Posts tagged John

The Nativity of John the Baptist was one of the first festivals to be included on the Church’s calendar. Also of note is that this is one of only three birthdays the Church recalls (the other two being that of Jesus and the virgin Mary) as all other saints are commemorated on the day of their death.

John, the name given to him by the angel, means “God’s gracious gift”, and John fulfilled the promise of this name by heralding the arrival of the long-promised Messiah.

Today we remember John, the forerunner, but especially the faithfulness of God, whose plan of salvation came to fruition in His Son. From a priestly family, John’s birth was marked by the angel for his special role. In the visit of the virgin Mary to Elizabeth, John kicked in the womb, stirred at the very presence of Jesus.

You see, James and John come before Christ to see what they can GET. And it seems as though this is also how our culture views why and how it should come to Christ. Like: “Jesus, I know you love me. And I know you’re generous. So let’s open up the goody bag and see what you’ve brought me!”

“But no,” Christ seems to say to the Thunder Brothers. “It’s not about what looking at what you GET. Can’t you see? When you roll with me, it’s about what you GIVE.”

James and John are BOLD in asking to be blessed. But Christ says: “I love the boldness. But be bold as I am bold. Be bold in SERVICE.”

-Aj Neugebauer LCMS pastor