with devotion: JOHNTHEBAPTIST

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the Violent take it by Force

From the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven has suffered violence,
and the violent take it by force. [Matthew 11:12 ESV]

Things changed when John appeared preaching. His ministry was unconventional and not commissioned or sanctioned by the religious leaders. He did not look or act like one of those leaders. He preached outside of town instead of in a synagogue. Yet the heavenly kingdom began to advance. With passion.

The Greek word biastés, translated here as "the violent", can also be rendered "one who is eager in pursuit". That captures for me the essence of what Jesus is saying in this verse. People were being transformed by John's ministry. Instead of observers they were becoming people in eager pursuit of God.

Lord, we ask today for a divine eagerness that would compel us in our service to you and your world.

... this devotion is part of a series about John the Baptist.

Thy Face. Thy Way.

For this is he, of whom it is written, Behold, I send my messenger before thy face, which shall prepare thy way before thee. [Matthew 11:10 KJV]

The Greek translation of "thy face" is "the face of you" and "thy way" is actually "the way of you". I want you to stop for a moment and think about those two phrases. Is it possible for one to really know the way of God if one is not familiar with the face of God? Consider what King David writes in Psalm 27 verse 8.

My heart says of you, "Seek his face!" Your face, LORD, I will seek.

To seek the face of God is to seek the heart of God. To know the way of God we must first know his heart. Knowing the way or will of God is a somewhat natural result of knowing the heart of God. In that sense, the Baptist's mission was to prepare the way for the Messiah, the incarnate face and heart of God.

Stop again. Consider what you just read. Jesus is the full expression of the face and heart of God. If you desire to know what God is like, the you must study the life, ministry and teachings of Jesus. John the Baptist pointed to him. The gospel writers testify of him. To know Jesus is to know the heart of God.

Our desire dear Lord is to know your face. Your heart. Your way. Your messiah.

... this devotion is part of a series about John the Baptist.

More than a Prophet

Were you looking for a prophet? Yes, and he is more than a prophet. [Matthew 11:9 NLT]

What do you think Jesus meant when he called John "more than a prophet"? In the following verse he identifies John as the prophesied messenger who would prepare the way for the Messiah. So is that what made John something more than a prophet? What makes someone more than their gift or calling?

It is difficult to know for sure that John was "more" because he was the messianic forerunner. Could Jesus have thought that John was more than his ministry? More than his gift? Could it be that Jesus thought of John first as his friend? Could it be that Jesus was referring to who John was rather than what he did?

I can relate to identifying with a spiritual gift or professional role. Sometimes words like pastor or prophet cause us to walk in strange ways. Religious titles can cause us to be proud modern day Pharisees. Not so with John. He was more than a prophet because he was more than his job description.

Help us Lord to identify more with being your friend and your child than being your minister.

... this devotion is part of a series about John the Baptist.

What did you go out into the wilderness to see?

Jesus began to speak to the crowd about John: "What did you go out into the wilderness to see? A reed swayed by the wind? ... A man dressed in fine clothes? ... A prophet?" [Matthew 11:7-9 NIV]

Sometimes the questions that Jesus asks are more revealing than his answers. In these question he hits on three expectations than we all have of our religious leaders. We want them to be relevant, adapting to the times. We want them to look good. And most of all we desire them to be a man or woman of God.

Expectations often blind us to understanding God's will. The Baptist was not swayed by religious tradition. He looked more like a wild man than a preacher. Yet, to those who came hungry for God, he was a prophet. Those who heard his preaching were moved by the Holy Spirit. Others rejected him and God's will.

This last group reminds me of me in my younger years. I held a fairly rigid view of what it meant to be a leader. I did want a relevant and externally presentable man of God. Yet the thing that ensnared me the most was what it meant to be a man of God. Years later my eyes opened to what that phrase meant.

Lord, give us discernment regarding the leaders that we choose to follow and listen to.

... this devotion is part of a series about John the Baptist.

Answers for a Man in Prison

“Are you the one who is to come, or should we expect someone else?” Jesus replied, “Go back and report to John what you hear and see: The blind receive sight, the lame walk, those who have leprosy are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the good news is proclaimed to the poor. Blessed is anyone who does not stumble on account of me.” [Matthew 11:3-6 NIV]

At first glance Jesus' answer to John the Baptist is a bit confusing and a tad harsh. On the surface John seems to be asking Jesus if he is really the Messiah. It is a reasonable question for a man in prison to ask. After all, was it not prophesied by Isaiah that the Messiah would set those in prison free?

Jesus' answer is twofold. He first answers the external question. I am doing things commensurate with Messianic ministry. Jesus then goes deeper. He focuses on the heart of John's question. He tells John that he is not going to rescue him. Then proceeds to counsel him saying that he is in danger of stumbling.

