What Jesus Did! 'Pointing Others to Jesus' — John 1:15

Tuesday, January 11, 2022

John testified about [the Word, Jesus] when he shouted to the crowds, "This is the one I was talking about when I said, 'Someone is coming after me who is far greater than I am, for he existed long before me.'"
— John 1:15 NLT

Key Thought

John the Baptizer was courageous. John was passionate, but he realized he was just a "pointer" — someone who pointed people to another far greater than himself. Jesus was in existence long before John appeared on the scene. In fact, Jesus existed before creation. No matter how important others viewed John — and even Jesus testified to John's greatness, [1] John knew God had given him one primary job: Point others to Jesus, the preexistent Word of God! In a world full of people obsessed with getting their fifteen minutes of fame, John is a breath of fresh air. His life challenges each of us to ask an important question: Will I spend my life helping others know of Jesus' greatness rather than having them focus on me?

[1] Matthew 11:11.

Today's Prayer

Father, please help me find and fulfill my role as John did — to point others to Jesus and his greatness and grace. Help me find great delight in doing what you created me to do and in using my influence to help others to see Jesus. In his name. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

  • Colossians 1:15-18
  • John 8:57-59
  • John 1:29-31

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Illustration

Illustration of John 1:15 NLT — "This is the one I was talking about when I said, 'Someone is coming after me who is far greater than I am, for he existed long before me.'"

About This Devotional

What Jesus Did! is a series of one-year devotional guides through each gospel, using one short scripture passage each day and following the Gospel in sequential order. Each devotional consists of a scripture passage and a reflection and a prayer which open up the day's scripture and show how it challenges you to live for Jesus.

What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware and is available in book form.

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

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