John 1:19-34
Today's Passage: John 1:19-34
If you’re reading this post, my next statement probably won’t come as a surprise to you—the book of John is all about Jesus. (insert mind blown emoji)
Verses 1-18 of John are revealing who Jesus is, both in his humanity and in his deity.
In our verses today, we are introduced to John the Baptist. We should learn a lot about John the Baptist in application to our own lives.
1. John clearly understood that he was not the Messiah.
I doubt you literally think you are the Messiah, but functionally, how often do you operate as if everything in life depended upon you? How often do you focus on what you can do for others or for yourself more than what Jesus has already done? Understand this: you can even have this mindset within the context of the local church.
Instead, be content with who God has created you to be and doing what God has designed you to do, and let Jesus be Jesus.
2. John clearly pointed people to Christ.
“Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!” John was quick to get out of the way and point people’s attention to Christ. Imagine if we had this same motive at all times! To introduce people to Jesus and to have intense compassion on the state of people’s souls! That’s what John had.
John the Baptist is a great example for us. But don’t get too caught up in looking at John the Baptist’s inspiring example and miss the point of his life—to live for Jesus and point others to him in the process.
Written By: Graham Withers
If you’re reading this post, my next statement probably won’t come as a surprise to you—the book of John is all about Jesus. (insert mind blown emoji)
Verses 1-18 of John are revealing who Jesus is, both in his humanity and in his deity.
In our verses today, we are introduced to John the Baptist. We should learn a lot about John the Baptist in application to our own lives.
1. John clearly understood that he was not the Messiah.
I doubt you literally think you are the Messiah, but functionally, how often do you operate as if everything in life depended upon you? How often do you focus on what you can do for others or for yourself more than what Jesus has already done? Understand this: you can even have this mindset within the context of the local church.
Instead, be content with who God has created you to be and doing what God has designed you to do, and let Jesus be Jesus.
2. John clearly pointed people to Christ.
“Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!” John was quick to get out of the way and point people’s attention to Christ. Imagine if we had this same motive at all times! To introduce people to Jesus and to have intense compassion on the state of people’s souls! That’s what John had.
John the Baptist is a great example for us. But don’t get too caught up in looking at John the Baptist’s inspiring example and miss the point of his life—to live for Jesus and point others to him in the process.
Written By: Graham Withers
1 Comment
I tried posting this morning but it wouldn't go through trying again...
I wonder why John did not follow Jesus once he saw the spirit rest on Jesus at his baptism