Jesus advice is so appropriate for people who are suffering. It is so easy to stumble spiritually when our prayers are not answered. And sadly, the stumble often leads to a rejection of God. Yet there is a blessing for those who persevere in faith in hard times. These are the ones who emerge with a refined faith.

Help us Lord to not stumble over unanswered prayers.
Teach us to allow suffering to refine, and not destroy, our faith.

... this devotion is part of a series about John the Baptist.

Questions from Prison

John the Baptist, who was in prison, heard about all the things the Messiah was doing.
So he sent his disciples to ask Jesus, “Are you the Messiah we’ve been expecting,
or should we keep looking for someone else?” [Matthew 11:2-3 NLT]

This passage is a heart breaking one. Yet it so reflects the reality that so many experience in dark times. Bad things happen. Sincere followers of Christ find themselves in places they thought they would never be. John was in such a place. Obeying God landed John in Herod's prison. Where was God in this?

In a sense this is the question that John was asking. How can it be that John found himself in prison? His question to Jesus had everything to do about the messianic promise to set the captives free. Why, oh why, was John languishing in jail? Why did Messiah Jesus not come to set him free from his shackles?

Many of us feel John's pain. Many of us have asked similar questions from our own prisons. In dark times we struggle as to why God is not answering our prayers. We wonder whether his promises are true. In times like these it is helpful to remember that divine deliverance is mainly spiritual in nature.

Thank you for your presence with us in our darkest moments Lord.

... this devotion is part of a series about John the Baptist.

The Lamb of God

The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said,
Look! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world! [John 1:29 NLT]

Many religious images arise when one hears the phrase "Lamb of God". Old Testament sacrifices used lambs as sin offerings. Some see Jesus in that light. I am not one of those people. I think it a bit more accurate to see Jesus as the lamb used at Passover to deliver the Jews from death.

Jesus seemed to allude to this when he shared a last supper with his disciples. During that meal he compared his body and blood with the Passover lamb as he spoke about eating his body and drinking his blood. The imagery speaks deeply of how sin is defeated and taken away as we are united to Jesus.

Thank you Lord that you have delivered, are delivering and will deliver me from sin.

... this devotion is part of a series about John the Baptist.

Unending Life

The one who believes in the Son has eternal life. The one who rejects the Son will not see life,
but God’s wrath remains on him. [John 3:36 NET]

aiónios. As in this verse, this Greek word often translated 'eternal'. I like that rendering. Yet I think that 'unending' captures the meaning of the word a bit better. Only God is eternal. He has no beginning or end. We step into the life of God when we are spiritually born. In that sense our life becomes unending.

In contrast, the one who rejects Jesus does not have life unending because they have nothing in them that survives death. These go the way of all earthly creation. These return to the earth. Yet those who believe have something unending in them. Their bodies return to the earth but their spirits ascend to heaven.

Yet there are those who embrace the concept of the innate immortality of the human soul. These feel that all humans have unending life. Some of them think that all go to heaven while some see others surviving death to live unendingly in hell. I disagree with both. Unending life comes from believing in the Son. We are not born with unending or immortal life. Our lives become immortal when we are spiritually born.

Be Thou my vision Lord. May your beauty continue to captivate my heart from this life to the next.

... this devotion is part of a series about John the Baptist.

Everything is in His Hands

The Father loves the Son and has placed everything in his hands. [John 3:35 NLT]

What do you think it means for everything to be in the hands of the Son? Some think it describes a Messiah that is in control of everything. Others see it more as a reference to the redemptive force of the Messiah. I tend to see it more as the latter. The ministry of redemption is a major messianic theme.

I love that God is able to take our sins and mistakes and turn them into something beautiful. His hands are those of a divine potter. Molding us. Shaping us. Adding holy water to our hard clay. Bringing beauty from lumps of clay. It is a beautiful image of what is means to be in the strong hands of the Son.

Help us to sense your hands of love Lord. Cause us to rest as you mold us into beautiful people.

... this devotion is part of a series about John the Baptist.

the Spirit without Measure

For He whom God has sent speaks the words of God;
for He gives the Spirit without measure. [John 3:34 NASB]

I have often heard it taught that only Jesus had the Spirit without measure. The idea comes from this verse by folks who believe that the second "He" is referring to the Father. Yet how would we read that verse if we believed the second "He" referred to Jesus. It would mean something very different.

I think that the Baptist may have understood that Jesus is the Giver and we are the receivers. It makes sense. God gives without limit. His measure, like his love, has no boundary. There is nothing we need that He will not give. He has given the Spirit to each of us without measure. Praise the Lord.

Teach me Lord to walk in a way that displays your Spirit without measure in my life.

... this devotion is part of a series about John the Baptist.

