What Jesus Did! 'What Right Do You Have to Baptize?' — John 1:24-25

Sunday, January 16, 2022

Then the Pharisees who had been sent asked [John the Baptizer], "If you aren't the Messiah or Elijah or the Prophet, what right do you have to baptize?"
— John 1:24-25 NLT

Key Thought

What right do you have to do what you do? That's a good question, especially for those of us who are blessed with freedom. We take for granted our right to do what we do. Behind this question, however, stands a powerful truth: The only things we have the right to do are the things God in his grace has granted us the right to do. John the Baptizer did what he did because God had called him to the task. John had the opportunities he had because God opened the doors for them. John had the effective ministry he had because he did what God wanted him to do. John's right to baptize, preach, teach, and prepare the way was given him by God. More than just the right to do these things, he had the authority of God to do them. God has great plans for us also. He calls us to his purposes. He has given us the right as his children to bring light to this dark world. Let's use our God-given rights to our Father's glory!

Today's Prayer

Father, thank you for giving me the right to be your child. Inspire me to bold and courageous living for the sake of the Kingdom and the cause of the Good News of Jesus. Please give me a heart as fearless and true as your great servant John the Baptizer. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

Have thoughts on this devotional? Leave a comment

2 Related Resources by Heartlight

Mistaken Identity
Devo: A Year with Jesus
"Dear Disciple, John the Baptist was an incredible person. He was brave. He was honest. He spoke the truth no matter the consequences. He lived to..."
Beyond Description
Article by Phil Ware
The beloved disciple wants us to know and love Jesus like he does! Phil Ware looks at the gospel of John chapter 1 and reflects on all the titles, names, and descriptions given to Jesus in this one chapter and what it really means for us.

Illustration

Illustration of John 1:24-25 NLT — Then the Pharisees who had been sent asked [John the Baptizer], "If you aren't the Messiah or Elijah or the Prophet, what right do you have to baptize?"

Other Devotionals from Heartlight for Sunday, January 16, 2022

Morning & Evening
The classic twice-daily devotional from Charles H. Spurgeon.
Morning Thought: Psalms 65:11
"Many are "the paths of the Lord" which "drop fatness," but an especial one is the path of prayer. No believer, who is much in the closet, will have..."
God's Holy Fire
A daily devotional about the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives.
'Hear What the Spirit Says!' (Re. 2:11)
"[In his revelation to John, Jesus said,] "Whoever has ears, let them hear what the Spirit says to the churches. The one who is victorious will not be hurt at..."
Daily Wisdom
A daily devotional featuring wise counsel found in Scripture.
Psalm 33:12
"Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord, the people he chose for his inheritance."
Unstoppable!
A one-year devotional guide through the book of Acts.
'Persecuting the Church Is Persecuting Jesus'
"[Paul continued his defense before the hostile crowd in Jerusalem:] "As I was on the road, approaching Damascus about noon, a very bright light from...."

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.

More What Jesus Did!