Knowing Who Jesus Is

Scripture – John 1:29-34: The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, “Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world! This is the one I meant when I said, ‘A man who comes after me has surpassed me because he was before me.’ I myself did not know him, but the reason I came baptizing with water was that he might be revealed to Israel.” Then John gave this testimony: “I saw the Spirit come down from heaven as a dove and remain on him. I would not have known him, except that the one who sent me to baptize with water told me, ‘The man on whom you see the Spirit come down and remain is he who will baptize with the Holy Spirit.’ I have seen and I testify that this is the Son of God.”

Observation – I wonder if John knew Jesus as they were growing up. Luke tells us they were born only a few months apart, and that their mothers were related. Did they have a chance to play together and talk with one another? What happened as they moved through their teens into young adulthood? Did John talk about his call from God to live such an odd lifestyle and to baptize? Did Jesus share much about Himself and His plan? John didn’t know Jesus was the Christ until he baptized Him. But when the Spirit came down, he was ready and he recognized who Jesus really was. Now his mission changed a bit from preparing people to pointing them directly and specifically to Jesus.

Application – I will be ready today to point someone to Jesus – to testify with assurance, He is the Son of God.

Prayer – Lord, please help me keep my eyes and ears open to your word today. Give me words and actions that reflect you and your light. And as my sister moves toward the end of her time on this earth this day, thank you for the gift of eternal life. In your time, please carry her gently home.