Messianic Testimony

Anyone who accepts his testimony can affirm that God is true. [John 3:33 NLT]

I wonder what the Baptist meant when he said "his testimony"? The Greek word μαρτυρία can be translated as witness, evidence, testimony or reputation. Later on in his gospel John quotes Jesus saying:

“I am the light of the world. If you follow me, you won’t have to walk in darkness, because you will have the light that leads to life.” [John 8:12 NLT]

The religious leaders rejected his testimony at every turn. In reality Jesus often testified about himself claiming to be one with God. His life and ministry were a witness to the nature and character of God.

Yet even today many reject the witness of the Messiah. They find no evidence that Jesus was who he said he was. They discount his reputation. These, like the religious leaders of old, refuse to accept the testimony of Christ and those who have been changed by his testimony. In doing so they reject God.

We accept your testimony dear Lord. We affirm that you are true.

... this devotion is part of a series about John the Baptist.

He testifies about what he has seen and heard ...

He testifies about what he has seen and heard, but how few believe what he tells them! [John 3:32 NLT]

I often say that I am a Red Letter Christian. I think the words that Jesus spoke (i.e. the red letters) carry more weight than others in the bible. As the Baptist speaks here, Jesus has a greater knowledge than religious scholars and theologians because his testimony comes from his heavenly life before this life.

Misunderstanding this idea, many put the words of Paul, James or Peter on the same level as the words of Christ. Some do the same with Old Testament writings. It is why so many did not see Jesus as the Messiah. How so few believed what Christ told them. Yet some did believe his testimony and were transformed.

The challenge remains for us today. Will we read the scriptures through the testimony of Jesus or will we see his words through the filter of what others say about Jesus. When we read the bible, will we consider the life, teachings and ministry of the One who has seen and heard things in heaven? Or something else?

Open our ears to hear your testimony in our hearts Lord. And our inner eyes to see heavenly things.

... this devotion is part of a series about John the Baptist.

He has come from Above

He must become greater and greater, and I must become less and less. “He has come from above and is greater than anyone else. [John 3:30-31 NLT]

I think that John the Baptist heard the incarnational story all of his life. From his mom and from his second cousin Mary. The tale of how the angel visited Mary and told her of a son that would be conceived by the Holy Spirit. And how John leapt in his mom's womb when a pregnant Mary visited their home.

From early on John knew who Jesus was. He knew that cousin was a hybrid. Part earthly. Part heavenly. John believed the story and accepted his role in it. It is why he lived simply. Why he preached repentance. Why he baptized. He humbly became less so that the One from above would become more.

With John I agree Lord. You must become greater and greater, and I must become less and less.

... this devotion is part of a series about John the Baptist.

the Bridegroom’s friend

It is the bridegroom who marries the bride, and the bridegroom’s friend is simply glad to stand with him and hear his vows. Therefore, I am filled with joy at his success. He must become greater and greater, and I must become less and less. [John 3:29-30 NLT]

John's description of his ministry as an usher or a best man at a good friend's wedding paints a beautiful picture. The wedding is never about the groom's, or the bride's, attendants. In a sense these roles only exist to serve the betrothed couple in their union. So it was with John and his forerunning ministry.

The picture painted, in these verses and many others, is what it means to be a minister of the gospel. In fact the image can be used to represent any sincere follower of Christ. The picture is one of love and humility. Of becoming less. Of serving a divine Friend. Of wanting His will, and His happiness, more than our own.

Teach us Lord what it means to decrease as you increase in our lives.

... this devotion is part of a series about John the Baptist.

I am filled with joy at his success.

John’s disciples came to him and said ... the one you identified as the Messiah, is also baptizing people. And everybody is going to him instead of coming to us. ... John replied ... no one can receive anything unless God gives it from heaven ... I am filled with joy at his success. [John 3:26-29 NLT]

I wonder what it was like for the Baptist and his disciples to see John's ministry wane after Jesus's baptism? These short verses give us a peek into how differently John and his disciples are processing the rise of Jesus' ministry. The disciples seem to be experiencing a sense of loss. Yet John is filled with Joy.

I seem to remember an adage that speaks of how one experiences loss says more about their character then how they experience gain. It is sometimes difficult to watch another succeed. In times like these our own insecurities are often brought to the surface. And sadness, instead of joy, takes hold of us.

I think that the secret to finding joy in such times involves seeing another's success as something given from heaven. In that light, a competitive spirit is quelled. And success, in ministry anyways, is seen as an opportunity for rejoicing. Even so, having this perspective is a matter of grace and humility.

Thank you Lord for the many opportunities that we have to rejoice with our friends in their successes.

... this devotion is part of a series about John the Baptist.

If you have food, share it with those who are hungry.

