Twice in this passage, John confesses to not knowing who Jesus was. Yet, he believed God was sending someone and would show him the right person. It does seem odd that John wasn’t aware of Jesus, especially since they were related. We know that John responded to Jesus
in-utero, but we don’t know how much time they spent together growing up as boys. Nevertheless, John trusted God and continued his mission until the time was right for Jesus to be announced to all the world.
How many of us don’t know who Jesus is? We may have heard of or read about Jesus, but do we truly understand who
Jesus is or what he did? John knew of Jesus and had been told what Jesus would come to do, but we are told that he hadn’t ever seen Jesus. Yet, John also knew that all he had done, the baptisms with water, was to pave the way for Christ. So, John trusted what God had told him.
John must have been preparing for this arrival and
wondered about Jesus. He was baptising with water; what did it mean that Jesus would baptise with the Holy Spirit? What would his role be now? Where would he fit? John continued to practice his faith in God and trust that all would be well.
This passage is a testament to John’s faith and obedience to God. He believed all that God
said to be true, waited and prepared for God’s plan to be carried out.
I encourage you today to reflect on your faith. Can you recall a time when you have been faithful and obedient despite your wondering questions and not knowing what God is planning for you?
