Somehow, I cannot picture John the Baptist as a multitasker. I don’t imagine he was smooth at dinner parties. I don’t reckon he cared much for distractions. He strikes me as someone who knew the one thing he was about, and he was deeply invested in that one thing. He was called to prepare the way of the Lord (Matthew 3:3), and by the grace of God, he was able to go about his business with that singular focus.
The life of John the Baptist is such a brilliant reminder to bring us back to the one thing we are about. And I don’t mean writing that novel, or going on a trip, or even perfecting our relationships. I’m talking about the one thing we are all, first and foremost, supposed to be about: the person of Jesus Christ.
John fixed his sights wholly upon proclaiming the coming kingdom. His wilderness living was not just a weird lifestyle choice, but an unbending commitment to prayer and the Word of God. His devotion to Christ and His kingdom are particularly evident in two defining features of John’s life, and these two features should drive us to the same wholehearted seeking of God’s kingdom.
First, John’s humility provokes us to bend our knees before the lordship of Christ. John was the greater Elijah, indeed, and according to Jesus, John was the greatest man to have yet walked the earth (Matthew 11:11). Yet John’s chief calling was to point the way to Christ who would bring the kingdom of heaven along with Him. Though John himself was the greatest of the prophets, he did not yield to the temptation of pride. Instead, he declared to his followers:
“I baptize you with water for repentance,
but the one who is coming after me is more powerful than I.
I am not worthy to remove his sandals.
He himself will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire” (Matthew 3:11).
John further displayed this kind of humility when his own disciples began to abandon him to follow after Jesus, acknowledging: “He must increase, but I must decrease” (John 3:30). If John, the greatest of the prophets, so readily yielded up everything to Christ, how much more ought we do the same? The humility of John the Baptist is a reminder of the greatness of Christ.
Second, John’s courage provokes us to honor the lordship of Christ in faith-filled obedience. John did not hesitate to proclaim the gospel. His cry was continual: “Repent, because the kingdom of heaven has come near!” (Matthew 3:2). He offended the selfish pride in the hearts of the Pharisees and Sadducees, calling out their sin and declaring that they, too, must bow the knee to the true Lord of heaven and earth (vv.7–10).
He declares the same thing to us: Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come! He proclaimed this message of the gospel—both its condemnation of sin, and its offer of salvation—even in the face of death. He called sin, sin, a thing we are often hesitant to do in this day and age. And he boldly proclaimed Christ as both Lord and Savior. Such courage only comes from knowing that Christ is Lord over all, and therefore, we need not fear the powers of earth. Such courage only comes from knowing that Christ is the Lamb of God, and therefore, we rest secure in the salvation He has purchased.
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51 thoughts on "John the Baptist"
Our purpose is not to live a comfortable life. Our life is to honor Jesus.
I want to have the singular focus that John the Baptist had. I want to be solely focused on proclaiming the gospel of Jesus. I want that to be what drives every decision that I make.
Angie I agree I was just struck too as many times as I ha e heard and read about his life and these writing I was struck by his focus on his calling he did what he was called to do without even thinking that this wasn’t politically correct , can you just see his face and the humbleness of his spirit when Jesus walked up to be baptized his honor to full fill his mission . Wow !!!
Brandy Larkin, I agree with you, that being caught up in political and cultural fights, we do not bring glory to God, which should be the only purpose for every Christian. I wish that with the same boldness and passion we would preach Gospel, even to the same BLM.
When reading about John his humility and obedience is what stuck out to me the most. And I thought to myself would I be that willing to give up all my life, luxury and comforts to preach the gospel? John is a reflection of what I want to be, but I am so far off in some ways. Lord, help me look to you like John did. Not because of John, but because you were John’s desire. ♡
CHURCHMOUSE THANK YOUNGOR YOUR THOUGHTS! ♡
Hi Taylor, not sure if you will see this but I will leave it for future readers. We need to speak the truth to people who have chosen not to acknowledge racism. And pray. Only God can change a heart but right now, we need to partner with God and speak truth about the value of Black lives, the systemic racism that goes on, understand and confront our own roles in those systems, and promise to continue to educate ourselves. And hold people accountable in positions of power, when we know better we do better. Thank you for continuing the conversation.
Amen!
Love this reflection on the character of John. He was straightforward and unafraid to speak up about the gospel and bring up uncomfortable conversations (even with his brother Philip’s relationship). He was unafraid of vocalizing what sin is and how we ought to repent. I’m really inspired by his focus and the commitment he had to make the gospel center of who he is. Thank you for this devotion!