The crowds asked, “What should we do?” John replied, “If you have two shirts, give one to the poor. If you have food, share it with those who are hungry.” [Luke 3:10-11 NLT]

John speaks on several occasions of offering fruit of repentance. It bears noting that John's instruction is not a high minded call to attend worship services or to offer sacrifices at the temple. The evidence the Baptist wants is so practical in nature. Be generous with your clothing and your food. So elegantly simple.

In the ensuing verses he tells tax collectors to not illegally line their pockets with extra taxes. He tells others: “Don’t extort money or make false accusations. And be content with your pay.” The outcome that John wants is not the overthrowing of Roman occupation but of the sin that has held men captive.

Generally speaking, sinning and repenting are never private matters. Our sin affects our neighbors. Yet our repentance can affect them on an even greater scale. When we repent, our neighbors are clothed and fed by the generosity of repentance. And our communities are made better because of our repentance.

Teach us Lord to offer fruit of repentance that helps our neighbors and shows your love for them.

... this devotion is part of a series about John the Baptist.

He Existed Long Before Me

He is the one I was talking about when I said, ‘A man is coming after me who is far greater than I am, for he existed long before me.’ [John 1:30 NLT]

John the Baptist was actually older than Jesus. Yet in this verse he speaks of the Messiah as one who existed before him. It is hard to know what was going through John's mind but it does seem that he embraced the idea that the Christ would be one who existed in some form before coming to earth.

Later in this gospel the apostle John records Jesus saying something similar when he spoke of existing before Abraham. There seemed to be an understanding that the Messiah was greater than a human being. There are other verses that teach this preexistence. It is hard to understand it with our brains.

Even so, it reminds of why so many follow Jesus Christ. He is more than a great teacher. Or insightful prophet. Or suffering savior. We follow Jesus because he alone can show us the Father. He alone knew the Father before his birth. In him we see what God is like because he existed long before us.

Open our eyes Father that we might see you in the life of the One existed long before us.

... this devotion is part of a series about John the Baptist.

The Lamb of God

The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said,
“Look! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world! [John 1:29 NLT]

I wonder what the Jews thought when they heard the Baptist say these words? I think that the imagery is devastating. The Old Testament teaches us about the fate of spotless lambs. These innocent animals are killed on an altar to atone for sins. In that sense, the sacrifice of an innocent makes clean the guilty.

Our inclination is to associate the Lamb of God with the cross that Jesus died on. While that is certainly a good interpretation, I suggest to you that the entire life of Christ was a beautiful example of a living sacrifice. A life that cleansed the ones who heard his teaching and experienced his compassion.

The Apostle Paul admonished us to live such a life when he wrote to the Romans teaching them to offer their bodies as a living and holy sacrifice. The message lingers today. Our lives can have a cleansing effect on those who are broken and without hope. In that sense we are lambs that God can use to cleanse.

I offer myself anew to you today Lord. Use me to help people who are broken and hopeless.

... this devotion is part of a series about John the Baptist.

What right do you have to baptize?

Then the Pharisees who had been sent asked him, “If you aren’t the Messiah or Elijah or the Prophet, what right do you have to baptize?” [John 1:24-25 NLT]

I go to a church where one needs to be ordained by the denomination to baptize. Many denominations have such sacramental requirements. These, like the Pharisees, often see baptism, and other religious rites, as ones that need to be done by people who are submitted to their authority.

While I understand the reasons that such groups think this way I simply disagree with their view. John was called by God to baptize. Neither he, Jesus nor any of the early disciples needed earthly permission to baptize. In like manner believers today, when called upon by God, should obey God rather than men.

In balance, I suggest to you that the authority of religious groups is not something to be taken lightly. Neither should the ministries of the Baptist or Jesus be used to excuse rebellious behaviors. Anything we do in the name of God should be done with much humility. Any authority we have is a gift from God.

Help us to be open to the opportunities before us Lord. Grant us the boldness and humility to obey you.

... this devotion is part of a series about John the Baptist.

I am not the Messiah.

This was John’s testimony when the Jewish leaders sent priests and Temple assistants from Jerusalem to ask John, “Who are you?” He came right out and said, “I am not the Messiah.” [John 1:19-20 NLT]

Luke tells us that "Everyone was expecting the Messiah to come soon, and they were eager to know whether John might be the Messiah." What was it about the Baptist that seemed messianic to so many? Surely he had a prophetic message and appearance. He preached a strong message of repentance and forgiveness. He stood up to both religious and civil leaders. He simply seemed messianic.

John seemed to fit the expectation. Yet he himself understood that he was the forerunner, not the Messiah. John knew who he was and who he was not. I love this about John. As one who has succumbed to visions of grandeur, I can testify of the humility required to defeat such delusions. And in his case, John showed tremendous humility as he watched his ministry decrease and the ministry of the Messiah increase.

I am prideful Lord. Teach me to defeat pride and walk humbly with you.

... this devotion is part of a series about John the Baptist.

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