John built the way for Christ

Gospel

John 1:19-28

'One is coming after me who existed before me'

This is how John appeared as a witness. When the Jews sent priests and Levites from Jerusalem to ask him, ‘Who are you?’ he not only declared, but he declared quite openly, ‘I am not the Christ.’ ‘Well then,’ they asked ‘are you Elijah?’ ‘I am not’ he said. ‘Are you the Prophet?’ He answered, ‘No.’ So they said to him, ‘Who are you? We must take back an answer to those who sent us. What have you to say about yourself?’ So John said, ‘I am, as Isaiah prophesied:

a voice that cries in the wilderness:

Make a straight way for the Lord.’

Now these men had been sent by the Pharisees, and they put this further question to him, ‘Why are you baptising if you are not the Christ, and not Elijah, and not the prophet?’ John replied, ‘I baptise with water; but there stands among you – unknown to you – the one who is coming after me; and I am not fit to undo his sandal-strap.’ This happened at Bethany, on the far side of the Jordan, where John was baptising.

Reflection

John the Baptist’s clarity about his identity is striking. He knows exactly who he is not — not the Messiah, not Elijah, not the Prophet — and thus who he is: a voice preparing the way. His entire mission is to point away from himself toward the One who is already present but “unknown.” In our world, which often encourages self-promotion and the search for personal significance, John models humble purpose. He is content to be a signpost, not the destination. His baptism with water is temporary, a symbol pointing toward the greater baptism and redemption that Jesus will bring. The image of being unworthy even to untie the sandal of the coming One captures a profound humility and sense of holy reverence before God’s plan.

Question for Reflection

In your own life and responsibilities, how can you embrace the role of a “voice” that prepares the way for Christ, rather than seeking to be the center of attention? Where might you need to decrease so that He may increase?

Short Prayer

Lord Jesus, you are the One who stands among us, even when we do not recognize you. Give me the humility and clarity of John the Baptist, that I may know my own role and always point others toward you. Help me to prepare the way for your presence in my heart and in the world, trusting that you are already at work. Amen.

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