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The Savior of the world certainly came to earth in an unexpected way. He came as a servant of God to sacrifice himself for us. It wasn’t immediately apparent to others that Jesus was the Messiah, the King, they were waiting for.
But God had prepared a way. Jesus’ cousin, John the Baptist, was very popular among the people of Israel. Large crowds followed him, heard him preach, and submitted to his call for repentance from their sinful lifestyle. At the peak of John’s popularity, Jesus came to the Jordan River, where John was conducting his ministry. John recognized Him and humbly told his followers, “I am not the Christ, but I have been sent ahead of Him…He must increase, but I must decrease” (John 3:28,30).
But even John the Baptist wasn’t entirely enlightened about Jesus’ full mission. John the Baptist had introduced Jesus to the people as the One who would bring judgment with His coming (Matthew 3:11-12). Later, when John was put in prison, he heard that Jesus was healing the sick, and not bringing judgment as John had thought. He wondered if Jesus really was the One.
Some of John’s disciples were sent to ask Jesus to confirm that He was the Messiah. In response, Jesus confirmed John’s message that He was the Messiah and sent them back with the confirmation of many miracles and fulfilled prophecies.
Rather than reprimanding John for his unbelief, Jesus said that John was “more than a prophet,” and that “among those born of women there has not risen one greater than John the Baptist” (Matthew 11:9,11). Using Old Testament scriptures, Jesus shared God’s description of John: “Behold, I send My messenger before Your face, who will prepare Your way before You.”
Jesus wanted the people to know how unique John was. Jesus was grateful that the Father had sent John as His herald, His messenger. Unless someone preceded the King to tell people of His arrival, how would they know that the King was coming? Jesus’ words conveyed how thankful He was for John. And He wanted to ensure that John was never forgotten. Jesus also must have been considering His own future suffering when He encouraged John that his suffering and humble service were for the greater purpose of offering redemption and eternal life for all.
Do you proclaim Jesus as the Savior of the world to the people around you? This is a wonderful week to thank God for the gift of His Son, our Savior, and those saints who came before us proclaiming the Gospel. Take time consider who you could proclaim the Gospel to or invite to church this Easter Sunday.
Dear Lord, thank You for the privilege of proclaiming Your coming to a watching world. Amen
Bare Bones Bible Handbook by Jim George is the perfect tool to discover fascinating and inspirational stories from the Bible. This resource is a fast and friendly overview of every book of the Bible.
How can I tell more people about the coming of Christ?
Take time consider who you could proclaim the Gospel to or invite to church this Easter Sunday.
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Jim and Elizabeth George are bestselling authors and national speakers dedicated to helping people live a life after God’s own heart. Together, they have written over 150 books with more than 14 million copies sold around the world. For over 35 years, the teachings and steadfast example of Elizabeth and Jim have helped countless men and women:
Jim and Elizabeth George are bestselling authors and national speakers dedicated to helping people live a life after God’s own heart. Together, they have written over 150 books with more than 14 million copies sold around the world. For over 35 years, the teachings and steadfast example of Elizabeth and Jim have helped countless men and women:
How did men and women in the Bible accomplish great things for God? There wasn’t any secret formula or bestselling book on success for them. In fact, they were ordinary people like you and me. What made them effective was their willingness to obey God—one decision at a time.
