READ SCRIPTURE (John 1:6-8, 19-28)
There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. He came as a witness to testify to the light, so that all might believe through him. He himself was not the light, but he came to testify to the light.
This is the testimony given by John when the Jews sent priests and Levites from Jerusalem to ask him, “Who are you?” He confessed and did not deny it, but confessed, “I am not the Messiah.” And they asked him, “What then? Are you Elijah?” He said, “I am not.” “Are you the prophet?” He answered, “No.” Then they said to him, “Who are you? Let us have an answer for those who sent us. What do you say about yourself?” He said, “I am the voice of one crying out in the wilderness, ‘Make straight the way of the Lord,’” as the prophet Isaiah said.
Now they had been sent from the Pharisees. They asked him, “Why then are you baptizing if you are neither the Messiah, nor Elijah, nor the prophet?” John answered them, “I baptize with water. Among you stands one whom you do not know, the one who is coming after me; I am not worthy to untie the thong of his sandal.” This took place in Bethany across the Jordan where John was baptizing.
REFLECT ON THE READING
Unlike Mark’s description of the Baptizer, the writer of John focuses not on John the Baptist’s unique attire and diet, but rather on his unique role in the Good News story of Jesus. John is to expectantly bear witness to Jesus, the light of the world. He obviously stirred the expectations of the people, so much so that the Jewish leaders sent priests and Levites from Jerusalem to ask him, “Who are you?” John’s singular role is to testify to the light – to prepare for One who is to come. His message of expectation and witness echoes the words of the prophet Isaiah: “Make straight the way of the Lord.”
How is God here, active, and moving in your life?
What might God’s expectation be?
How confident are you that your expectations will become reality?
PRAY
Come, Lord Jesus and be our guest. Grant us expectant hearts, that we might bear witness to your coming in our midst. Amen
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