Recognizing Jesus
Luke 2:30-32 (Simeon in the temple)
For my eyes have seen your salvation,
which you have prepared in the sight of all people,
a light for revelation to the Gentiles and for glory to your people Israel.
John 2:11 (after Jesus turns water to wine at a wedding)
This, the first of his miraculous signs, Jesus performed in Cana of Galilee. He thus revealed his glory, and his disciples put their faith in him.
Simeon recognized because the Holy Spirit led him to do so. He was walking with God closely enough that it was natural for him to recognize the baby Jesus as God's 'salvation'... and this first recognition of Jesus includes the revelation that he came to save ALL, not just Israel. He saw because of God's Spirit.
In Jesus' first miracle, the disciples recognize the truth about who he was by his actions, and by the fulfillment of prophecies happening right in front of them. They saw because of God's word and the experience they were having together.
My pastor says this over and over... God's Spirit, God's word, God's people. This is how we know God... this is how we live within his will... this is how to live the best possible life. This is how we recognize Jesus, wherever we are.
Created about 2 years ago
