What Jesus Did! 'Here to Prepare the Way!' — John 3:28-29

Monday, February 23, 2026

[John the Baptizer said to his disciples,] "You yourselves know how plainly I told you, 'I am not the Messiah. I am only here to prepare the way for him.' It is the bridegroom who marries the bride, and the bridegroom's friend is simply glad to stand with him and hear his vows. Therefore, I am filled with joy at [Jesus'] success."
— John 3:28-29 NLT

Key Thought

What a beautiful image. The friend of the bridegroom finds his joy in seeing the bride come to her groom. Imagine if we all lived with the same commitment that John had. What amazing power would be unleashed among God's people if we all lived to prepare the way for Jesus to come to other people! So why don't we? Why not start right now and make a commitment to give the rest of your life to prepare the way for others to know Jesus?!

Today's Prayer

Loving Father, please use my words, my influence, and the rest of my life to help others come to know Jesus and his love. Open my eyes to the opportunities around me to touch others with your grace. Open my ears to hear the cries of those hungry for your bread of life. Please give me the joy of the friend of the bridegroom! In Jesus' name. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

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5 Related Resources by Heartlight

John 3:28-29
Devo: Today's Verse
"[John the Baptist said when asked if he was the Christ, the Messiah:] "I am not the Christ but am sent ahead of him. The bride belongs to the bridegroom. The..."
Complete Joy
Illustration of John 3:28-29
Inspirational illustration of John 3:28-29 -- [I am not the Christ but am sent ahead of him.] The bride belongs to the bridegroom. The friend who attends the bridegroom waits and listens for him, and is full of joy when he hears the bridegroom's voice. Th
Complete Joy!
Article by Tom Norvell
What can make my joy complete? Tom Norvell talks about his son's wedding and how everyone sacrificed to do what the bride and groom wanted and this allowed complete joy to bless everyone.
The Joy of the Groom's Friends
Virtual Worship by Demetrius Collins & Phil Ware
We can offer no greater service than to love people and prepare their hearts to receive Jesus! ToGather.church worship segment for March 29, 2020, focused on John the Baptizer finding his purpose in preparing other people's hearts for Jesus.
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Illustration

Illustration of John 3:28-29 NLT — "You yourselves know how plainly I told you, 'I am not the Messiah."

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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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