John the Baptist’s story begins long before he ever preached in the wilderness. His parents, Zechariah and Elizabeth, were both described in Scripture as righteous and faithful to God. They were older, and they had no children, but they continued to serve the Lord. One day, while Zechariah was carrying out his priestly duties in the temple, an angel appeared to him. The angel told him that God had heard their prayers and that Elizabeth would give birth to a son. His name would be John, and he would be filled with the Holy Spirit even before he was born. The angel said he would turn many hearts back to God and prepare the way for the Lord.

Everything about John’s life was directed toward that mission. Even before his birth, he recognized Jesus. When Mary, pregnant with Jesus, visited Elizabeth, the baby in Elizabeth’s womb leaped with joy. Scripture shows that John’s calling was rooted in God’s plan from the very beginning.

As John grew older, he did not live like everyone else. Instead of choosing comfort or a normal lifestyle, he lived in the wilderness. His clothing was made of camel’s hair, and he ate locusts and wild honey. He preached a message that was simple and direct. He told people to repent, to turn away from sin, and to prepare themselves for the coming Messiah. Crowds traveled from Jerusalem, Judea, and the entire region around the Jordan to hear him. Many confessed their sins and were baptized by him in the Jordan River.

John never claimed to be someone great. When religious leaders asked if he was the Christ, Elijah, or a prophet, he said he was simply a voice calling in the wilderness, just as Isaiah had prophesied. He made it clear that he was preparing the way for someone far greater. He said he was not even worthy to untie the sandals of the One who was coming.

Then Jesus came to the Jordan. When John saw Him, he immediately recognized Him. He said, “Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world.” Although John felt unworthy to baptize Jesus, Jesus told him it was necessary to fulfill all righteousness. John obeyed. When Jesus came up from the water, the heavens opened. The Spirit of God descended like a dove, and a voice from heaven said, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.”

After this moment, John continued to point people to Jesus. Some of his own followers left him to follow Christ, and John did not stop them. He said, “He must increase, but I must decrease.” Jesus later said that among those born of women, no one had risen greater than John.

John’s life was marked by obedience, humility, and a clear purpose. He did exactly what God called him to do. His story teaches us that our greatest role is not to gain attention, but to point people to Jesus in everything we do.

When you’re not sure how to pray, A.C.T.S. gives you a simple path to follow: Adore, Confess, Thank, and Ask.

Adoration: God, You are faithful and You always prepare the way for me.

Confession: Forgive me for making life about myself instead of pointing others to You.

Thanksgiving: Thank you for John’s example and for sending Jesus, the Lamb of God.

Supplication: Help me live with John’s humility and guide others towards Christ.

In Jesus name, Amen

“Same God” by Elevation Worship

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Zach and the Daily Devotion team