One of the interesting things that happens in the Gospel of John is that John the Baptist never baptizes Jesus! The Gospel of John picks up the story after Jesus has been baptized! The focus is on how John the Baptist understood the Baptism of Jesus and its significance. The overwhelming emphasis is on “John the Confessor,” rather than “John the Baptist”!

“John the Confessor” means that John is the official witness to the Baptism of Jesus and he testifies to what he has seen and to what it means. He was officially sent from God1 to authenticate and affirm that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and the Savior of the World.

We learn from John the Baptist that faithfulness to Christ is more important than physical life and well-being. Not only do you live for Christ, but you may have to die for Christ as well. Stand strong in the face of persecution, and don’t waiver in your faith!

In the Gospel of John, John the Baptist is John the Confessor!

May you learn from him to boldly confess your faith in the Lord Jesus Christ: with your words, in your life, and maybe, even in your death …

Amen!