418. To encourage

John the Baptist knew how to speak to the people to distract them from what they were doing and to centre them on Jesus, on the Lamb of God. He is also the main actor in the election of the first Apostles, John and Andrew.

We have the same mission. We are invited to encourage people to follow Jesus.

Every person who focuses on Jesus sees his life being transformed. Paul tells us:
“From David’s descendants God, according to his promise, has brought to Israel a saviour, Jesus. John heralded his coming by proclaiming a baptism of repentance to all the people of Israel; and as John was completing his course, he would say, ‘What do you suppose that I am? I am not he. Behold, one is coming after me; I am not worthy to unfasten the sandals of his feet.’” Acts, chapter 13, verses 23 to 25

Moses took off his sandals before God:
“Come no nearer! Remove the sandals from your feet, for the place where you stand is holy ground.” Exodus, chapter 3, verse 5

John the Baptist is not worthy to remove the sandals from the feet of the Lord. And Jesus does not need to take off his sandals, he is God, he is holiness. Where he stands, the earth is holy.

The new American Bible, 2011-2014
Book: Here, where we are, Normand Thomas