“And he [=John] preached, saying, ‘After me comes he who is mightier than I, the strap of whose sandals I am not worthy to stoop down and untie.’” (Mark 1:7)
Large numbers of people came to listen to John’s sermons. Many repented and were baptized. The question arose whether John might be the long-awaited Savior, the Messiah God had promised!
But John clearly denied this suggestion. He emphasized that he was only the voice announcing the coming of the King. John did not want to draw attention to himself. Again and again he pointed people to the One who would come after him. When He finally came, John joyfully exclaimed: “Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!” (John 1:29).
When many of the people who first hung on John’s every word later began to follow Jesus, John was not disappointed. On the contrary, he saw that as the fulfillment of his mission. He did not want to bind people to himself, but rather to point them to Jesus.
John had a unique role in the history of the Lord God with us humans. But his core mission, to prepare and invite people to an encounter with their King and Savior, is still valid today. The new beginning of which Mark speaks is developing ever further, and every human being across the generations is called to be part of it. This is possible through a personal relationship with the Lord Jesus. God’s new beginning takes shape in and through Him.
What place does Jesus have in your life? Do you have a personal relationship with Him?