John 1:30-34 CSB
This is the one I told you about: 'After me comes a man who ranks ahead of me, because he existed before me.' [31] I didn't know him, but I came baptizing with water so that he might be revealed to Israel." [32] And John testified, "I saw the Spirit descending from heaven like a dove, and he rested on him. [33] I didn't know him, but he who sent me to baptize with water told me, 'The one you see the Spirit descending and resting on-he is the one who baptizes with the Holy Spirit.' [34] I have seen and testified that this is the Son of God."
Spirit Descending Upon
For the third time, John the Baptist declares that the Messiah would appear after him, and this is why he came baptizing. John himself did not initially know who the Messiah was—the One who would take away the sins of the world—but he knew the sign that would reveal Him.
Many people struggle with the concept of Jesus being one-hundred percent man while also having existed before His earthly birth. John the Baptist was born months before Jesus (as we see in Luke chapter 1), yet John declares that Jesus existed before him. This points directly to the truth that Jesus is far more than just a prophet or a teacher of truths. He is the Messiah, the Son of God, and the Lamb sent to save the world.
I can see Jesus standing in line, waiting to be baptized by John. I imagine Him slowly wading into the water, feeling the smooth stones beneath His feet as He approaches the Baptist. John knew Jesus as a relative, but not yet as the Messiah. But then John saw it: the Holy Spirit descending upon Jesus like a dove. John knew at that moment that this was the One who would surpass him. John baptized only with water for the repentance of sins, but Jesus would baptize with the Holy Spirit. Through Him, a new life would be given to all who believe.
Unlike the Pharisees and Sadducees, John the Baptist knew he was just a servant. His mission was a humble one: to pave the way for Jesus and then drift off into history, becoming less and less while Jesus assumed His rightful position as our Lord and Savior.
I can take a deep lesson from John the Baptist. When I am filled with pride or a desire for recognition and power—when I pout because my fragile feelings are hurt or my pride is damaged by someone else—I must remember: it is not about me. It is about our Lord. It is about allowing Jesus to take the forefront of my life. We are called to a humble mission, putting others—and especially Jesus—before ourselves.
John the Baptist is clear: Jesus is the Son of God. Great men like Abraham and David are buried; people can still take pilgrimages to see their tombs. But not so with Jesus. He now sits at the right hand of the Father, full of grace and truth, interceding for us today.
Reflection Questions
- John the Baptist had to wait for a specific sign to see Jesus for who He truly was. What “signs” of God’s presence have you seen in your own life recently?
- When your “fragile feelings” are hurt or you feel a lack of recognition, how can you practice John’s mindset of “He must increase, but I must decrease”?
- Jesus baptizes with the Holy Spirit, offering a “new life.” In what part of your daily routine do you most need to experience that newness today?
Prayer
Father,
Thank You for the witness of John the Baptist and his heart of true humility. Forgive us for the pride that so often gets in the way of Your glory. We thank You that Jesus is not in a tomb, but is alive and interceding for us at Your right hand. Baptize us afresh with Your Holy Spirit today. Help us to step out of the spotlight so that Your Son may be revealed through everything we do.
Amen.
