Day One in the New Testament
This is the start of the journey through the New Testament. I am looking forward to the insights that the Lord will lead me/us to. Whenever something impacts me I’ll jot a few thoughts about the verses. You can also join me using youversion.com reading plan called Project 345. It is called that because it takes us an average of three minutes forty-five seconds to read a chapter in the Bible. Five days a week you’ll read one chapter and then have two days of grace and review.
Join me. You’ll find wisdom, courage and direction. I’d love to hear what you’re learning too.
What hit me.
John 1:26, 27
1:26 John answered them, “I baptize with water. Among you stands one whom you do not recognize, 1:27 who is coming after me. I am not worthy to untie the strap of his sandal!”
Thoughts
John had some much to say about Jesus in this chapter. Look at all his comments powerful Christology starting in verse 15.
- He who comes after me surpasses me because he existed before me
- I am not the Messiah
- I am not worthy to untie his sandals
- He is the Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world
- I have seen and testify that he is God’s chosen one
What is impressive here is that John was so humble. He understood his place so well. He knew Jesus was everything and the most impressive. He absolutely knew how to step out of the way and allow Jesus the limelight. May I do that also.
For a great read on what humility really means see CJ Mahaney’s Humility. It is a great read.
Groups Guy 
Great start, it is so important to remember who we are in Christ rather than who we are in the world.
I agree. Remembering who we are in Christ is so hard at times. I/we get so involved the good, hard in life. I hope you gather great insights from God’s Word this year.
The priests and Levites asked John if he was Elijah; so God must have been using John much like he did Elijah. He probably was performing miracles in Jesus’ name…
Dane, to your point about John’s humility, he didn’t even admit that he was a prophet. He did pick up that the Jews held Elijah in high regard, and quoted scriptures from the Book of Elijah.—wow
I don’t know if John did any miracles. Is there a text that directly says he did them?
I’ve always thought that the Pharisees recognized John’s authority and power in his ministry. Have read any commentaries that say did?
Elizabeth was Mary’s cousin, which would make Jesus and John second cousins. It seems that John would have known of Jesus from his mother. In John 1:31, John states that he did not know Jesus. So, I would assume that this is the first time that they ever met. Any insights?
Could it be that he didn’t know him as Messiah? Or did Elizabeth and Mary never connect again because of distance? ?
Todd I just looked up in two Study Bibles here at home. Both say basically the same thing. John the Baptist knew Jesus but didn’t know he was the Messiah. Both ESV Study Bible and my trusty old NIV Study Bible say the same thing.
Started today. I like this! I have the plan on my phone.
It is a pretty slick system. Syncs w your computer too!