PREPARING THE WAY FOR JESUS
Israel had not heard from God for a long time. Four hundred years had passed from the last Old Testament book, Malachi, to the arrival of John.
“He must increase, but I must decrease.” (John 3:30)
Think about it, Israel, which was so accustomed to prophets and miracles and angels, had not heard from God for four hundred years.
Then out of nowhere, according to God’s schedule, John the Baptist emerged.
John was the predecessor of Jesus. God sent him to witness the light, and everyone wanted to see and hear John.
“Then all the land of Judea, and those from Jerusalem, went out to him and were all baptized by him in the Jordan River, confessing their sins.” (Mark 1:5)
John was a prominent figure, but he had a simple job to do to prepare the way for the Lord.
John was one of the greatest and last of the Old Testament prophets.
“For I say to you, among those born of women there is not a greater prophet than John the Baptist; but he who is least in the kingdom of God is greater than he.” (Luke 7:28)
Why was John the greatest? John alone was the predecessor of Jesus, and his greatness was the direct result of his nearness to Jesus.
Despite this calling on his life and widespread popularity, John was a very humble person. John’s motto was today’s Bible verse, “He must increase, but I must decrease.”
John understood his role, and his mission was to get out of the way and prepare people for Jesus.
That is our mission as well.
Heavenly Father, what an honor I have to be able to share, like John, the same Jesus who now was the sacrifice for our sins. What an honor to be a vessel that takes the name of Jesus to a world that is suffering and in sin. According to Your Word, Father, I give my body as a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
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John’s Mission Was To Get Out Of The Way And Prepare People For Jesus. That Is Our Mission As Well.
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