What’s the purpose of your life? That’s not a question one should be flippant about. It’s a vital question. The word sin literally means “to miss the mark”–the goal for why you exist. Anything that’s not in harmony with God’s purpose is missing the mark. Here we see the far greater purpose behind John’s ministry (and behind who we are and what we do):
I myself did not know him, but for this purpose I came baptizing with water, that he might be revealed to Israel.
John 1:31
Obviously John knew Jesus—they were relatives. However, God had designed it in such a way that the public revelation of Jesus as the Messiah would come at John’s baptism. That event would be the start of Jesus’ ministry.
God had told John: “He on whom you see the Spirit descend and remain, this is he who baptizes with the Holy Spirit” (John 1:33). While no doubt John had many times heard about the miraculous events surrounding Jesus’ birth; yet, the ultimate knowledge of Jesus as God’s Son wouldn’t come until Jesus’ baptism, when the Father would reveal Him.
While not wanting to press this too far, there’s an interesting and sobering deduction. How many know about Jesus and the miracles at His birth and throughout His life, death, and resurrection. Yet, they don’t truly know Him.
Another profound truth is the greater purpose for which John “came baptizing with water.” While his ministry seemed very purposeful, both for John and those who responded to his message of repentance, there was a far greater purpose behind it. Actually, we can say that John’s ministry wasn’t truly God’s purpose. It was a means to God’s purpose—the revealing of Jesus as the Christ.
Ultimately nothing is ultimate—being the main purpose—unless it’s the revelation of Jesus. That’s God’s main (and only!) purpose. Are we in alignment with that?
Jan Blonk
The Devotional Writer
Author of “A Glorious Sacrifice“
Ps. please check out my new writer’s website: www.devotionalwriter.com