The call on John’s life is like no other—he is to prepare the world for God’s only Son. From the womb, the Holy Spirit directs John that he will be great in the sight of the LORD. (Luke 1:13,15 NIV)
Later as John meets crowds of people at the Jordan River, they wonder if he is the Christ. He answers, “I baptize you with water…but one more powerful than I will come…” (Luke 3:15-16 NIV)
To the priests and Levites John says, “I am the voice calling in the desert, ‘Make straight the way for the Lord.’” (John 1:23 NIV)
Throughout John’s ministry his consistent message is, “He [Jesus] must increase, but I must decrease.” (John 3:30 KJV) John expresses doubt only when he is in prison and sends his disciples to Jesus asking, “Are you the one who was to come…?” (Matthew 11:3a NIV ) Jesus replies… “…The blind receive sight , the lame walk…” (Matthew 11:4-5a NIV)
As John’s disciples are leaving, Jesus explains to the crowd that John is more than just a prophet in the desert. “Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet. This is the one about whom it is written:
‘I will send my messenger ahead of you,
who will prepare your way before you.’ Malachi 3:1
Jesus continues, “I tell you the truth: Among those born of women there has not risen anyone greater than John the Baptist;…( Matthew 11:7-11a)
John spends his life in focus with the call from God. His Nazarite vow and mission to turn many sons back to the Lord their God is accomplished. He receives the highest praise from Jesus.
Think about always being known as “the other one.” That was John’s life. Are you in a secondary position? How does John’s life encourage you?
Jesus must increase and I must decrease. What a wonderful life verse. Post it everywhere. Write ways to accomplish it in your life.
In prison John has doubts, but Jesus is not offended. Jesus says, look at the results of My life. It is okay
to have doubts and ask questions. Jesus says to you, look at my record—the changed lives around you and in my word, the Bible. Have you felt guilty about having doubts? Read Matthew 11:2-5 as a prayer to Jesus. Continue praying to Jesus about your feelings of guilt when you have doubted. Let Jesus pour His love
over you. Sing praise songs to Him. Bask in His love for you. If you continue to feel guilty, talk to your pastor or a Christian counselor.
