Rev. Eric Anderson Pastor's Corner, What I'm Thinking

What I’m Thinking: Come and See

After two of John the Baptist’s followers heard him speak – twice – of “the Lamb of God that takes away the sins of the world,” they chose to ask Jesus about himself. His reply, “Come and see,” made all the difference.

Here’s a transcript:

I’m thinking about the first chapter of John’s Gospel (John 1:29-42). Unlike the other Gospel writers, John did not directly describe Jesus’ baptism. He took up the story on the next day when John the Baptist recognized Jesus amongst the crowd and announced, “Here is the Lamb of God that takes away the sins of the world.” Only then did John the Baptist describe what happened after the baptism, and he saw the Holy Spirit descending like a dove upon Jesus.

Then another day goes by in John’s Gospel. Again John the Baptist spotted Jesus and said to two of his — John’s — followers, “This is the Lamb of God that takes away the sins of the world.” Those two people went and followed Jesus, asked him where he was staying: and Jesus said, “Come and see.”

These two were Simon Peter and Peter’s brother Andrew. They would be Jesus’ first tw disciples.

The power of this part of John’s Gospel is in the repetition. John made sure that we heard very clearly, “This is the Lamb of God that takes away the sins of the world.” John also introduced here a phrase that comes back again and again in the Gospel: “Come and see.”

This is the secret to inviting somebody else into faith. This is the secret to inviting somebody else into wisdom. This is the secret to inviting somebody else into a better life: “Come and see.”

Come and see what I have learned. Come and see what I have found. Come see what I have experienced. Come and see what has blessed me, and maybe, just maybe, it will bless you as well.

“Behold the Lamb of God that takes away the sins of the world.” “Come and see.”

That’s what I’m thinking I’m curious to hear what you’re thinking. Leave me your thoughts in the comment section below. I’d love to hear from you.

Rev. Eric Anderson What I'm Thinking

What I’m Thinking: Preparing Hearts

John the Baptist tends to disrupt our expectations of a festive preparation for Christmas, but his advice to those who came to him helps us prepare our hearts to receive Christ.

Here’s a transcript:

I’m thinking about the third chapter of Luke’s Gospel (Luke 3:7-18). Each Advent we want to prepare for Christmas in a celebratory manner. Each Advent our expectations get blown away on the winds, because along comes the preaching John the Baptist.

Here in the gospel of Luke we also hear at John’s most famous and most pointed phrase: “You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the wrath to come?” People came to John because they had a sense, not just that things were not going well, but that they themselves were not doing well. And John had some advice to them: advice which was clear and, frankly, fairly simple and straightforward.

He said to the tax collectors, collect only that which is necessary, which is required. Don’t line your pockets with extra demands. He said to the soldiers, be content with your wages. Do not extort more money from the people around you. And he set a standard for Christian sharing which we hold to this day: those who have two coats, give one away to someone who has none.

Honestly, Jesus was more demanding.

Still, I’m not eager to call anybody a brood of vipers. Yet I do ask: What are the simple and straightforward things that we should refrain from doing in these days? What are the simple and straightforward things that we should be doing that we are not? What is the equivalent for you of that extra coat in the closet, something that you can share with someone who is needy? What is the equivalent of extorted money that you are doing that you should not?

What are the things that you need to change, and thereby find a baptism of repentance, and thereby receive the forgiveness of sins?

These are not ways to celebrate for a festival, but these are ways to prepare to welcome the living Christ into our hearts.

That’s what I’m thinking. I’m curious to hear what you’re thinking. Leave me your thoughts in the comment section below. I’d love to hear from you.