How can we prepare ourselves to recognize Jesus as John did in John 1:26? Setting the Scene in John 1:26 “John answered, ‘I baptize with water, but among you stands One you do not know.’” (John 1:26) John the Baptist was able to sense the presence of Jesus before anyone else recognized Him. Scripture presents several attitudes and practices that prepared him—and can prepare us—to recognize the Lord. Cultivate a Heart of Humility • John never drew attention to himself: “He must increase; I must decrease” (John 3:30). • God “gives grace to the humble” (James 4:6); grace sharpens spiritual perception. • Practical step: daily yield every success and gift back to God, acknowledging Him as the source (1 Corinthians 4:7). Immerse Yourself in the Word • John’s message echoed Isaiah 40:3; he knew prophetic Scripture and recognized its fulfillment. • “Your word I have hidden in my heart that I might not sin against You” (Psalm 119:11). • Practical step: read through the Gospels regularly, asking the Spirit to spotlight truths about Christ (John 14:26). Maintain a Lifestyle of Repentance • John baptized “with water unto repentance” (Matthew 3:11). • Repentance clears the conscience, removing fog that blurs our view of Jesus (Acts 3:19). • Practical step: keep short accounts with God—confess sin promptly (1 John 1:9). Stay Sensitive to the Holy Spirit • The Spirit revealed to John who Jesus was (John 1:33). • “Those who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God” (Romans 8:14). • Practical step: begin each day inviting the Spirit’s guidance; pause during the day to listen (Galatians 5:25). Live in Expectant Watchfulness • John preached, yet kept scanning the crowd for the Messiah. • Jesus promises, “Watch therefore, for you do not know the day your Lord is coming” (Matthew 24:42). • Practical step: end your day reviewing where you saw God at work, keeping anticipation alive. Obey What You Already Know • John continued baptizing as commanded; obedience put him in the right place at the right time. • “If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word” (John 14:23). • Practical step: list recent promptings from Scripture or conscience—act on them promptly. Bear Witness Boldly • John pointed others to Jesus: “Behold, the Lamb of God” (John 1:29). • Sharing Christ sharpens personal awareness of Him (Philemon 6). • Practical step: pray for one opportunity each week to speak a word about Jesus. Remain Separate from Worldly Distractions • John lived in the wilderness, avoiding compromising influences (Mark 1:4). • “Do not love the world” (1 John 2:15). • Practical step: set boundaries on media, relationships, and habits that dull spiritual sensitivity. Seek Community with Like-Minded Believers • Crowds came to John for baptism; their repentance created an atmosphere welcoming to Christ. • “Let us consider how to spur one another on toward love and good deeds” (Hebrews 10:24). • Practical step: join a small group devoted to studying Christ’s life and mission. Closing Reflection When humility, Scripture saturation, ongoing repentance, Spirit-led sensitivity, and obedient expectancy converge, our eyes open to “the One who stands among us.” Like John, we will recognize Jesus—even when others miss Him—and joyfully point the world to its Savior. |
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