The Week That Changed The World Devotional March 1

JOHN 1:24-30 | ²⁴ Now they had been sent from the Pharisees. ²⁵ They asked him, “Why, then, are you baptizing if you are neither the Messiah, nor Elijah, nor the                     prophet?” ²⁶ John answered them, “I baptize with water. Among you stands one whom you do not know, ²⁷ the one who is coming after me; I am not worthy to untie the strap of his sandal.” ²⁸ This took place in Bethany across the Jordan where John was baptizing. ²⁹ The next day he saw Jesus coming toward him and declared, “Here is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world! ³⁰ This is he of whom I said, ‘After me comes a man who ranks ahead of me because he was before me.’

The leaders in the Temple were no doubt aware that John did an extraordinary thing. At the moment of his greatest success, when “all Jerusalem” was going out to be baptized by him, he pointed away from himself. His harsh message of repentance was aimed at Jews, demanding they be baptized even though already circumcised members of Israel. Baptism was the Gentile route into Judaism. Yet, thousands came to start anew, make real their devotion, and prepare for the arrival of the Messiah. John then publicly identified Jesus as the hope of the prophets and the awaited king. John’s baptism was aimed at getting people ready for Jesus.

Everyone should be like John—getting people ready to receive Jesus and acknowledge His authority. Do you agree?

Gracious God,

May my life glorify You. Give me the gift of humility. I ask in the name of the servant king.

Amen.