John testified about [the Word, Jesus] when he shouted to the crowds, "This is the one I was talking about when I said, 'Someone is coming after me who is far greater than I am, for he existed long before me.'"
—John 1:15 NLT
John the Baptizer was courageous. John was passionate, but he realized he was just a "pointer" — someone who pointed people to another far greater than himself. Jesus was in existence long before John appeared on the scene. In fact, Jesus existed before creation. No matter how important others viewed John — and even Jesus testified to John's greatness, [1] John knew God had given him one primary job: Point others to Jesus, the preexistent Word of God! In a world full of people obsessed with getting their fifteen minutes of fame, John is a breath of fresh air. His life challenges each of us to ask an important question: Will I spend my life helping others know of Jesus' greatness rather than having them focus on me?
[1] Matthew 11:11.
Father, please help me find and fulfill my role as John did — to point others to Jesus and his greatness and grace. Help me find great delight in doing what you created me to do and in using my influence to help others to see Jesus. In his name. Amen.
Ⓒ 1996-2022 Heartlight, Inc. This material may not be reproduced in part or whole for commercial use without written consent. What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware and is available in book form. Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
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—John 1:15 NLT
Key Thought
John the Baptizer was courageous. John was passionate, but he realized he was just a "pointer" — someone who pointed people to another far greater than himself. Jesus was in existence long before John appeared on the scene. In fact, Jesus existed before creation. No matter how important others viewed John — and even Jesus testified to John's greatness, [1] John knew God had given him one primary job: Point others to Jesus, the preexistent Word of God! In a world full of people obsessed with getting their fifteen minutes of fame, John is a breath of fresh air. His life challenges each of us to ask an important question: Will I spend my life helping others know of Jesus' greatness rather than having them focus on me?
[1] Matthew 11:11.
Today's Prayer
Father, please help me find and fulfill my role as John did — to point others to Jesus and his greatness and grace. Help me find great delight in doing what you created me to do and in using my influence to help others to see Jesus. In his name. Amen.
Related Scripture Readings
Ⓒ 1996-2022 Heartlight, Inc. This material may not be reproduced in part or whole for commercial use without written consent. What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware and is available in book form. Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
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