Amen.
Matt 11:6 – “Blessed is the one who does not fall away on account of me”
The passage that stuck out to me this reading was about the Pharisees. How they wanted to get baptized because it had become trendy, but John told them if you’re heart wasn’t into it, it really didn’t count. If fruits are not produced, then what is the point? It made me think of my life. Are fruits produced? Am I just a loud gong? I feel at times as if I have done nothing for the kingdom. There are times when I see glimmers of what could be. Times when I’ve ministered to people and let God talk through me, but for the most part, I stay to myself. I feel as if my fear holds me back. I don’t feel my anxiety is a sin, but what I do with it is. I need to get myself out there more. Be less afraid of my own shadow. It’s not like I’ll be alone. I’ll have Christ there who will strengthen me.
Diana Fleenor: Thank you for your posts yesterday on racial reconciliation. I agree with you that in order to see lasting change we need ALL hearts to be changed by the salvation found only in Jesus. I’m curious for your perspective on people who claim to be Christians yet disagree that our Black brothers and sisters in Christ are experiencing racial injustices in our current day and age. I never get involved in “Facebook fights” but I have seen many people who claim to be Christians so vehemently disagree or negate the fact that we need systemic change so our Black brothers and sisters can experience true equity in our society. I look up your wisdom and am thankful for your responses to my questions here at SRT in the past, so I am looking for your insight on this issue. Also open to anyone else who wants to share their perspective :)
I have a different perspective because I whole heartedly believe in Kingdom focus. Remember that we are here for the purpose of glorifying God alone. He made us differently and has different plans for all of us. It is of my opinion that the only being that matters is our Father, not elevating or belittling any man or woman. God matters. We are to treat our brothers and sisters with the love of Christ for the glory of the father, not the glory of a people. The Church is made up of one people who stand unified and devoted to Him and Him alone. If we get caught up in cultural politics we are straying from our singular purpose. We are not even to consider race or racial groups. I don’t believe in BLM not because I’m racist and not because I don’t believe in equality and not because I’m not a Christian. It is because I am a Christian. We all too often forget that nothing of this world is about any man or woman. It is about God and God alone. Racially motivated groups take the focus off of God and moves it to man. In short, BLM does not bring glory to God.
Sitting here after reading the Bible passages, what Rebecca Faires has written and looking at my own written thoughts.
It’s truly amazing to me how something that has been read and known for so long, can suddenly look so differently to me. The Bible truly is “the living word.” Magnificent isn’t it?? For it’s always speaking to me in a different way. Same words, different message!
I look at what I’ve written about John the Baptist and see he listened … he really LISTENED! He obeyed … his sole focus was Jesus … was about the kingdom of God. He was humble … not prideful … “He must become greater; I must become less” (John 3:30). John had tremendous courage, he was fierce & confident, he was steadfast and faithful!
I pray all of us … each and everyone of us transforms daily to always put God and his plans, his desires for our lives and our families … First. That we eagerly seek for all those things to be first in our lives. And do it with a heart that is willing. That we allow Him to be much greater and we become much less.
Thank you for sharing this!
Gosh Angie, you are so right. I love what you said and have screenshot it to read it over and over. Thank you.
John the baptist was set aside for a specific purpose. He fulfilled that purpose all the way to his death, and he fulfilled it with joy (John 3:29) and humility (John 3:30). My prayer is the each of us here finds and lives their purpose, and live it with singular focus, joy and humility.
April, your honest insight regarding doubt and the need to take EVERYTHING to God without fear of estrangement from His ❤️ Is to be treasured
While the context of this verse was intended for a different purpose I was struck by Matthew 11:12: “From the days of John the Baptist until now, the kingdom of Heaven has been suffering violence, and the violent has been seizing it by force.” During a time of so much hate and violence I couldn’t have been more stuck by this verse. For some reason it really hit me in my heart today….may we pray for all those suffering and do our best to walk firmly in the way the Lord calls us to.
The verse that jumped out to me today was “Blessed is he whosoever shall not be offended in Me”(Matthew 11:6). Lord I pray that you will help me not be offended in You through spreading the Gospel, in order to preach Your Truths in love, with boldness like John the Baptist- though being like Jesus means not being friends with the world, not being popular or political correct or man pleasing in any way. John was so bold to the Pharisees even to the point of calling them snakes. Will we be able to be that bold to our modern day Pharisees I wonder? Praise God for this “no one greater than John” example of courage.
