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

Friday, January 16, 2026

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?"

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

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 Friday, January 16, 2026

The classic twice-daily devotional from Charles H. Spurgeon.
"When Dr. Carey was suffering from a dangerous illness, the enquiry was made, "If this sickness should prove fatal, what passage would you select as..."
A daily devotional featuring wise counsel found in Scripture.
"Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand."
A devotional to help reclaim Jesus as the daily Lord of our lives.
"Dear Disciple, Nearly every one of My leaders through the ages has been stuck between a rock and a hard place. I'm talking about being in a situation..."
A daily devotional about the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives.
"Then [the Spirit] said [to Ezekiel], "Son of man, get all these words that I'm giving you inside you. Listen to them obediently. Make them your own. And now go...."

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.