When God Moves In - Week 2
The Witness to the Light (John 1:5–8)
Recap From Last Week (John 1:1–4)
- Eternal Word (v. 1): Jesus was not created; He existed before time.
- Fully Divine (v. 1): “The Word was God” — the manger holds the Almighty.
- In Eternal Relationship (v. 2): Within God Himself there has always been communion.
- Creator of All Things (v. 3): All creation owes its existence to Christ.
- Source of Life and Light (v. 4): Real life — spiritual, eternal, illuminating — is only found in Him.
John 1:5
“John’s role was like that of the best man at a wedding, rejoicing to point others to the bridegroom.” (NT Wright)
1) Sent by God — Not Self-Made. (v.6a)
- John’s authority comes from divine calling, not personal ambition.
- His identity is not in being spectacular, but in being commissioned.
Matthew 28:18-20
You are placed where you are — workplace, neighborhood, family — on purpose, to point people to Christ’s light.
2) A Witness Who Points, Not Performs. (v.7a)
- His mission has a goal: “…that all might believe through him.”
Our task is not to be impressive but to be clear.
We are pointers not performers.
3) A Voice for Belief — His Mission Is Faith. (v.7b)
- Johns goal is not to build a movement around himself but to prepare people to receive and allow Christ movement within them.
4) Christ at the Center — Never John. (v.8)
John 3:30
Advent calls us to a posture of holy deflection:
“Don’t look at me — look at Him.”
SMALL GROUP QUESTIONS
1. What does it mean for you personally to be “sent by God” into your everyday environments (workplace, family, neighborhood)? Where do you sense God has intentionally placed you?
2. John’s calling was to point, not perform. In what areas of life do you feel pressure to perform rather than simply reflect Christ? How can your group pray for freedom in that area?
3. John’s mission was “that all might believe.” Who in your life right now is God stirring your heart to pray for, influence, or gently point toward Jesus?
4. John embraced humility: “He was not the light.” What helps you keep Christ at the center and avoid making yourself the focus of your witness? What practices help you decrease so Christ may increase?
5. Where do you see Christ’s light shining in your own story — either in a current situation or looking back? How might sharing that light build faith in someone else?
3-DAY DEVOTIONAL — “Witness to the Light”
DAY 1 — Sent by God (John 1:6)
Scripture: “There was a man sent from God…”
John is introduced not by his skills, résumé, or background, but by his mission. His significance flows from God’s calling, not self-ambition.
Reflection: You are not randomly placed in your life. God has positioned you intentionally — in your workplace, friendships, family, and even difficult environments. You are a “sent one,” carrying God’s purpose wherever you go.
Questions for the Heart: Where has God sent you right now? Do you see your daily surroundings as divine placement? How might you live today with the awareness that you are commissioned?
Prayer: Lord, help me see my life as a mission field You have chosen for me. Let me walk today with purpose and awareness of Your calling.
DAY 2 — Point, Don’t Perform (John 1:7)
Scripture: “He came as a witness… to bear witness about the light.”
John didn’t try to create light — he reflected it. We often feel pressure to be impressive, “put together,” or spiritually strong. But Christ never asks us to generate light — only to reveal what He is already doing.
Reflection: Your life is a pointer, not a spotlight. Real witness is not about perfection, but direction — helping others see Jesus at work.
Questions for the Heart: Where do I feel pressure to perform spiritually? What would it look like to simply point to Christ’s work instead of proving myself? Who might need encouragement today that helps them see Jesus in their story?
Prayer: Jesus, free me from the pressure to perform. Make me a clear reflection of Your light, and help me point others toward You today.
DAY 3 — He Must Increase (John 1:8; John 3:30)
Scripture: “He was not the light…”
“He must increase, but I must decrease.”
John’s greatness came from his willingness to fade so Jesus could shine. In a culture obsessed with visibility and self-promotion, John shows us a different way — joyful humility.
Reflection: Humility in the kingdom is not self-hatred but Christ-centeredness. It is the quiet confidence that Jesus is enough — and I don’t need to be the hero. Communion reminds us of this truth: our life, salvation, identity, and hope all come from Christ, not from what we contribute.
Questions for the Heart: Where am I tempted to steal the spotlight? How is Christ inviting me to decrease so that He may increase? What area of my life needs a fresh focus on Jesus?
Prayer: Lord, increase Your presence, Your voice, and Your glory in my life. Teach me to gladly step aside so others can see You more clearly.