Don’t Miss John’s Purpose When Reading the Christmas Story
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One might ask, how were they saved from sin before Jesus died and rose? I would answer that it would be the same way any person who follow God had faith in the coming Messiah to save them from their sins. Even though sacrifices were presented, we see in Abraham that it was his faith that gave him righteousness with the Lord (Romans 4:1-5).
John the Baptizer says in Matthew 3:11 say, “I baptize you with water for repentance. But after me comes one who is more powerful than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.” I love how he is sharing that the Light of Jesus will overcome the darkness of sin and evil. He tells them that the Holy Spirit will come like fire. We think of the resting tongues of fire and the light that we carry when we accept Jesus. His light shines through us in this dark world.
John’s last purpose was to guide our feet to peace. I initially think about how John guiding feet was the indication off him leading a movement. John is the frontrunner for Christ, leading the way for others to follow.
The apostle Paul tells us later in Ephesians 5:16 when describing the armor of God, “And, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace.” This was no coincidence; this was the Lord weaving together His message. John was guiding the people to peace, the Prince of Peace. The gospel was their only hope for eternal peace. John would call them to take action and they would need to make a decision if they were going to walk in it or not. Feet of peace implies a decision of walking forward in the truth of the gospel.
Finally, Luke 1:80 says, “And the child grew and became strong in spirit, and he was in the wilderness until the day of his public appearance to Israel.”
John the Baptist has an unusual story. He was conceived by elderly parents through a miracle. He leapt to confirm the Savior in his mother Elizabeth’s womb when Jesus was in Mary’s womb. He was born and given a name that no relative had, only the Lord commanded it for him. He was strong in spirit and lived in the wilderness until his ministry began. He wore clothes made from camel hair, had a leather belt, and ate locusts and wild honey. He was set apart and did not drink any alcohol. He preached of the Messiah. He knew Jesus. He was technically Jesus’ first cousin once removed – his mother Elizabeth was Jesus’ great aunt. He baptized Jesus in Bethany beyond the Jordan River. He likely led 2 of the 12 disciples, Philip and Andrew, to Christ (John 1:35-37, John 1:43). He was beheaded for his faith in Jesus.
Just like John the Baptist, we too have purposes that the Lord wants to fulfill through our lives. Our earthly fathers may have never prophesied over us, however our God calls us His children when we believe in Christ Jesus. This means that God becomes our Heavenly Father. He speaks life over us and created us for His plan.
As you read the Christmas story about the birth of Jesus, don’t miss John. He is not the focus, but he served an amazing purpose. Just like our lives, our meaning is for the glory of God.
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