When John was in prison his hope wavered. But rather than giving up, he asked Jesus for help and hope. I used to think that a simple Yes! I am the Messiah.” would have been a more welcome answer. But not anymore. Jesus pointed John back to Isaiah’s prophecies about the Messiah and showed how He fulfilled them all. A person could lie or be deluded about being the Messiah, but only the Son of God could fulfill all those prophecies. When my hope runs low, I need to turn to Jesus and God’s Word to remember Who my hope is in!
Thank you for sharing this. I never really thought about it this way. It has really encouraged me!
Mari V. – praising the Lord for protecting you & your son during the car accident yesterday! Praying for provision and peace in the coming days.
Taylor – how wonderful that you were able to share your faith with your fellow graduate students! As a graduate student myself, this excites me to read and I’m so proud of you!
Blessings to each member of this SRT community this Friday!
Tomorrow is moving day and I’m stressed to the max, which is so unlike me. I was unable to get a good nights sleep. My sister was here yesterday and finished going through everything. I hope I can get some sleep tonight. Bless you all my sisters.
Amen! Thank God for his word! I love him so!
SARAH D and TAYLOR: I praise the Lord with you for the courage and words he gave each of you to approach this volatile topic of racial reconciliation. To have the heart set on the biblical worldview of reconciliation includes the truth that whether the oppressor or the oppressed, we are all sinners in need of a Savior. And what hope we have that Jesus is the Lord, Light, the Healer for all our brokenness. I pray that as each of us continue on this journey in the many broken places in this world, we will be like John the Baptist who pointed others to Jesus, saying, “He must increase and I must decrease.” May the Lord grant each of us courage and boldness to share the gospel with a single-mindedness in which we are not afraid of offending the selfish pride of others. I know I need that prayer daily!
I’ve always loved John the Baptist and his hippie-esque ways. Off the beaten path, probably looked at as a little odd by other prophets/the disciples/other believers, but a fierce and crucial part of the Gospel non the less. God uses anyone and everyone!
In my supplemental material today I learned something neat. In Matthew 11:5, Jesus says “…and the poor are told good news.” This could be a quote from Isaiah 61. In Isaiah 61, Isaiah also says “…and proclaim liberty to the captives.” Jesus doesn’t share this part of the prophecy with John. It’s possible Jesus was telling John that John would remain in prison, because John would have recognized that prophesy and noticed the absence of the the “liberty” part.
I have to share this. Yesterday could’ve been the day for my son and I. Yesterday in the blink of the eye we could’ve been with Jesus. But just as my son said “mom it wasn’t our time yet“. My son and I were in a pretty bad automobile accident. A big truck ran a red light while we were attempting a left turn on a green light. She ran into us pretty hard causing us to spin in a 180 degree turn. Unfortunately my car is totaled. It was an old car. But thankfully my son and I were able to get out of the car with only bumps and bruises and some soreness today. Our time is not done here yet. Please pray that everything gets all worked out as I am now in need of a new car. Today’s DEVOTION: My salvation and your salvation is secure thankful for people like John the Baptist go out and prepare away. It reminds me how sometimes we share the gospel and maybe they do not get saved at that moment but maybe later on someone else comes along and continues to share the gospel and something clicks and this person is saved! God is good.
Wow!! How amazing God is! I’m so happy you and your son are okay!
Thankful u and ur son weren’t badly injured in the accident! God is Good!
Thank you for the prayers yesterday!! Our conversation with our campus pastor went well, he was very open and willing to take action against racism at our school. Our school isn’t perfect, but praying that it would reflect Christ alone more and more, and that when people talk about Liberty, they would see the heart of Jesus.
❤️
May we also say, “He must increase and I must decrease.”
I have a praise! Yesterday I was able to share my faith in response to a conversation on Zoom with a group of my graduate school classmates on the subject of racial reconciliation. I felt led by the Holy Spirit to share how I view racial reconciliation from a Christian worldview, and while I was scared to bring it up at first since my graduate school is a secular university, some fellow students who were participating in the conversation reached out afterwards to share their faith with me and how they’ve been navigating the topic of racial reconciliation. It was cool to see how God brought us all to that conversation and led us to connect over a shared faith in Christ. All glory goes to God, and I hope to have more boldness in sharing my faith with my classmates in the future. Plus, I hope to continue developing these new relationships with my fellow Christian classmates!
More of you Jesus, less of me. Help me to be about you, that others can know your love, joy and peace.
While familiar with the story of John the Baptist, Matthew 3:5-6 jumped out at me in a new way this morning. Regardless how strange John may have seemed to others, people came from all over to be baptized and confess their sins to him. They trusted him even though he was a peculiar person. As it says of us in 1 Peter 2:9, when you are chosen by Christ, you walk in His marvelous light. May I have the humility and courage to let others see Jesus first, me second.
