Past, Present, or Potential? - The Christian Online Magazine

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Scripture: ³⁵The next day John again was standing with two of his disciples, ³⁶and as he watched Jesus walk by, he exclaimed, "Look, here is the Lamb of God!" ³⁷The two disciples heard him say this, and they followed Jesus. ³⁸When Jesus turned and saw them following, he said to them, "What are you looking for?" They said to him, "Rabbi" (which translated means Teacher), "where are you staying?" ³⁹He said to them, "Come and see." They came and saw where he was staying, and they remained with him that day. It was about four o'clock in the afternoon. ⁴⁰One of the two who heard John speak and followed him was Andrew, Simon Peter's brother. ⁴¹He first found his brother Simon and said to him, "We have found the Messiah" (which is translated Anointed). ⁴²He brought Simon to Jesus, who looked at him and said, "You are Simon son of John. You are to be called Cephas" (which is translated Peter). John 1:35-42

Thoughts: The shifting of John the Baptist’s disciples to followers of Jesus marked the beginning of His earthly ministry. Every great leader in history has been surrounded by dedicated followers. Jesus was no exception. The word follow(er) has great significance. In the New Testament the word “follow” often speaks of discipleship. Several of John’s disciples went to follow Jesus. Later Andrew brought Simon to join them. While only two of the three disciples are identified by name, there is a truth that is equal for all three of them. Each had a past, was living in the present, and also had a future.

Mindful of this from the outset, Jesus asked a very important question. “What are you looking for?” This seems like a very basic question yet there were deeper implications. What Jesus was really asking them was “what and where are you seeking to find satisfaction and meaning in life?” Their answer spoke volumes about their past, present, and future. They answered addressing Him as “Rabbi” which is often translated as “teacher”. In the Hebrew, rabbi literally means “my Great one.” It was the highest compliment that they could possibly have given Jesus. It also revealed the motives and desires of their hearts. Former disciples of John the Baptist, they had not “made the cut” to study under the teachings of a popular Jewish rabbi. Not only were they not on the “A” team they were not the “B” team either. They were more like the “unchosen frozen” before Jesus came along. A Jews greatest goal in life was to be chosen by a rabbi to study under their yoke. They began preparing at a very early age, and if chosen left everything behind to follow their rabbi. More than just students they were imitators of their teachers. It was not enough to know their rabbi or be acquainted with his teachings. They followed him as closely as possible in a desire to fully imitate him.

Upon following Jesus his disciples immediately identified Him as their Rabbi. With thoughts in mind of following as closely as possible they asked Him, “Where are you staying?” On the surface this question sounds like nothing more than polite conversation. However this word “stay” in the Greek had a very important meaning. Throughout many places in Scripture it is translated as the word “abide.” Thus the question was not really about where Jesus was sleeping at night. His disciples wanted to know the deeper meaning of His life. This question would be answered over the course of the next three years as Jesus would share with them His meaning and purpose in life, and also about His relationship with His heavenly Father. He extended an invitation that would completely change their lives. Not because he had an impressive suite at the Hilton, but because this “Lamb of God” was also the great “I Am.” He was present in the past, powerful in the present, and promising in the future. Many powerful lessons were to come in the days ahead for these followers as they examined Jesus and the life that he lived. Not only would they accept the invitation, they would stay with him and others would join; choosing to make Jesus the center of their lives, too. Their pasts would fall off like old rusty chains as the present brought spiritual freedom. Yet Jesus still had a little more work to accomplish. It came in one simple name…Peter.

Because of his encounter with Jesus, Andrew sought out his brother Simon. Telling him that Jesus was the Messiah, he brought Simon to meet Him. Jesus spoke a life-changing word to Simon. His name was to be changed to Peter. In the Old Testament one's name revealed one's character or nature. A change of name indicated a change of nature, as well as a changed relationship with God. Peter is Greek for "rock." Simon’s past did not matter to Jesus but his potential did. The change of name was the first step in a process that brought Peter into the role of leader in the early church. Peter’s past was unimpressive, his present was mundane, yet his future was to be rock solid. Peter did become solid and rocked the New Testament church. Not allowing his past to bury his future, or his present life to lull him to sleep, he reached his potential becoming a powerful witness for Christ.

Each of our lives is comprised of a past, present, and future. Our identity is not determined by our past but by how we live out our future. Just as Jesus invited the disciples to “come and see” He also challenges us to leave the past and step into the future with Him. The question is are we willing to fully following Him? If so, He has a plan and a purpose to use us for His glory in a powerful way. Don’t allow your past to bury your future. Present yourself today to Jesus and allow your real potential to be revealed. Living up to your potential means being all that God has called you to be. Why not begin today.

Prayer: Father, we are so thankful that our past does not have to determine our future. We have new life through the Lamb of God and You see our potential even when we don’t. I pray that we will follow more closely to You than ever before. Let us become true disciples and help us to realize our potential so that we can be rock solid and turn our world upside down for you. In Jesus’ name! Amen.