Daily Devotional for Wednesday, December 24

The Ministry of John

“And he came into all the country about Jordan, preaching the Baptism of repentance for the remission of sins,” Luke 3:3

I think one of the most difficult things to teach our children is how to be sorry when they mess up. Yes, we can teach them how to say that they are sorry and that consequences could be rough, but how do we instill a penitent spirit? We try to model this in ourselves when we make mistakes. I believe in apologizing quickly and making amends to whomever I have wronged. Even still, true repentance is spiritual and internal, and it is essential for a relationship with Jesus.

John the Baptist was a man with a divine purpose. Before he was even born, the angel Gabriel declared that he would “make ready a people prepared for the Lord” (Luke 1:17). His ministry was not about drawing attention to himself but about pointing people to Jesus. John 1:29 says, “The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.” John’s message was simple, yet, powerful: repentance. He called people to turn from their sins and prepare their hearts for the coming Messiah. He did not soften the truth or seek popularity. Instead, he boldly proclaimed God’s Word, even when it cost him his freedom. His baptism symbolized the cleansing that comes through genuine repentance, turning away from sin and turning toward God.

John’s ministry reminds us of the necessity of true repentance. Yes, we need to feel sorry for our sins, but we must take action to forsake them and seek God’s forgiveness. His message also teaches us humility. Though he had a strong following, John declared, “He must increase, but I must decrease” (John 3:30). His greatest joy was seeing Jesus glorified.

THOUGHT FOR TODAY

John prepared the way for Christ. Are you preparing the way for others to meet Him?

Ashley Ridings