He was not the light, but was sent that he might testify about the light. John 1:8 WEB
John begins his gospel describing Jesus as the Word of God. He relates that Christ existed in the beginning and participated in all of creation. As John writes in John 1:3-5, “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”
Following this, the author introduces John the Baptist as the man sent to testify about the light of Jesus. John came to prepare the way for Jesus’ ministry. Unconcerned with his own fame or fortune, John ministered to any who would listen in the wilderness of Judea. Matthew 3:1-2 teaches that John the Baptist preached and called sinners to repentance saying, “Repent, for the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand. WEB”
John’s Testimony
As a man of God, some wondered if John the Baptist might be the promised Messiah. John denied this. As we read in John 1:19-20, “Now this was John’s testimony when the Jewish leaders in Jerusalem sent priests and Levites to ask him who he was. He did not fail to confess, but confessed freely, ‘I am not the Messiah.’ NIV”
John the Baptist’s primary role in his repentance ministry was to announce the arrival of Jesus as Lord and Savior. Also, he was given to testify about the light and identity of Jesus Christ. John says of Jesus in John 1:29-30, “Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world! This is he of whom I said, ‘After me comes a man who is preferred before me, for he was before me.’ WEB”
Prayer: “Father God, thank you for the faithful men and women who testify about the light and the truth of your word. Thank you for the light of Jesus Christ. Help me to live in truth and in the light of the revelation of your will. Guide me to serve your kingdom. In Jesus’ name – Amen”
Yesterday’s Devotional: The Counselor
