We all have a mission for God. The religious leaders were questioning John about his. They wanted to know who John was and what authority he had to do what he was doing. We hear a bit of John’s testimony here, also identifying who he is not. John’s explanation that he is a voice suggests he was being used by God in a specific way, with a message or testimony to share.
John’s testimony can also be an example for us. Did you notice how he responded? He quoted Scripture, telling the leaders he was the one the prophets had spoken about. That was a bold move, but it shows us how John stepped into his greatness in that moment. He was not afraid to be used by God.
What Scripture would you use to describe your mission on earth? Perhaps your testimony would speak about belonging to Christ as in Galatians 3:29, “And now that you belong to Christ, you are the true children of Abraham. You are his heirs, and God’s promise to Abraham belongs to you.” Or perhaps you have felt weak and broken in your life but has God has restored you and 2 Corinthians 4:7 speaks to you “We now have this light shining in our hearts, but we ourselves are like fragile clay jars containing this great treasure. This makes it clear that our great power is from God, not from ourselves.” Take a moment to think about a verse that speaks to your heart, that shares your story.
John goes on to share about what happened the day after his inquisition by the priests. That’s the day John sees Jesus. He exclaims, “The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!” That reference had to be a bit confusing to the people who knew a lamb was a sacrificial animal. What did it mean to be called the “Lamb of God”? Believers today know that Jesus died to be the perfect sacrifice, taking our sins with him to the cross. Jesus is the precious Lamb of God.
If you are familiar with the other gospels and how they portray John the Baptist, this reading may have seemed different. What surprised you most? For me, it was how John describes how he knew who Jesus was. There is no mention of Jesus being his relative, as told in Luke. His “a-ha moment” was the dove. John recognized the presence of the Holy Spirit introducing Jesus in a powerful way.
In that moment, in the presence of the Messiah, John must have been overcome. As simply a man, John called himself a voice in the wilderness. Do you ever feel like that? Perhaps you find yourself surrounded by non-believers who haven’t the faintest idea who Jesus is, much less what it means to have a relationship with someone you cannot see. How do you describe your faith to them? How do you live out your mission?
Take time today to reflect on your relationship with Jesus and what he is calling you to do. In addition to drawing near to him and putting your trust in Him, do you feel a tug in your heart to step out of your comfort zone in some way? The kingdom of God needs all of us. Pray that God will reveal to you your purpose, that is, how God will use you today.
Let’s pray. Father, thank you for John’s example of how he stepped into his mission with obedience and trust. Forgive me for the times I feel weak and unworthy to be your servant. Reveal to me your purposes and open the doors necessary for me to be all that you have made me to be. May I boldly proclaim your name to the world using the example of my life and faith journey. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
