The Voice in the Wilderness

IIT UBF - University Bible Fellowship at IIT

The Voice in the Wilderness

Date: Jan. 4, 2024

Passage

John 1:19-28 (ESV)

19 And this is the testimony of John, when the Jews sent priests and Levites from Jerusalem to ask him, “Who are you?” 20 He confessed, and did not deny, but confessed, “I am not the Christ.” 21 And they asked him, “What then? Are you Elijah?” He said, “I am not.” “Are you the Prophet?” And he answered, “No.” 22 So they said to him, “Who are you? We need to give an answer to those who sent us. What do you say about yourself?” 23 He said, “I am the voice of one crying out in the wilderness, ‘Make straight the way of the Lord,’ as the prophet Isaiah said.”

24 (Now they had been sent from the Pharisees.) 25 They asked him, “Then why are you baptizing, if you are neither the Christ, nor Elijah, nor the Prophet?” 26 John answered them, “I baptize with water, but among you stands one you do not know, 27 even he who comes after me, the strap of whose sandal I am not worthy to untie.” 28 These things took place in Bethany across the Jordan, where John was baptizing.

The Holy Bible, English Standard Version (ESV) is adapted from the Revised Standard Version of the Bible, copyright Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the U.S.A. All rights reserved.

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Daily Bread

Key Verse: 1:23

He said, “I am the voice of one crying out in the wilderness, ‘Make straight the way of the Lord,’ as the prophet Isaiah said.”

John the Baptist came as a voice in the wilderness, preparing the way for the Lord. Many people came into the wilderness to hear John speak and be baptized. Like Jesus, John taught repentance for the forgiveness of sins. He also urged those in positions of power to care for and not take advantage of those in need (Lk 3). He made disciples and even challenged religious authority.

John the Baptist was a great man of God, but he was humble enough to let his followers know that he was just preparing the way for the Messiah.

It can be tempting to claim ourselves as the ones who can save another person. Even as Christians who proclaim Jesus as Lord, how easy it is to take it upon ourselves to control the outcomes of another soul. Like John, we must know our limits and boundaries. Only then can the Holy Spirit work to really bring about new life in each person, beyond our imagination or desires.

Prayer: Prayer: Lord, thank you for sending your people to share the gospel. May Jesus be our true shepherd and source of life-changing power and salvation.

One Word: One Word: Make straight the way for the Lord

Worship Him Who is Forever and Ever

Revelation 4:1-11

Key Verse: 4:11

  “Worthy are you, our Lord and God,
    to receive glory and honor and power,
  for you created all things,
    and by your will they existed and were created.”

Today's Question

What introduces the ten commandments?

See answer and references