Reflection: Give me a sense of this Saviour: the encounter

We still haven’t left the first page of poetry when John, adding layers to darkness and light, introduces two people and two new metaphors.

Meet John the baptiser and meet the Son of God (the Word).

John gives explanation to the children of God and introduction to the Lamb of God.

God’s Son gives invitation to the children of God and embodies the Lamb of God.

Having encountered both these men we’re off and running with the story—a story told mostly with signs, symbols and parables. That’s John for you. He takes every chance not just to get us asking: ‘who are you?’, but to decide whether or not we believe.

We’re thirsty. We sweat and slosh 600 litres of water from well to cistern, and he turns it into the feast’s most fabulous wine.

We’re hungry. We distribute blessed play-lunch to thousands till he’s filled us all to the gills.

Were weary and unclean and ailing. He tears up; he touches.

We’re depressed and displaced and lonely. He travels with us; prays for us.

We’re dead. He transforms us.

…and so the story goes.

I AM, speaks the teacher dressed in hairy flesh and dusty tunic.

So profoundly perceptible and human.

 I AM the bread of life; light of the world; gate for the sheep; good shepherd; resurrection; way, truth and life; true vine.

So profoundly perceptible and divine.

Prayer:

So, who is Jesus Christ to you?

And who are you to him?

Put that into words…and a prayer.

Keep in mind: We are to do more than understand truth about God; we’re to encounter him.