Luke 3:15-20
Find a place and time free of distractions for the next 7-10 minutes. Take a moment to settle into your surroundings and then begin to recognize your breath. As you breathe in, call on the name of Jesus and become aware of his presence with you. As you breathe out, open your mind and heart to receive whatever Jesus has for you today.
Read Luke 3:15-20 taking note of any words or phrases that stand out to you.
John’s ministry began when he was just over 30 years old, so there had been plenty of time for the story of his miraculous birth to circulate through the towns and villages of Israel. And the shepherds’ story of the angelic announcement the Messiah’s birth must have also been well known by the people coming out to the wilderness to hear John. So when John began baptizing, many folks naturally wondered if he was the one who would organize a rebellion and free Israel from their Roman oppressors.
But John was not tempted by the expectations and desires of the people or by an internal desire for significance. John was secure in his identity and embraced his role as the forerunner of the Messiah. And by the nature of his message, we can be sure he was not seeking popularity.
Take a moment to be still and become aware of the Holy Spirit within you. Consider asking the Spirit to show you how you might be influenced by the desires or expectations of others. Don’t immediately dismiss thoughts as they come; instead talk about them with Jesus allowing him to speak to you through whatever comes to mind.
Read Luke 3:15-20 again.
John’s faithfulness did not end in great earthly reward. John ended his days in prison and was executed on a whim. And as we’ll see later in Luke’s Gospel, just like every other worshipper of Jesus, even John had a crisis of faith at one point.
Following Jesus faithfully is not a guaranteed path to success or ease. But knowing and following Jesus is the only way to know God and to become all God intended us to be. Jesus is not just the Savior; Jesus is life.
What do you think, or how do you feel about the idea that Jesus is more than your Savior? Sit with this for a moment and then share your thoughts and feelings with Jesus.
What might Jesus want you to learn from the story of John?
How will you respond to whatever Jesus has said to you today?
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