Sunday, 11/30/2025

John the Baptist: A Life Pointing to Jesus

In a world filled with confusing signs and unclear directions, we need clear guidance more than ever. Just as road signs can sometimes mislead us to the wrong destination, unclear spiritual direction can lead us astray. Today, as we begin the Advent season, we look to John the Baptist - a man whose entire life served as a clear, bright sign pointing directly to Jesus Christ.

What is Advent and Why Does It Matter?

Advent marks the beginning of the Christmas season, a time when we celebrate the weeks leading up to Christ's birth. Each week carries a different theme, and this first week focuses on hope. This isn't just about looking back to Jesus' first coming, but also looking forward with anticipation to His second coming.

The Israelites in the Old Testament were promised a Messiah who would come to deliver them. When Jesus came the first time, many rejected Him because He didn't match their expectations. Now, as the modern church, we live in hope of Christ's return while pointing others to Him just as John the Baptist did.

Who Was John the Baptist?

A Miraculous Beginning

John's story begins with his parents, Zechariah and Elizabeth. After 400 years of silence from God - no prophets, no direct word from the Almighty - an angel appeared to Zechariah while he was serving in the temple. This elderly couple, considered righteous before God but unable to have children, received an impossible promise: they would have a son.

Elizabeth's barrenness wasn't a sign of God's judgment, as their culture believed. Instead, it was part of God's plan to perform a miracle that would announce the coming of the Messiah.

What Does God Think of You?

Here's an important truth we can't miss: Zechariah and Elizabeth were described as "righteous before God." Not righteous in people's eyes, but in God's sight. How often do we live in fear of others' judgments or crave their praise instead of seeking only God's approval?

If you're a believer in Christ, you already have God's approval. He loves you and has saved you through Jesus' blood. While God may not approve of everything we do, He separates our actions from our identity as His beloved children.

Why Was John Different?

Set Apart for a Purpose

From birth, John was set apart. He never drank alcohol, dressed differently, ate unusual food (locusts and honey), and lived in the wilderness. But being different isn't about external appearances - it's about reflecting Christ in our character.

The difference that matters is displaying love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. These qualities show we belong to Jesus and make people take notice.

Filled with the Holy Spirit

John was filled with the Holy Spirit even before birth. This same Spirit lives in every believer today, empowering us to live differently from the world around us. The Holy Spirit gives us the ability to live holy lives and empowers us for ministry.

What Was John's Mission?

John had one primary purpose: to point people to Jesus. He was the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy, the voice crying in the wilderness, preparing the way for the Messiah. His entire ministry was about making Jesus known.

John understood his role perfectly. He said of Jesus, "He must increase, but I must decrease." John knew he wasn't the light - he was simply pointing to the Light.

How Can We Point Others to Jesus?

At Work and in Daily Life

God doesn't just speak to us on Sundays. He's present every moment of every day. Like Zechariah, who encountered God while working, we should expect God to use us in our everyday activities - at work, at home, in the grocery store, anywhere.

Through Our Differences

We're called to be holy, which means "set apart." This doesn't mean being weird or judgmental, but living in a way that reflects Jesus' character. When people see genuine love, kindness, and integrity in our lives, they notice something different.

By Speaking with Grace

Look for opportunities to share about Jesus naturally. A simple "How are you doing?" to a server at a restaurant can open doors for meaningful conversations. Speak with grace, show mercy and love, and let your actions back up your words.

What Kind of Sign Are You?

John was like a brilliantly lit road sign pointing clearly to Jesus. The question for each of us is: What kind of sign am I? Is the paint faded? Have the lights gone out one by one over the years? Or am I shining brightly, clearly directing people to Jesus?

When people observe your life - your words, actions, and attitudes - do they see Jesus? Or do they see confusion and contradiction?

Life Application

This Advent season is the perfect time to evaluate your life as a sign pointing to Jesus. Begin looking for opportunities to naturally share about Christ in your daily interactions. Whether you're at work, with family, or running errands, ask God to show you moments when you can point someone toward Him.

Consider these questions as you reflect on this message:

Am I living for God's approval or people's approval?

What changes do I need to make in my life to better reflect Jesus?

How can I be more intentional about pointing others to Christ this week?

Are there relationships in my life where I need to start fresh in showing Christ's love?

Remember, it's not about being perfect - it's about being authentic in your faith and allowing the Holy Spirit to work through you. Like John the Baptist, your purpose is to decrease so that Jesus can increase in the lives of those around you.