Passage: https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Mark+1.1-8

Scripture

John told the people, “Someone more powerful is going to come! And I’m not good enough even to stoop down and untie his sandals.”

Observation

The Good News starts with the appearance of John in the desert preparing the way of the Lord. His message is simple: “Turn back to God, be baptised and your sins will be forgiven.”

John also tells the people that someone is coming who will be more powerful. John baptises in water but coming one will baptise with the Holy Spirit.

Application

Despite his boldness in telling people of all classes, even King Herod, to repent of their sins, John the Baptist was a humble man. He recognised that his ministry was not about him, but about Jesus. On one occasion Jesus said, “I must decrease and Jesus must increase.”

Our culture does not do humility well. From an early age we are told that we can do anything, be anyone. We are told to push ourselves forward and be self-confident.

The way of God, though, is to be God-confident, trusting the Holy Spirit to promote us when necessary.

How many ministers could say, in all sincerity, with John “I’m not worthy to stoop down and untie his sandals”? How many of us even think in these terms?

To be a follower of Jesus means that we are obedient to His call and to His commandments. He is the one who is greater than all of us.

We are accustomed to thinking of ourselves as equal to everybody else. Our classless democratic society tries to pull down all distinctions except those it approves of.

Jesus is in another class altogether. He is the one and only Son of God. He truly is greater than us and worthy of all praise.

Prayer

Lord Jesus, please give me a revelation of your glory and help me to worship you as you truly are. Amen.