Knowing Jesus Better series, John 1:19-40
Today, we will look into the value of values of John (not John the Apostle). He was well-known as John the Baptist because his ministry focused on preaching repentance and baptising people in the Jordan River. Baptism was an important symbol of repentance in the Bible. It was a symbol of the cleansing of sin and having a new way of life. But before, anyone can be baptized, he or she must hear and believe the message. The message is usually in a form of proclamation of prophecies from the Old Testament and testimony regarding Jesus.
How do we obtain our values that are aligned with God’s will? In this chapter, we will learn at least three important lessons on how to obtain the right values.
1. Develop Christian values from knowing the Word.
“Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!” John 1:19.
John the Baptist called people to repentance.
He pointed to Jesus as the One who can forgive.
He knew Jesus from the Scriptures.
He saw Leviticus 4:35 as a symbolism of the coming Christ.
He also knew his calling from the Scripture - “I am the voice of one calling in the wilderness, ‘Make straight the way for the Lord.’” Isaiah 40:3.
Where are we getting our values?
2. Practice your Christian values by serving Jesus quietly.
“28 This all happened at Bethany on the other side of the Jordan where John was baptizing.” John 1:28.
John the Baptist disappeared in the middle of chapter One. The next time we see him is in chapter Three.
He continued to serve quietly and was happy to see Jesus’ ministry grow.
29 The bride belongs to the bridegroom. The friend who attends the bridegroom waits and listens for him and is full of joy when he hears the bridegroom’s voice. That joy is mine, and it is now complete. 30 He must become greater; I must become less.” John 3:29-30.
His service pales in comparison to Jesus’ work.
His value of values, dictates his words, feelings, and behavior.
Matthew 11:11, “11 Truly I tell you, among those born of women there has not risen anyone greater than John the Baptist; yet whoever is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he.”
Jesus honored John because of his praise worthy values.
Jesus inspired others to follow his footsteps.
How are we on practicing our Christian values?
3. Inspire people to know Jesus with your Christian values.
“37 When the two disciples heard him say this, they followed Jesus. 38 Turning around, Jesus saw them following and asked, “What do you want?” They said, “Rabbi” (which means “Teacher”), “where are you staying?” John 1:37-38.
John the Baptist was a man of integrity.
His simplicity of living reflects his preaching.
He never demanded recognition for being the Lord’s forerunner.
The words and life of John the Baptist inspired Andrew and another disciple of his to examine Jesus closely.
True enough, when John pointed to Jesus as the Lamb of God, he was inspiring people to come to the Lord.
Later, Andrew invited Peter and in Acts, we see Peter coming to sinners and becoming the voice of the Spirit calling them to repentance.
The other disciple of John the Baptist who followed Jesus with Andrew was said to be John the Apostle. (see verse 39).
Jesus’ disciples grew in number because they would teach people the way to God.
How’s our words and deeds coming together to inspire others to explore Jesus?
Cover Image by Larisa Koshkina from Pixabay