The next day, John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, “Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!” (John 1:29)

John 1:29-34

I am drawn to the verb “look” in this verse. Other translations use synonyms like “behold, see or here”. St John is drawing our attention to Jesus, to take a closer look and to really see Jesus. 

St John calls us to look at Jesus, see how he lived his life, and follow his example. Looking at Jesus helps us look at ourselves and become more Christ-like.

We are called to look to Jesus and to develop a relationship and friendship with him. We can look to Jesus in times of need, challenge, and grief. But we also look to Jesus with gratitude in times of joy.

In our daily lives, we often look without seeing, hear without listening, and speak without thinking. We are so busy going about our lives with eyes turned inwards that much of life passes us by, including all the blessings and grace that our Lord offers us. 

I am reminded of the well-known lyrics:

Turn your eyes upon Jesus

Look full in His wonderful face

And the things of earth will grow strangely dim

In the light of His glory and grace

(Song by Sovereign Grace Music ‧ 2019)

When you look at Jesus, what do you see?

How can you look at and to Jesus today?

How does looking at Jesus make you see yourself?
 

Heavenly Father,
We look to and at you today, remembering that you look back at us in love. Open our eyes to see you and all your gifts to us more clearly. May others see you when they look at us.
Amen.
 

Reflections by Gillian Hugo

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