alone, a new birth granted by His grace and power.

Calvin stresses that this spiritual birth, this new creation in Christ, cannot be attributed to anything we inherit or accomplish. First, it is “not of blood.” This means that no human lineage, heritage, or family connection can grant us salvation. Even being a descendant of Abraham did not guarantee spiritual life to the Israelites, let alone to us. Salvation is not a birthright; it is a gift.

Second, we are told it is “not of the will of the flesh.” Our natural desires and efforts are insufficient to bring about this new birth. No amount of human striving or moral effort can earn our way into God’s family. We are spiritually dead in our sins and incapable of making ourselves alive. As Paul says in Ephesians 2:1, “You were dead in the trespasses and sins.” A dead person cannot raise themselves; only God can bring life.

Lastly, it is “not of the will of man.” No human decision or external pressure can make this happen. It is not the result of our plans or the persuasion of others. True spiritual life comes from the will of God alone. Our rebirth is an act of divine initiative, rooted in God’s unchanging will and purpose. It is a powerful reminder that our salvation is not something we can boast about, for it originates solely from God’s gracious choice and action.

Understanding this should fill us with humility and gratitude. If you are a child of God, it is because He has chosen to make you His own. You did not earn or deserve this new life; it is entirely a work of His sovereign grace. This realization should drive us to worship and to a life marked by awe and reverence for the One who has saved us.

Furthermore, this truth gives us great assurance. Since our spiritual birth is of God and not of man, we can rest in the security of His work. What God has begun, He will complete. Our faith may waver, and our circumstances may change, but the God who gave us new life is faithful and unchanging.

Reflection Questions:

  1. How does knowing that your spiritual birth is entirely the work of God change the way you think about your salvation and your relationship with Him?
  2. Are there areas in your life where you are still trying to earn God’s favor, instead of resting in His sovereign grace?

Prayer: Sovereign God, we are in awe of Your grace that has given us new life, not because of anything we have done or could ever do, but because of Your will and love. Help us to rest in the security of Your work and to live lives full of gratitude and humility. Strengthen our faith and remind us daily that our salvation is Your gift, freely given and sustained by Your power. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

*edited and modernized from John Calvin’s sermon on John 1:13*

The Privilege of Becoming God’s Children

Scripture: John 1:12 (ESV) – “But to all who did receive Him, who believed in His name, He gave the right to become children of God.”

John 1:12 is a verse overflowing with hope and grace: “But to all who did receive Him, who believed in His name, He gave the right to become children of God.” Despite the sorrow of rejection mentioned in the previous verse, this statement is a glorious reminder of God’s kindness and generosity. Though many refused to welcome Christ, those who did receive Him are given an extraordinary gift: the right to become children of God.

Consider for a moment the wonder of this promise. To be called a child of God is no small privilege. It means that we are adopted into God’s family, fully loved, fully accepted, and given an inheritance that is eternal. It is a status that we could never earn, yet it is freely given to those who believe in Jesus. What does it mean to “receive” Him? It is more than a mere intellectual acknowledgment of who Jesus is; it is to embrace Him as Lord and Savior with a heart full of faith, trusting entirely in His name and His work on our behalf.

John Calvin emphasizes that this adoption is an act of God’s grace alone. We do not make ourselves children of God; He makes us His children. Our faith, weak and small as it may be, is the means through which we receive this gift. And what a gift it is! In receiving Christ, we are transformed from enemies of God to His beloved sons and daughters. Our sins are forgiven, our lives are redeemed, and we are given the Spirit of God, who testifies within us that we truly belong to Him.

Let this verse also remind us of the security we have in our identity as God’s children. The world may reject us, misunderstand us, or even persecute us for our faith, but nothing can change our status as God’s children. The right we are given is not based on our performance or our worthiness; it is based on the finished work of Christ and the unchanging promises of God.

Yet, being a child of God also comes with a calling. We are called to live in a way that reflects our Father’s character. Just as children bear the likeness of their parents, so should we bear the likeness of our Heavenly Father. This means growing in holiness, love, and obedience, not to earn God’s favor but as a response to the incredible love He has lavished on us.

Reflection Questions:

  1. Do you truly understand and embrace your identity as a child of God? How does this impact your daily life and your relationship with Him?
  2. In what ways can you live more fully in line with your identity, reflecting God’s love and holiness to the world around you?

Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for the incredible privilege of calling us Your children. We know this is a gift of grace, unearned and undeserved. Help us to live with the confidence and security of being Your beloved sons and daughters. Empower us by Your Spirit to reflect Your love and holiness in all we do. May our lives honor the name of Jesus, in whom we believe and receive life. Amen.

*edited and modernized from John Calvin’s sermon on John 1:12*

Rejected by His Own

Scripture: John 1:11 (ESV) – “He came to His own, and His own people did not receive Him.”