Thank you Rebecca for this devotion, reminding me that even and especially during these ever changing times, my focus needs to remain on CHRIST and wholeheartedly seeking and boldly proclaiming God’s Kingdom.
More of You, LORD and less of me!
Like John the Baptist, we were created on purpose, by God, with a plan for our lives. In our own way, in this time, we are also called the way for Jesus. We probably do not live in a desert, eating only honey and locust (I’m kind of glad for that). We could live in an apartment, on a farm, or in a housing division. It could be a big city or a small town. Our food choices may be coffee and donuts, meat and potatoes, or even vegan. But, just like John the Baptist, we are here to prepare the way for Jesus. Will we stand out for being different…not, perhaps because of where we live or what we eat, but because of the way we live? Do our words and actions stand apart in Truth? Do we live in a way that allows other to glimpse the one whose sandals we are not worthy to remove? Do we live in response to our love FOR Him, not in obligation to Him? Are we washed clean and rise up new in the power of the Holy Spirit? Like our Shepherd, will we leave the 99 to bring the lost one Home?
Andrew Stoddard, from HRT today says, “We can learn a lot from John the Baptist when it comes to stewarding influence. His entire life can be characterized as a bold, unwavering arrow, pointing toward anyone who had eyes to see Jesus.” Do we, do our lives, actions, heart, and attitude point like an arrow directly at Jesus?
We are a chosen generation. We are a called people. God doesn’t need us, but God loves us, and allows us to be a part of bringing others to the kingdom of God. Like John the Baptist, our part is the washing with water…but O Lord, may we bring them to the water and then You will do the washing in the Spirit. For every day He gives us breath and bread, may we live out His calling and be a glimpse of the one whose sandals we are not worthy to remove.
Amen
Thanks for sharing this!
Humility and obedience. Lord, help me become smaller, so you can be bigger. May I listen and obey, especially when it conflicts with my own selfish pride.
Yes Lord, I pray for the same.
Amen!
Yes!
Zechariah and Elizabeth waited years for a child. I can imagine their dreams and hopes for the heir they wanted so desperately. Their firstborn son, their only child, would no doubt follow in his father’s footsteps, serving in the Temple. I can’t imagine Zechariah and Elizabeth’s reaction to the actual career path of their son John. Living in the wilderness. Eating locusts and wild honey. Wearing camel-hair clothing. They knew he was different and had a special destiny from the very beginning. He wasn’t even given his father’s name. But this? A prophet? A baptizer? An antagonist to the religious leaders? John was indeed a different sort. And he was undeterred and determined. His knowledge could not stay in the wilderness. It had to be proclaimed far and wide. When I think of a John the Baptist of my day I think of Billy Graham. He also was singularly focused. He was committed to proclaiming the Gospel far and wide. He was undeterred and determined. John the Baptist and Billy Graham knew their purpose. So we know ours. Let us be about our Father’s business. Let us fulfill the great commission for our lifetime. Let us begin in our homes and watch the ripples go forth for all eternity.
❤️
Amen!
Love this!!
She is a right. Sin is sin, and we are hesitant to call it what it is. My pastor did a message. There must be a balance between grace and truth. Too much grace without the truth is wrong, and too much truth without grace doesn’t give the full picture. John lived his life for his God given purpose. Would I have done that? It would have been easy for John to be selfish or go on a power trip. He had his own disciples and followers. However, he said that Jesus must increase, and I must decrease. He knew everything is about Jesus. I’m thinking about the Scripture where the Bible tells us every knee will bow and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord to the glory of God the Father. Oh, may people do that now, repent, and change! May people be radically different and want and fight for what God wants. Once people repent may their desires change, because of their love for and tneir joy in Jesus. May all come to know Jesus and live their lives to draw others to want to know Him. This study on John reminds me of at study on the First 5 app that is part of Proverbs 3i ministry on Galatians that just started. On of the devotionals was about doing things for an audience of One. Here is the link: https://myf5.co/352107
If you want to join the study, we are still on Galatians 1 this week. I have the app, but you could go to their website at http://www.proverbs31,org I believe. I tend to want the approval of others and work to get their praise. May God help me to work for an audience of One, and not desire the acknowledgment of others so much.
There must be a balance between grace and truth—yes! This is something I struggle with doing well. I tend to have too much grace and not enough truth, or the other way around. Thanks for sharing and helping me see an area I need to pray for help to do better.