John the Baptist lived a life which bore witness to the unstoppably powerful life of Jesus. In his death Jesus carried the sins of the world away and paved the way for the same powerful life-giving Spirit, which remained on him, to dwell in us. 

Outside of Jesus there is no brighter beacon of humility than John the Baptist. In him we see the essence of humility, the shape of humility, and the blessing of humility.

As Jesus took on human flesh he brought with him a divine fullness well matched to our need. The grace and truth of God seen throughout history burnt brightly in the person of Jesus Christ.

In one of the most well-known sections of scripture (John 1:14), John describes the most amazing thing – God became flesh and dwelt among us. Whilst this is amazing, it is not unsurprising, because God has always been God with. He has always been fiercely committed to being with his people.

Whilst Jesus should have been easily and quickly recognisable, most of humanity missed him because they weren’t interested in him. But for those who are interested in him they undergo the most amazing change of status from orphans and strangers to children of God.

John the Baptist had it right – he knew he was the moon not the sun. While he shone brighter than any, he wasn’t the light, only a reflector and witness to the light. God calls us to continue the work he started.

In this section (John 1:1-5) John tells us who everything hangs on – Jesus. He is God, he was there at the beginning, in him is life and light. Hope never dies.