John 1:11
He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him.
One of the repeated songs I hear on the terraces at Derby County is:
“He’s one of our own”
The fans simply love home grown talent and demonstrate this in willing them to do well! There is something special for a player to pull on the shirt of their childhood team and step out on the pitch to such a warm reception.
As you might remember, in this first chapter of the Gospel, John is circling the events of Jesus’ birth and telling his story a while after all the events had happened. Hinting at both how Jesus had already been received and perhaps also how later generations would receive Jesus, further on in his story, we see that while the leaders of Israel cannot recognise who Jesus is, (8:25) a blind man receives sight by the Spirit of God through Jesus (9:29), believes and worships (9:38).
Isn’t it surprising that after all this anticipation, the very people who had been eagerly awaiting the Messiah to save them did not welcome or receive Him as one of their own?
We can ask a similar question: Is there a place for Jesus in the world today? Is there space in my schedule for Him? In one of my favourite carols, Isaac Watts encourages,
“Let earth receive her King, let every heart prepare Him room.”
PROMPT: One of the ways we can intentionally engage with God is through music. Listen to ‘O Come O Come Emmanuel’ by The Source Collective, join in the heart cry of longing, reflect on the richness of the lyrics and make room in your heart for Christ again today.