John 1:19-28 New International Version (NIV)
John the Baptist Denies Being the Messiah
19 Now this was John’s testimony when the Jewish leaders[a] in Jerusalem sent priests and Levites to ask him who he was. 20 He did not fail to confess, but confessed freely, “I am not the Messiah.” 21 They asked him, “Then who are you? Are you Elijah?” He said, “I am not.” “Are you the Prophet?”
He answered, “No.” 22 Finally they said, “Who are you? Give us an answer to take back to those who sent us. What do you say about yourself?” 23 John replied in the words of Isaiah the prophet, “I am the voice of one calling in the wilderness, ‘Make straight the way for the Lord.’”[b] 24 Now the Pharisees who had been sent 25 questioned him, “Why then do you baptize if you are not the Messiah, nor Elijah, nor the Prophet?” 26 “I baptize with[c] water,” John replied, “but among you stands one you do not know. 27 He is the one who comes after me, the straps of whose sandals I am not worthy to untie.” 28 This all happened at Bethany on the other side of the Jordan, where John was baptizing.
Monday - January 18
Have you ever waited a long time for something? Jacinda and I got engaged almost a year and a half before the wedding date. That was helpful to get all the details ready, but it still felt like a long time to wait for the big day. But then came the night of the wedding rehearsal. That meant the big day had almost arrived! In a way, John the Baptist is the final Old Testament prophet, even though he is only talked about in the New Testament. Why? Because he is the final prophet saying: “Get ready! He’s coming! The big day is almost here.” John was just the rehearsal. His baptism was just getting everyone ready. Jesus is the real deal. He is the forgiver of sins and the Savior of the lost! He has come, today, to pour God’s grace upon you! No more waiting!
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