Given that John was not the Messiah, Elijah or the Prophet, the Pharisees wondered about John’s authority to baptise. Yet John’s work of baptising perfectly suited his calling, as he explained. Just as he prepared the way for the Messiah, so his ministry of baptism also prepared the way for the Messiah. John baptised with water and this represented the humble willingness to repent, be cleansed and prepared for the coming Messiah.

Jewish people practised baptism as an outgrowth of proselyte baptism. Gentiles, who wanted to become Jews, would ceremonially wash themselves as a sign of repentance. When Jews submitted to John’s baptism, they were identifying with Gentile converts indicating how genuine their repentance was, but which would have disturbed the Jewish leaders.

John answers by referring to his mission to prepare the way for the Messiah. John explained to the religious leaders that he was not the focus of his work, but the one who was already among them. John’s work was to prepare the way for the one. John says he is not worthy to untie the straps of the sandals of the Messiah who has already come. To untie the straps of a sandal before foot washing was the duty of the lowest slave in the house. John is contrasting himself with the identity of the one who comes after him, the true King.

As Christians, we are called to be like John, preparing the way for Messiah and pointing to him. We need to demonstrate humility as John did so that Jesus is glorified as King. DR

Questions

Prayer

Dear Lord, We thank you for the example of John who was humble and prepared the way for your son, Jesus. Thank you that we are cleansed from sin by Jesus’ death and resurrection. Help us recognise him as the King of our hearts and minds and point others to him. In Jesus’ name, Amen