John 1:11 is a verse filled with sorrowful significance: “He came to His own, and His own people did not receive Him.” This statement strikes at the heart of Christ’s mission and the tragedy of His rejection. Jesus came to those who were most prepared to welcome Him—the people of Israel, God’s chosen nation. They had the Law, the Prophets, and centuries of preparation pointing to the coming of the Messiah. Yet, when He arrived, they did not receive Him.

This rejection is a sobering reflection of the human heart’s hardness. Despite all the prophecies fulfilled in Christ, all the miracles He performed, and the words of life He spoke, many of His own people turned away. They preferred the familiarity of their traditions, the security of their religious structures, and their preconceived ideas of what the Messiah should be. The true Light of the world was standing among them, and they refused to see.

But before we become too quick to judge the Israelites, we must examine our own hearts. How often do we resist the presence and work of Christ in our own lives? We might not reject Him outright, but do we not sometimes push Him aside when His will challenges our comfort or demands our obedience? Do we close our hearts to His transforming grace when it disrupts our plans or convicts us of sin? The truth is that all of humanity, apart from God’s grace, has a natural tendency to reject Christ.

Calvin also reminds us that this verse is a testament to the patience and long-suffering of our Lord. Despite being rejected by His own, Jesus did not abandon His mission. He pressed on, enduring the cross, so that salvation could be extended to all who would believe. What grace and love He has shown us, even in the face of such rejection! It is a reminder of the boundless mercy of God, who continues to call sinners to Himself, even those who initially turn Him away.

This verse calls us to humility, gratitude, and repentance. Humility, because we see that apart from God’s grace, we too would reject Him. Gratitude, because Christ did not turn away from His mission even when He was rejected. And repentance, because there are still ways we resist His Lordship in our lives. Let us be people who receive Him with joy and live in obedience to His word.

Reflection Questions:

  1. Are there areas in your life where you are resisting Christ’s presence or authority?
  2. How can you live in a way that continually receives Jesus with gratitude and obedience?

Prayer: Lord Jesus, we are humbled by the truth that You came to Your own, and yet were rejected. Forgive us for the ways we, too, have resisted Your presence and work in our lives. We thank You for Your patience and mercy. Help us to receive You wholeheartedly, to live in joyful obedience, and to share Your grace with those who still need to know You. Amen.

*edited and modernized from John Calvin’s sermon on John 1:11*

The Creator Unrecognized

Scripture: John 1:10 (ESV) – “He was in the world, and the world was made through Him, yet the world did not know Him.”

John 1:10 reveals a staggering reality about humanity’s response to Jesus Christ: “He was in the world, and the world was made through Him, yet the world did not know Him.” Here, we confront the heartbreaking truth that the very Creator of the universe walked among His creation, and yet He was not recognized or received.

Reflect on the weight of this verse. The One who spoke the cosmos into existence, who formed the mountains, filled the oceans, and breathed life into every living creature, came into the world He made. He took on human flesh, humbling Himself to dwell among us. Yet, in an extraordinary act of blindness and rebellion, the world did not know Him. This ignorance was not due to Christ being hidden or ambiguous; His presence and works made it abundantly clear who He was. Rather, the world did not recognize Him because it loved darkness more than light.

This tragic rejection is rooted in human sinfulness. Despite the overwhelming evidence of God’s handiwork in creation, people are spiritually blind, willfully ignoring the One who created and sustains all things. As Paul writes in Romans 1:20, God’s invisible attributes have been clearly perceived in the things that have been made, leaving humanity without excuse. Yet, because of our fallen nature, we suppress the truth and turn away from our Maker.

Let this truth serve as both a warning and a call to self-examination. Have we, in our own lives, failed to recognize Jesus in areas where He is clearly at work? Are we so preoccupied with our own desires, ambitions, or worldly pursuits that we miss the presence and authority of the One who made us? Even as believers, we are prone to spiritual forgetfulness, overlooking the Lord’s guidance, grace, and sovereign hand in our daily lives.

Moreover, this verse challenges us to think about how we engage with the world as followers of Christ. If the Creator Himself was rejected, we should not be surprised when the world resists the gospel message. Yet, our mission remains: to make Christ known with love and patience, even in the face of opposition. The world may not know Him, but we are called to shine His light and share His truth, praying that God would open blind eyes and soften hard hearts.

Reflection Questions:

  1. Are there areas in your life where you have neglected to recognize Christ’s presence and authority?
  2. How can you faithfully represent Jesus to a world that often does not know or understand Him?

Prayer: Heavenly Father, we are grieved by the reality that Your Son was not recognized by the world He created. Forgive us for the times we have overlooked or ignored Your presence in our lives. Help us to see You more clearly and to live in a way that honors Your sovereignty. Equip us to be faithful witnesses, sharing the gospel with a world that desperately needs to know its Creator and Redeemer. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

*edited and modernized from John Calvin’s sermon on John 1:10*

The True Light That Illuminates All

Scripture: John 1:9 (ESV) – “The true light, which gives light to everyone, was coming into the world.”

