What Jesus Did! 'Pointing the Way, Clearing the Path' — John 1:22-23

Thursday, January 15, 2026

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[After John the Baptizer said he wasn't the Messiah, Elijah, or the Prophet, the people sent by the Jewish leaders to him said,] "Then who are you? We need an answer for those who sent us. What do you have to say about yourself?"

John replied in the words of the prophet Isaiah:

"I am a voice shouting in the wilderness, 'Clear the way for the Lord's coming!'"
— John 1:22-23 NLT

Key Thought

John let the questioners know that his identity was not the issue; the one about whom he spoke was the important issue. Yes, John's coming was an answer to prophecy. Yes, John's ministry was powerful and touched many people. Yes, John's work changed an untold number of lives. Yes, John's presence was a signal about God's coming Kingdom. John, however, always kept his role in perspective: He effectively said, "I'm here to point the way to the Messiah. My role is to clear the path for people to find the Lord." No matter what our gifts may be, no matter what talents God has given to us, each of us in our own way is called to follow John's example. We have been put into a circle of friends, family, and acquaintances to point the way to the Messiah and clear a path for those we know to find the Lord.

Today's Prayer

Precious and loving Father, King of the ages and Lord of my heart, please use me to bring others to know Jesus as their Savior and Lord. I especially ask that you give me wisdom as I seek to be a faithful witness to your Son's grace with the following people: ... In the mighty name of Jesus, I pray. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

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1 Related Resource by Heartlight

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Illustration

Illustration of John 1:22-23 NLT — "Then who are you? We need an answer for those who sent us. What do you have to say about yourself?" —— "I am a voice shouting in the wilderness, 'Clear the way for the Lord's coming!'"

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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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