Devotions: John 1:19-51

Points:
Jewish leaders thought John the Baptist was the Messiah, but John "did not fail to confess" that he was not the Christ, not Elijah, and not even a prophet. So, when questioned about who he really was, John told the leaders, "I am a voice of one calling out in the desert, Make straight the way of the Lord." When asked about his baptisms, John had this to say, "I baptize with water, but among you stands one you do not know. He is the one who comes after me, the thongs of whose sandals I am not worthy to untie." John saw Jesus approaching and said, "Look, the lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world". At this point John gave his testimony of how he saw the Spirit come down from heaven as a "dove" and remain on him. John points out here that the one who sent him to baptize with water had told him of this person. The disciples begin to follow Jesus and tell each other that they have found the Messiah. Jesus found Philip and told him to follow. Philip told Nathanial, but Nathanial was skeptical and said, "Nazareth! Can anything good come from there?"

Problems:
It would seem that the Jewish leaders started out on a skipe hunt looking for the Messiah in John the Baptist. They asked him if he was the Messiah, I think to make life miserable for him. On the other hand, regular men saw the real Messiah and recognized Him right away.

Parallels:
Matthew 3:1-12; Mark 1:1-8; Luke 3:1-18

Promises:
John baptized with water, but Jesus baptizes in the Holy Spirit. Jesus told Nathanial that he would "see much greater things than this" while telling him about the fig tree. I believe this a promise Jesus makes to all those who believe in Him.

Perils:
The meeting between Jesus and John the Baptist will set in motion the way in which the Jewish leaders will learn of Jesus and the coming fulfillment of the Old Testament prophecies.

Precepts:
The command I find in this passage is to believe in Jesus as Messiah. Jesus told Nathanial that he would see "heaven open, and the angels of God ascending and descending on the Son of Man". If I follow Jesus' example and believe who he says he is, I too will be able to see these things.

Apps:
I can apply this message in my life today by believing in Jesus' promise of everlasting and eternal life. He is the truth, the light, and the way. He was sent here as God incarnate to die for my sins. I will praise His Holy name and let my life be a beacon for Him.