Reading
SAA Notes
Jesus’ ordinariness was a stumbling block for these people. Is Jesus the kind of saviour you think He should be? When does familiarity breed contempt in our hearts and minds today?
SJA Notes
* Holy God, Your word produces fruit as You grow it in us. Please may we be fruitful today.
“When his disciples hear of it, they came and took his body and laid it in a tomb.”
Here is the earthly end of the man who knew he was not worthy even to untie Jesus’ sandals.
“He must increase, but I must decrease.” John 3:30
John the Baptist gave his life in service to the King. To _his_ King, his earthly cousin, his heavenly Saviour and Lord. Jesus the Christ.
“The friend of the bridegroom, who stands and hears him, rejoices greatly at the bridegroom’s voice.” John 3:29
John knew the voice of Jesus. He leapt in the womb at hearing of Jesus.
And he died for Jesus.
We see in the death of John the Baptist that Jesus would INCREASE, even though John would DECREASE.
He was wiped from the earth, removed in a terrible way.
But we know that even in this decreasing he was transported to a far better place, a far better country, a far better hope.
* Father God,
Please help us to be bold and courageous like John was. To preach a message of repentance of our sin and belief in You.
Please mark us as faithful every day of our lives, however they end.
Thank You for the hope of eternity that we have in You, that we can rest in the hope of Your building a better place for us.
Amen.