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

Unstoppable!
A one-year devotional guide through the book of Acts.
'Paul Sought to Fulfill His Mission'
"[Paul proclaimed his innocence to King Agrippa by explaining his conversion and call to share the Good News of Jesus with both Jews and Gentiles:]..."
God's Holy Fire
A daily devotional about the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives.
'Power Behind the Testimony' (Re. 19:10)
"At this I [John] fell at [the angel's] feet to worship him. But he said to me, "Don't do that! I am a fellow servant with you and with your brothers and sisters..."
Spiritual Warfare
A daily devotional about God's power for our battles.
'The World Hated Jesus, First' (Jn. 15:18-19)
"If the world hates you, remember that it hated me first. The world would love you as one of its own if you belonged to it, but you are no longer part...."
Daily Wisdom
A daily devotional featuring wise counsel found in Scripture.
Matthew 5:11
"Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of 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.

More What Jesus Did!