Have you told someone they are amazing recently? Perhaps, a friend or people at work. When Jesus had something important to say and wanted to get peoples instant attention, he often set the scene with the words, “I tell you the truth…” Praising John the Baptist, the son of Elizabeth, was one such occasion.
So, why did Jesus consider John to be such a good man, the greatest Prophet?
Listen and reflect… pause and talk.
John was faithful to the message he preached in preparation for the coming of the Messiah, Jesus. He lived a life of fasting, penance and prayer. His diet was locusts and wild honey instead, of the many more savoury foods available to him. He wore uncomfortable camel-hair clothing, held together with a leather belt and set up home in the hostile desert wilderness.
John had a simple and clear message for his disciples and the many people who followed him; prepare for the coming of Jesus; turn away from sin, repent and be baptised.
John was not a man with status or power and he had no wish to acquire any. His love was the word of God, which he was prepared to die for.
Jesus said about John, “I tell you the truth, among those born of women, no one has arisen greater than John the Baptist.”
Few of us can live up to John’s amazing standards but we can all take small daily steps that will bring us ever closer to God our creator.
Lord Jesus, I repent of my sins. Bless me with a hunger to be more like John the Baptist and less as I presently am. Thank you for your love.
O My God, I am heartily sorry for having offended Thee,
and I detest my sins most of all because they offend Thee,
who are all good and deserving of all my love.
I firmly resolve, with the help of your grace,
to sin no more and to amend my life. Amen.
14th July: Bastille Day
A National Holiday in France as people celebrate their Freedom Day.
Pray for all who remain oppressed and torn by conflict or wars:
Our Father…
Jesus’ Witness Concerning John The Baptist
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