In John 1:9, we are presented with a profound and comforting truth: “The true light, which gives light to everyone, was coming into the world.” This declaration marks the arrival of Jesus Christ, the Light of the world, who dispels the darkness of sin and illuminates the path to salvation for all humanity. Here, the Gospel proclaims not just any light, but the true Light, a light that exposes all falsehoods and shines forth with divine glory.

John uses the word “true” to emphasize the difference between the light of Christ and all other forms of light that the world offers. Many things may appear to give us illumination—human philosophies, false religions, and even our own reason—but they are mere shadows compared to the radiance of Christ. As I have written elsewhere, the human heart is “an idol factory,” constantly producing false lights that lead people astray. But Jesus Christ is the only true Light, and His illumination reaches into the deepest darkness, revealing God’s truth and bringing spiritual life to those who believe.

This verse also speaks of the universal reach of Christ’s light: He “gives light to everyone.” We must not misinterpret this as teaching that all are automatically saved. Rather, it means that the light of Christ has come into the world, making the truth of God accessible to all. No person is beyond the reach of His light. Yet, it is a light that requires a response. Some will open their eyes to receive it and walk in its brilliance, while others will stubbornly close their eyes, preferring the comfort of darkness.

How, then, should we respond to this true Light? First, let us humble ourselves and acknowledge our need for His illumination. Left to our own devices, our spiritual understanding is darkened and our hearts are clouded by sin. We need Christ to enlighten us, to show us the way to the Father. It is only when we are guided by His light that we can see clearly and walk in righteousness.

Second, if we are followers of this Light, we must reflect it into the world. The true Light has come, and we are now bearers of that light, called to shine brightly in a world still gripped by darkness. Let us be mindful of how we live, ensuring that our actions and words reveal the truth and love of Christ.

Reflection Questions:

  1. Are you fully opening your heart to the light of Christ, allowing Him to expose areas of sin and bring transformation?
  2. How can you better reflect the true Light of Christ to those around you, especially in a world that so desperately needs His illumination?

Prayer: Merciful Father, we praise You for sending Your Son, the true Light that illuminates our dark world. Open our eyes and hearts to receive His light fully, exposing and transforming the areas of sin and falsehood within us. Empower us to reflect His light faithfully, guiding others to the truth and hope that can only be found in Christ. In His holy name we pray, Amen.

*edited and modernized from John Calvin’s sermon on John 1:9*

Not the Light, but a Witness to It

Scripture: John 1:8 (ESV) – “He was not the light, but came to bear witness about the light.”

John 1:8 offers a crucial clarification: “He was not the light, but came to bear witness about the light.” The Gospel writer, inspired by the Spirit, is careful to set the record straight. John the Baptist, though an extraordinary servant of God, was not the Light himself. He was a witness, pointing people to Jesus, the true Light of the world. This distinction is essential, and it carries profound lessons for us today.

It is a mark of human pride to seek the spotlight for ourselves, but John understood his place in God’s grand design. He had no desire to steal glory from Christ or to allow people to place their hopes in him. John knew he was a mere forerunner, a voice in the wilderness, tasked with preparing hearts for the arrival of the Messiah. In our own age, when people often seek recognition and crave a following, John’s humility serves as a powerful reminder: we are not the Light. Only Jesus can save, heal, and give life.

Now, let us reflect on our own witness. Do we sometimes take too much credit for the work God does through us? When people are drawn to our words or our service, do we point them back to Christ, or do we subtly let them believe that we are something special? If John, who was declared by Jesus to be among the greatest ever born (Matthew 11:11), refused to elevate himself, how much more should we be careful to deflect all praise and honor to our Lord?

John’s role as a witness was to prepare people’s hearts for Jesus, and ours is no different. We are called to make Christ known, always ensuring that He remains the focus. Like the moon, which has no light of its own but only reflects the sun’s brilliance, we, too, are to reflect the light of Christ. When people see us living out our faith, our aim should be for them to see Jesus shining through us.

But make no mistake: bearing witness to the Light is no small task. It requires us to live in a way that makes Christ visible. It means testifying to His grace, love, and truth even when it costs us something. It means living authentically so that our words and actions align, shining light into a world that desperately needs the hope of the gospel.

Reflection Questions:

  1. Are there areas in your life where you seek more glory for yourself than you do for Christ?
  2. How can you more intentionally bear witness to Jesus, ensuring He remains the center of your message and actions?

Prayer: Gracious God, we confess that we are often tempted to seek recognition and glory for ourselves. Help us, like John the Baptist, to understand our true purpose: to bear witness to Your Son, the true Light. May we always point others to Christ, reflecting His love and truth in all that we do. Strengthen our witness and humble our hearts, so that Jesus alone is glorified. Amen.

*edited and modernized from John Calvin’s sermon on John 1:8*