Scripture to Read: John 1:30–34
We read in John 1:30, “This is He on behalf of whom I said, ‘After me comes a Man who has a higher rank than I, for He existed before me.’” John the Baptist reminded everyone that Christ is above all and has always existed. He proclaimed Jesus as God in the flesh. Then, John recorded what John the Baptist said in John 1:31, “I did not recognize Him, but so that He might be manifested to Israel, I came baptizing in water,” and John 1:33, “I did not recognize Him, but He who sent me to baptize in water said to me, ‘He upon whom you see the Spirit descending and remaining upon Him, this is the One who baptizes in the Holy Spirit.’” When Jesus came, John the Baptist confessed that he did not recognize Jesus as the Messiah. But God the Father spoke to John the Baptist and told him, ‘He upon whom you see the Spirit descending and remaining upon Him, this is the One who baptizes in the Holy Spirit.’ God the Father assured John the Baptist that he would know the Messiah by the sign of the Holy Spirit. So, John the Baptist did what every disciple of Christ should do; He testified that Jesus was the One True Messiah. We read in John 1:32, “John testified saying, ‘I have seen the Spirit descending as a dove out of heaven, and He remained upon Him,’” and in John 1:34, “I myself have seen, and have testified that this is the Son of God.” John left no doubt.
Challenge & Application
• What did God teach you today through what John the Baptist testified about Jesus?
• How has God challenged you to be sure and testify what you know has happened in your life through Christ?
Don’t forget to pray using the A.C.T.S. (Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, Supplication) method!