John the Baptizer-The Messiah IS Here

By Mary Vee
John 1

From John the Baptizer's Notes

Photo by Mary Vee - Desert near the Jordan River

My name is John. I live on my own in the desert near the Jordan River and have for some time. 

I woke this morning ready to go about my usual day telling anyone who would listen about the Messiah. I know He is here. God told me. 

The other day, Jesus came to the shores where I preached and baptized people. Remember I told you about it? His presence alone caused me to tremble on the inside. Not from fear, but because I realized who He had to be. I didn't feel worthy to baptize Jesus, but He insisted. He said something about the baptism was the start of the work He came to do. When Jesus came out of the water, a dove landed on Him and a voice spoke from the heavens saying, "This is my Son in whom I am well pleased."

That moment has played over and over in my mind. I had not seen Jesus for a little over a month since baptizing Him and didn't know where He went. I was still confused but continued preaching the words God told me to say.

Back to my day starting. I went about my usual preparations, ate breakfast, and walked until a group of people found me. I don't usually notice the individual faces, but I did this time and was surprised to see Jesus among them. Can you imagine! The Messiah stood in our presence. My heart fluttered. I couldn't find words to say. I didn't know how to respond.

Jesus separated from the others and walked toward me.

The Jordan River, Photo by Mary Vee"

Suddenly, words came to me. Words God put in my heart. I pointed at Jesus and said to the crowd, "Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!

"He is the One I told you about when I said, 'A man would come, but He is the One who is worthy for you to follow and listen to instead of me.'"

I swallowed, and was so overwhelmed. I wanted the men and women in the crowd to understand Who Jesus really was. I said, "I myself did not know who He is. 

"EXCEPT the one who sent me to baptize with water and preach told me to watch for this sign. "The man on whom you see the Spirit come down and remain is He who will baptize with the Holy Spirit.'

I pointed to Jesus and faced the crowd. "I have seen and I testify before you that THIS man IS the Son of God."

We had been told long ago that God would send a Messiah. We had waited so long and wondered when He would come and who He was. We didn't know what He would do. We only understood He would save us.

And now. 

He IS here.

Jesus is the Son of God.


Come back for the next story.

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sources: 
*A Harmony of the Gospels for Historical Study, An Analytical Synopsis of the Four Gospels by William Arnold Stevens and Ernest DeWitt Burton, Charles Scribner's Sons, New York 1932
*New International Version, New King James Version. 
*My Bible College training.
*My notes and walk through classes I've taught in Children's church. Answers to student questions, etc.
*Pastoral sermons on this time
*Matthew Henry Commentary
*F. LaGard Smith Commentary

* Jewish History.org
*Jewish Virtual Library.org

*My research in Israel.