The first sign that John includes to reveal that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God is an event that celebrates relationships. A wedding where family and friends are invited. Into a culture of traditions, customs and social structure Jesus walks in.
Jesus knows His time has come to leave this world and return to God the Father. He will carry the full force of human brokenness, depravity and shame. Suffer public humiliation, torture and pain. Through a total violation of all cultural boundaries He was about to demonstrate the love of the servant king.
As day comes before night, revelation comes before application. Jesus reveals both the pathway of the Christ and for those who choose to follow Him. Jesus says, ‘follow me to my cross and you will see the glory of the Lord.’ Follow the pathway of sonship and see the glory of the Lord in Jesus.
We live in a world driven by self will. Humanity’s self will is to oppress others, so that self can be raised up. To take from others, so that self will receive. To shame others, so that self will be honoured. Humanity’s self will or flesh cries out, ‘someone has to pay for all this injustice.’ Behold the man!