“Now John was clothed with camel’s hair and wore a leather belt around his waist and ate locusts and wild honey. And he preached, saying, “After me comes he who is mightier than I, the strap of whose sandals I am not worthy to stoop down and untie.” – Mark 1:6-7
With his remarkable fashion sense and powerful message that everyone needed to repent of their sins, John the Baptist was a first century phenomenon! His rough clothing evoked the image of the great Old Testament prophets of the distant past, particularly Elijah. His message was absolutely on point for a people who’d been desperately longing to hear a word from God for over 400 years! People flocked from all over to hear John’s message, confess their sins, and be baptized as a sign of being washed clean of sin.
Yet, for all his godliness, greatness, and importance to God’s purpose, John knew he was simply there to prepare the way for One Who was infinitely greater. John knew that Messiah, the Christ, Jesus of Nazareth was coming. John knew that Jesus was the One Who all of Scripture pointed to, the Savior of fallen mankind, the redeemer of lost souls, the eternal king like David, the Son of God.
John was so acutely aware of the greatness of Jesus Christ, that he said he wasn’t worthy to do the lowest slave’s dirty work of untying the sandals of our glorious Christ! John had an important and necessary message for Israel, but he knew it was simply a one of preparation. The climax of history was coming! Messiah was entering the world! God’s Kingdom of light was about to break into this world of darkness! The Holy Spirit would soon be poured out upon all believers as all creation moved toward its glorious renewal!
Take time today to think about the greatness of John the Baptist. Then, reflect on how much greater Jesus is than John. Let your heart be filled with praise and worship for Jesus Christ our Messiah!