John 1:19-34

We are offered a glimpse into the life and ministry of John the Baptist.

While John was preaching, the Jews sent priests and Levites to ask about his identity and purpose.

John made it clear that he was not the Messiah, Elijah, or the prophet who was to come. However, even though he did not claim to be the Messiah, he made a striking statement by quoting Isaiah 40:3, asserting that he was the fulfillment of the prophecy of one crying in the wilderness to point to the Messiah. John was a messenger, and his message was Jesus.

When John spoke about Jesus, he described Him as the One unrecognized by His own people and stressed that he was not even worthy to remove Jesus' sandals. This reference provides valuable insight into what John aimed to convey to his audience. In first-century culture, people walked everywhere. Combining travel with dusty desert roads and a culture of wearing sandals meant that feet would become dirty quickly. Sandals were removed upon entering a home, but this task was reserved for the lowest servants. Only the Gentile servans would perform such a discusting task.

When the highly esteemed John compares himself to Jesus, he tells his audience that he is unworthy of performing even the most menial task for the Messiah. This effectively highlights both the honor of Jesus and the humility we should exhibit before Him.

John brings us into a specific moment in his ministry just before he baptizes Jesus. As Jesus approached, John made a profound statement. For the Jews present, it was a novel way to refer to the Messiah. However, the words were unmistakably clear. The sacrificial lamb was a major theme throughout the Old Testament Scriptures, most notably serving as the central symbol in the Passover in Exodus 12.

The lamb's blood would serve as a protection for God's people, liberating them from captivity. However, unlike the initial Passover lamb intended mainly for the Hebrews, this Lamb of God would bring salvation to the whole world. Both Jews and Gentiles would find freedom in the matchless name of Jesus.

John proclaimed the message of the perfect, spotless Lamb of God. He pointed to the Son of God incarnate. His life and ministry were like a neon sign pointing to the Promised One. Every promise of the Old Testament would be fullfilled in the true Lamb was one of the most prominent themes in all of the Old Testment Scriptures.

On the dusty streets of Galilee, John announced the most significant message ever. God had taken on human form. He had come to dwell among His people, to bring salvation.

The blind would gain sight, the deaf would hear. Chains would be shattered, and those who were lost in darkness would witness the Light of the world piercing through.

John's life was a testament to Jesus, and this should be our own aspiration. Like John, we can acknowledge our unworthiness but be amazed by His grace in drawing us to Him. It's a blessing to perform even the simplest tasks for the glory of His name. May every moment of our lives reflect His grace and declare the goodness of the gospel.

Let us be the voice calling out in the wilderness. To remain humble . To learn from John a preacher whose theme was repentance. John a fearless confronter.

An invitation to "Come and Follow Me" is one we recall daily as we don our armor to begin a fresh day with new blessings and His mercy. It's a call to "Come and See," one that we all can respond to.

To completely surrender, every part of you, at all times. He wishes for us to serve Him wholeheartedly. "Fulfill your Master's will and do it thoroughly."

We are called to ....

Fight

Be warriors

fight the battles

Go to war each day

Be soldiers

Be champions

Be victorious

Are you ready ?