Luke 3:15
NCV: Since the people were hoping for the Christ to come, they wondered if John might be the one. John 3:28 You yourselves heard me say, ‘I am not the Christ, but I am the one sent to prepare the way for him.’
What make this people wondered whether or not if John the Baptist was the expectant One that is to come, the Messiah? It starts with John 3:22-26 that Jesus and his followers went into the area of Judea and baptizing the people. John the Baptist was also baptizing people nearby because there was plenty of water. His followers told John the Baptist that everyone was coming to Christ and being water baptized. There were more numbers of people coming to Christ than John. John the Baptist had an answer.
John 3:27-30 NCV: John answered, “A man can get only what God gives him. You yourselves heard me say, ‘I am not the Christ, but I am the one sent to prepare the way for him.’ The bride belongs only to the bridegroom. But the friend who helps the bridegroom stands by and listens to him. He is thrilled that he gets to hear the bridegroom’s voice. In the same way, I am really happy. He must become greater, and I must become less important.
John’s Testimony to Jesus
John 3:31-36 NCV: The One who comes from above is greater than all. The one who is from the earth belongs to the earth and talks about things on the earth. But the One who comes from heaven is greater than all. He tells what he has seen and heard, but no one accepts what he says. Whoever accepts what he says has proven that God is true. The One whom God sent speaks the words of God, because God gives him the Spirit fully. The Father loves the Son and has given him power over everything. Those who believe in the Son have eternal life, but those who do not obey the Son will never have life. God’s anger stays on them.
John the Baptist quoted from John 3:30 KJV: He must increase, but I must decrease. NCV quoted, ‘He must become greater, and I must become less important.’ John the Baptist is a true prophet who would admit that he is not the Christ and a perfect example who would exalt Christ. Why is this important? Because in Luke 21:8 Jesus said, ‘Take heed that ye be not deceived: for many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ… go ye not therefore after them.’ Let us hear the words of Christ and prepare our hearts to watch out for those who might try to deceive us. Satan is out to destroy us. Prayers will keep us close to God and be filled with Holy Spirit. May God bless you.
[To be continued]
