(27) He it is, who coming after me is preferred before me, whose shoe’s latchet I am not worthy to unloose. (28) These things were done in Bethabara beyond Jordan, where John was baptizing. (John 1:27-28)
Explanation
Here we get the final and full answer to the question posed to John. What gives you the authority to baptize, John? Here is His full answer. “There is someone coming after me who I am preparing us for. He is greater than I am. He is the reason for my ministry. I’m not even worthy to take off his shoes and wash his feet.” In other words, I’m not even worthy to be His lowest servant doing for him the most humble task.
Verse 28 explains to us that these recorded conversations were real history, done in a real place at a real time. They were the fulfillment of real Old Testament prophecy.
Application
In the beginning of this section we see John being asked questions that could really create or at least reveal real pride in His heart about his ministry, his results, his influence, and his future aspirations. What we see instead is a genuine humility. We see a boldness to speak what He was commanded to speak. We see a desire to be obedient to his calling. We see a humbling of himself through pointing others to Jesus.
This is informative as an example for us. We ought not take credit for what God does through us. We ought not have aspirations beyond obedience. We ought to point people to Jesus. We ought to limit what we do to what Christ has authorized us to do. The most important thing He has authorized us to do is to make disciples of all nations.
[18] And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. [19] Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: [20] Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen. Matthew 28:18-20
Respond
- When it comes to pride, where do you stand? Are you appropriately humble or sinfully prideful in any area of your life?
- How is your relationship with Jesus right now?
- Are you making disciples of Jesus Christ as one of His disciples?