“They asked him, ‘Then why are you baptizing, if you are neither the Christ, nor Elijah, nor the Prophet?’ John answered them, ‘I baptize with water, but among you stands one you do not know, even he who comes after me, the strap of whose sandal I am not worthy to untie.’ These things took place in Bethany across the Jordan, where John was baptizing” (John 1:25-28).
Have you ever clearly answered a question and those who are listening still don’t have a clue what you are talking about? John the Baptist could relate. His response to those who questioned him was very clear. The religious agents sent by the Pharisees probably expected a more elaborate answer. But, John kept things simple. He kept his focus on the Lord Jesus.
John’s opponents continued their line of hard questioning. They were direct and to the point. If you were in John’s shoes, how would you respond? Consider the following questions: Why do you obey God? What’s the motive behind your activity? Why do you pray? Why do you read your Bible and go to church? Why do you give the first ten percent of your income to the church? Why do you serve God through your gifts?
These are questions that require introspection. They force us to think through the core motivation for our ministry. Are we obeying God to gain a higher social status, make more money or, increase our power? Once again, John points these agents of religion to the Savior; he was simply doing his part to provide a way for the Messiah to shine. John was trying to decrease his popularity in order to increase the ministry of his Messiah.
We return to our question: Why do you obey God? Is the goal of your obedience to provide a way for Jesus to shine and touch others through your life? I certainly hope so. If it is, then we have to take steps to get the focus off of ourselves and onto our Lord. This is not necessarily an easy thing to do. Our culture promotes self-centeredness and selfishness. Let the words of the Apostle Paul be your constant prayer:
“I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me.
And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me” (Galatians 2:20).
Read: Open your Bible and read Galatians 2:20.
Reflect: Prayerfully consider the following: Is the life of Jesus visible in my attitude and in my actions? What new steps of faith do I need to begin?
Respond: As a result of these truths, what might need to change in my attitude, beliefs, and actions? What steps do I need to take outwardly?
The source of this content comes from our book, Walking with Jesus.