Proudly Presenting: The Savior of the World - October 27

Read John 1:6-8 (ESV) 

There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. He came as a witness, to bear witness about the light, that all might believe through him. He was not the light, but came to bear witness about the light. 

Reflect 

How did you first hear that Jesus is the Messiah? Who witnessed to you? 

Have you ever had the honor of introducing someone important to others? Maybe you were extremely proud to introduce your future spouse to your family for the first time. Or maybe you proudly introduce your kids or grandkids to everyone you meet. Perhaps, you’ve been an actual M.C. and as “Master of Ceremonies,” you had the distinct privilege to introduce someone truly famous to a waiting crowd. 

But regardless of the relative status or fame of your most noteworthy introduction, I think we can all agree that John the Baptist had the highest honor given to man. John the Baptist was given the special role and distinct privilege of introducing the Savior of the world. 

John’s mother, Elizabeth, and Jesus’ mother, Mary, were cousins. John was born about 6 months before Jesus. His birth was miraculous, too. We read about it in Luke 1:5-25, 57-80. His parents Zechariah and Elizabeth were barren and their childbearing years had passed them by. Zechariah was a priest serving in the temple when the angel, Gabriel, appeared to announce that his wife would soon give birth to a son they would name, John. Zechariah requested a sign so that he could know the angel’s words were true, especially because he and his wife, Elizabeth were so old. Gabriel told him that because he didn’t believe his words, Zechariah wouldn’t be able to speak until his son was born. 

Gabriel told Zechariah that his son would “be great before the Lord. And he must not drink wine or strong drink, and he will be filled with the Holy Spirit, even from his mother’s womb. And he will turn many of the children of Israel to the Lord their God, and he will go before him in the spirit and power of Elijah, to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just, to make ready for the Lord a people prepared” (Luke 1:15-17). 

John the Baptist was the one Isaiah had prophesied would come before the Messiah. “A voice cries: In the wilderness prepare the way of the LORD; make straight in the desert a highway for our God” (Isaiah 40:3). Over 700 years before John and Jesus were born, Isaiah prophesied that they both would come. The Messiah was coming but a forerunner would come first in order to prepare the way. 

 You see, John didn’t just have the honor and privilege of telling people that the Messiah was coming. He had a responsibility. For about 400 years, God hadn’t spoken through any prophet. God used John the Baptist to break the silence. As the apostle John wrote, John the Baptist wasn’t the Light of the World. He wasn’t the Messiah. It was his job to proclaim that the Light of the World was coming. He bore witness to Jesus Christ. But his message wasn’t always well received. He was persecuted and thrown into prison for faithfully bearing witness to the Light. So while John was given an amazing privilege of introducing the world to its Savior, his life was far from easy. 

All of us have been called to bear witness to the Light of the World. Like John, we are also called to proclaim that Jesus is the Messiah, the Savior of the World. As Christians, it is an incredible honor to bear His great name and represent Him to the world. But being His witnesses isn’t always easy. Sharing His message with others won’t always be well received. Even so, may we faithfully bear witness to the Light so that all might come to believe in Him. 

Respond 

Jesus, You are the Light of the World and You are my Lord and Savior. Equip me and give me the courage to faithfully bear witness to You even if my message isn’t well received. It is an incredible honor and privilege to be able to introduce others to the Savior of the world. Amen. 

Reveal 

This week, bear witness beyond your circle: invite a new neighbor to hear how Jesus changed you, or reconnect with an old friend to share the Savior's light. Step out in courage, and let your story illuminate another heart.