Knowing Jesus

January 16, 2020
John 1:29-34 - The next day he (John the Baptist) saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, "Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world! This is He of whom I said, 'After me comes a Man who ranks before me because He was before me.' I myself did not know Him, but for this purpose, I came baptizing with water, that He might be revealed to Israel." And John bore witness: "I saw the Spirit descend from heaven like a dove, and it remained on Him. I did not know Him, but He who sent me to baptize with water said to me, 'He on whom you see the Spirit descend and remain, this is He who baptizes with the Holy Spirit.' And I have seen and have borne witness that this is the Son of God."

What is strange about John’s remarks is that he is Jesus’ earthly cousin.  How could he say he did not know him.  The answer is fairly simple.  John and Jesus grew up in different areas.  John, who we know as John the Baptist at some time, moved into the desert while Jesus seems to have lived in more populated areas.  It is quite possible that after each was born, they never met.
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John who we know as John the Baptist began preaching, telling people the Lord was coming soon, and they needed to get ready. Months passed. Thousands are baptized. John still waits for the promised Messiah. Then one day it happened. John saw an ordinary Man in dusty clothes coming through the crowd. He was no one special. But John, by the Holy Spirit, recognized Jesus as the One he was waiting for, the son of God. God had kept His promise.
Through our human eyes, Jesus does not look like anyone special. But with the help of God's Holy Spirit, we can see who Jesus is. We can recognize that He is our Savior.  Because of the Holy Spirit's help, we never need to ask Jesus, "Do I know You?" We do know Him, and He is our Savior.

Please pray with me the prayer for today: Heavenly Father, thank you for your Holy Spirit, for without him giving us faith we would not recognize Jesus as our Savior. Amen.