We are like John the Baptist
This was the children's devotion for this past Sunday.
John bore
witness about Him and cried out, "This was He of whom I said, 'He who
comes after me ranks before me, because He was before me'" (John 1:15 ).
How many of
you have begun putting away your Christmas decorations?
It's been
another long Christmas season and you may be ready to put away the decorations
for another year. But before you pack up the manger scene, first stop and take
a long look at that baby.
[Go up to the altar and take the baby Jesus
to show to the children.]
Who is this
baby? What is so special about Him?
What is so
special is that this baby looks like any other baby boy. But He is so much
more! He is also true God. But unless you were shepherds or Wise Men, you would
have passed by this Child without giving Him a second glance.
John the
Baptist would have been different. Point to John on the painting. We just read
this verse in our Gospel lesson: John bore witness about [Jesus] and cried out,
"This was He of whom I said, 'He who comes after me ranks before me,
because He was before me'" (John 1:15 ).
Jesus did not
stand out. John the Baptist most certainly did stand out. The Bible says of
John: "John wore a garment of camel's hair and a leather belt around his
waist, and his food was locusts and wild honey" (see Matthew 3:4). The
fiery wilderness prophet warned the people of Israel
to turn from their sins and be baptized because the Kingdom
of God
John
immediately put that question to rest, "He who comes after me ranks before
me, because He was before me" (see John 1:30 ).
Yes, John may have been born six months before Jesus and began his ministry
first, but Jesus definitely ranked supreme. John adds, "He ranks before me
because He was before me."
That’s our
job, too, isn’t it? We make ourselves less and make Jesus more. We humble
ourselves and glorify God. We repent and Jesus forgives. We keep pointing away
from ourselves and keep pointing people to Jesus.
We do this
because Jesus is much more than a baby or a mere man. He is God in human flesh.
He is our Savior. Amen.
The Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for raising up John the Baptist to
witness to Your Son Jesus, our Savior. Give all of these children the courage
and wisdom to share with their friends, family and neighbors all that Jesus has
done for our salvation. In Jesus' Name. Amen.
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