Carol J German

John 1:19-28, The Testimony of John the Baptist

Read today’s scripture. As John continued to speak about Christ, Jewish leaders wanted to know if he was the Messiah, or Christ. The spiritual leaders back in John’s time followed the Old Testament laws very closely and they would add their own thoughts and ideas to how people should live. While strict on others, they felt they didn’t need to follow their own advice.

John spoke plainly that he was not the Messiah. Because this didn’t satisfy their questions, they kept asking him who he was. To help suffice them, John spoke from the scriptures from Isaiah:

“I am a voice shouting in the wilderness, ‘Clear the way for the LORD’S coming!” – Isaiah 40:3

QUESTION: The wilderness represents our world. It is easy to fall in love with its ways and live accordingly. To see Christ and follow Him, one must detach himself from worldly ways. What needs to be cleared away or removed from your life so Christ has room in your heart and life?

God was using John to prepare people so when Jesus came by, people would know of Him and follow Him. What John was doing back in Jesus’ day is the same today. As believers in Christ, we are to be living our lives where others can see His love and want to know more about Christ. We are to be ready to share the hope that we have so others can come to know Jesus.

QUESTION: What do people see first in your life, worldly ways or God?

John was continuing to be questioned. “What right do you have to baptize people?” John was baptizing people and he responded like he faithfully does. He took the emphasis off of himself and pointed people to Christ. “I baptize with water but right here in the crowd is someone you do not recognize. Though His ministry follows mine, I’m not even worthy to be His slave and untie the straps of His sandal.” John understood who he was as a human, who Jesus was and how he needed a Lord and Savior. From that, John shared with others because Jesus became first in his life.

QUESTION: How can you deflect what others are saying about your words and actions so they look to God instead? Brainstorm with God and write down what your life would look like if He was first in your life; then make a plan.

QUESTION: God gave you a voice, like John. How can you begin to use it for His glory? Write down two or three ideas on how you can use your voice for Him?

It’s time to be brave, so brave that we will make the necessary changes. God will lead you by the hand and you both will take small steps which soon lead to big steps and before you know it, your life becomes in sync with His. What a beautiful sight that will be.