“They asked him, ‘Then why are you baptizing, if you are neither the Christ, nor Elijah, nor the Prophet?’ John answered them, ‘I baptize with water, but among you stands one you do not know, even he who comes after me, the strap of whose sandal I am not worthy to untie.’ These things took place in Bethany across the Jordan, where John was baptizing” (John 1:25-28).

Have you ever clearly answered a question and those who are listening still don’t have a clue what you are talking about? John the Baptist could relate. His response to those who questioned him was very clear. The religious agents sent by the Pharisees probably expected a more elaborate answer. But, John kept things simple. He kept his focus on the Lord Jesus.

John’s opponents continued their line of hard questioning. They were direct and to the point. If you were in John’s shoes, how would you respond? Consider the following questions: Why do you obey God? What’s the motive behind your activity? Why do you pray? Why do you read your Bible and go to church? Why do you give the first ten percent of your income to the church? Why do you serve God through your gifts?

These are questions that require introspection. They force us to think through the core motivation for our ministry. Are we obeying God to gain a higher social status, make more money or, increase our power? Once again, John points these agents of religion to the Savior; he was simply doing his part to provide a way for the Messiah to shine. John was trying to decrease his popularity in order to increase the ministry of his Messiah.

We return to our question: Why do you obey God? Is the goal of your obedience to provide a way for Jesus to shine and touch others through your life? I certainly hope so. If it is, then we have to take steps to get the focus off of ourselves and onto our Lord. This is not necessarily an easy thing to do. Our culture promotes self-centeredness and selfishness. Let the words of the Apostle Paul be your constant prayer:

“I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me.
And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me” (Galatians 2:20).

Read:  Open your Bible and read Galatians 2:20.

Reflect:  Prayerfully consider the following: Is the life of Jesus visible in my attitude and in my actions? What new steps of faith do I need to begin?

Respond:  As a result of these truths, what might need to change in my attitude, beliefs, and actions? What steps do I need to take outwardly?

The source of this content comes from our book, Walking with Jesus.

“So they said to him, ‘Who are you? We need to give an answer to those who sent us. What do you say about yourself?’ He said, ‘I am the voice of one crying out in the wilderness, ‘Make straight the way of the Lord,’ as the prophet Isaiah said’ ” (John 1:22-23).

Have you been around people who absolutely love to talk? You ask them a simple question, and the answer they give you is nothing short of a mini-book. If you are in a hurry, their response may force you to be late. There are times when it is important to get right to the point. Many have said, “Clarity is the window to opportunity.” Let us be clear about who we are.

The religious leaders asked John two questions: “Who are you?” and “What do you say about yourself?” John’s answer must have surprised these men. John humbly referred to himself as “the voice.” The voice? What a bizarre response. John was a man of great humility. He did not focus on his position; he focused on his purpose. He was the voice that God would use to prepare for the arrival of the Messiah. John summarized the purpose of his life in one sentence. What about you? Could you do the same?

We are often asked the question, “What do you do?” Our normal response is to identify our title along with the company we work for. If we are studying, we might identify ourselves as a student at a particular school. Think about the two penetrating questions asked of John. If we removed your title, or your current level of study, what statement would best describe your life’s singular purpose? Would it be God-focused?

Paul provides an example in Philippians 3:13-14, “Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” The phrase, “But one thing I do” is a powerful statement. Paul refused to live in the past. He refused to believe that his past would control the outcome of his future in Christ.

Paul made every effort to focus his life on the spiritual reward set aside for those who make it their goal to become like Christ. He used all of his strength to advance the gospel while reflecting the character of his Lord.

Read:  Open your Bible and read Philippians 3:12-21.

Reflect:  Prayerfully consider the following: How would I summarize God’s purpose for my life in one statement? What would it require of me?

Respond:  As a result of these truths, what might need to change in my attitude, beliefs, and actions? What steps do I need to take outwardly?

The source of this content comes from our book, Walking with Jesus.