Take a moment to read John 1:29-51. What do you notice? The thing I notice is how Jesus' interaction with each character is unique, customized to them. This is not a military draft process that treats each disciple the same; it is a relational calling that Jesus has for each one. Why is that important to me? It reminds me of when I first felt called to ministry. I felt so seen as an individual, and that is part of why I wanted to follow this compelling person named Jesus.
"I was visiting a Bible college, and the visit had been fine, but nothing had jumped out at me about the school. Then one evening, we attended a chapel service for the students. We had a time of worship, and the leader sang an old song as a part of his set. As we sang the chorus, the power of the words hit me for the first time. We sang, 'he knows my name, he knows my every thought, he sees each tear that falls, and he hears me when I call.'
I suddenly understood the reality that Jesus knew me. The God of the universe knew me and valued me enough to know me by name. It was at that moment that I said to God, 'my life is yours, do whatever you want with me. If you know me and love me anyway, then I want to be with you always.'"
That is what is happening in our text this week. Each encounter is unique. And Jesus does something different for each person so all felt seen. They all felt known deeply enough that they dropped everything to follow Jesus.
Do you know that he knows you? He knows everything about you, and he likes you anyway. He sees each tear that falls, and he hears you when you call. Sit in that for a moment, and then perhaps he may be inviting you to follow him as well. What will you say to him?
by Aaron Bjorklund
