January 20, 2014 John 1:19-23, 26-27 And this is the testimony of John, when the Jews sent priests and Levites from Jerusalem to ask him, “Who are you?” He confessed, and did not deny, but confessed, “I am not the Christ.” And they asked him, “What then? Are you Elijah?” He said, “I am not.” “Are you the Prophet?” And he answered, “No.” So they said to him, “Who are you? We need to give an answer to those who sent us. What do you say about yourself?” He said, “I am the voice of one crying out in the wilderness, ‘Make straight the way of the Lord,’ as the prophet Isaiah said.” John answered them, “I baptize with water, but among you stands one you do not know, even he who comes after me, the strap of whose sandal I am not worthy to untie.” A Lonely Voice John the Baptist was a solitary and somewhat enigmatic figure who announced the arrival of the Messiah. Like Jesus himself, John was misunderstood and ultimately killed for his testimony (Matthew 14:1ff). John could have grabbed a lot of headlines for himself, but he didnt. When asked if he was Moses, or Elijah, or even the Christ himself, he said no. He then announced he was simply laying the way for the Messiah, and further that he was not fit to untie his sandals. In the Jewish household, the lowest job of the slave was to untie his masters sandals and wash his feet. John said he was lower than this. Did John have a self-esteem problem? Could Oprah or Dr. Phil have gotten him to a point where he could have announced, It turns out I really am as good as Jesus, so please follow me! John the Baptist knew precisely who he was and who Jesus was. He knew he was dealing with the Son of God, the second person of the Trinity. John also knew he was a sinner in the presence of God, and would someday meet Jesus again at the right hand of the Father. John knew his role which was to announce the coming of the King, and then get out of the way. It is really hard for us as human beings not to want some of the credit, to get some praise and accolades, especially when people are falling all over themselves trying to give us credit and praise. John said, Im not worthy. Give your praise and attention all to Jesus. John provides us a great lesson in humility. In a society that continually tells us to promote ourselves, John the Baptist tells us to promote Jesus, and to get ourselves out of the way. Question for Growth Is it difficult for you to promote Jesus instead of yourself? Prayer Jesus, may I be willing, like John, to stoop low in service and not stand tall in self-promotion. Amen.
Posted on: Mon, 20 Jan 2014 13:00:01 +0000
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