There came a man, sent from God, whose name was John. John 1:6 WEB

John the Apostle begins his gospel introducing two men. First, John presents Christ as the Word of God and the agent of creation, present with God in the beginning. As we read in John 1:1-5, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made through him. Without him, nothing was made that has been made. In him was life, and the life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness hasn’t overcome it. WEB”

Next, John introduces his readers to a man who shares his first name. We know him as John the Baptist. Scripture records that he was sent from God for a specific purpose. John 1:7-9, describes that purpose saying, “The same came as a witness, that he might testify about the light, that all might believe through him. He was not the light, but was sent that he might testify about the light. The true light that enlightens everyone was coming into the world. WEB”

Prepare the Way

Just as scripture prophesied our Savior sent from God, the Old Testament predicted the life and ministry of John the Baptist. John’s story is unique as he fulfilled prophecy as forerunner to the Messiah. John was sent from God to fulfill prophetic words that include Isaiah 40:3 which describes John’s purpose as, “A voice of one calling: ‘In the wilderness prepare the way for the Lord; make straight in the desert a highway for our God.’ WEB”

John’s faithful service was to prepare a sinful world for the arrival of our redeemer. For this reason, as Christ called men and women to repentance, John the Baptist did the same. We read the main message of John’s ministry in Matthew 3:2 as he preached, “Repent, for the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand! WEB” With these words, John prepared sinful mankind for the arrival of our Savior, Jesus Christ.

Yesterday’s Devotional: The Love of God Toward Us