Preparing for Christ: Lessons from John the Baptist

Devotional

Day 1: Preparing the Way: John the Baptist’s Example

John the Baptist’s life calls us to speak truth in love, hold one another accountable, and live lives worthy of Christ. He was different—unconventional in appearance and message—but his purpose was clear: to prepare the way for Jesus, always pointing beyond himself to the One who was to come. John’s boldness in calling out injustice and his humility in deflecting attention from himself challenge us to examine our own witness. Are we willing to be different, to stand for truth, and to prepare the way for Christ in our own communities, even when it’s uncomfortable? [35:26]

Matthew 11:2-11 (ESV)
Now when John heard in prison about the deeds of the Christ, he sent word by his disciples and said to him, “Are you the one who is to come, or shall we look for another?” And Jesus answered them, “Go and tell John what you hear and see: the blind receive their sight and the lame walk, lepers are cleansed and the deaf hear, and the dead are raised up, and the poor have good news preached to them. And blessed is the one who is not offended by me.” As they went away, Jesus began to speak to the crowds concerning John: “What did you go out into the wilderness to see? A reed shaken by the wind? What then did you go out to see? A man dressed in soft clothing? Behold, those who wear soft clothing are in kings’ houses. What then did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet. This is he of whom it is written, ‘Behold, I send my messenger before your face, who will prepare your way before you.’ Truly, I say to you, among those born of women there has arisen no one greater than John the Baptist. Yet the one who is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he.”

Reflection: Where in your life is God calling you to speak truth in love, even if it means being different or uncomfortable?

Day 2: Honest Doubt and Seeking the Source

John, even as a great prophet, experienced doubt and uncertainty while in prison, showing that questioning is a natural part of faith. Instead of hiding his questions, John sent his disciples directly to Jesus, seeking assurance from the source. This teaches us that faith is not the absence of doubt, but the willingness to bring our questions to God and to seek answers in community. When we are honest about our struggles and invite others to journey with us, we open ourselves to deeper faith and understanding. [45:17]

Matthew 11:2-3 (ESV)
Now when John heard in prison about the deeds of the Christ, he sent word by his disciples and said to him, “Are you the one who is to come, or shall we look for another?”

Reflection: What is one honest question or doubt you have about your faith right now, and how can you bring it to Jesus or share it with your faith community this week?

Day 3: The Power of Community Faith

When we struggle, God invites us to lean on the faith of others, allowing community to carry us through seasons of doubt or hardship. Sometimes, like John’s disciples, we need others to go to Jesus on our behalf, to pray for us, and to believe when we cannot. This mutual support is a gift, reminding us that we are not meant to walk alone. By sharing our burdens and allowing others to have faith for us, we experience the grace and strength of Christ in tangible ways. [46:17]

Galatians 6:2 (ESV)
Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.

Reflection: Who in your life can you ask to pray for you or have faith on your behalf this week, and how can you support someone else in their faith journey?

Day 4: Sharing the Experience of Christ

Jesus’ response to John’s disciples was not a written report, but an invitation to witness and share what they had seen and heard. Our calling is to share the real, lived experiences of Christ’s work in our lives—both the miraculous and the ordinary. When we testify to how God has changed and transformed us, we encourage others and help prepare the way for Christ in their hearts. Even small stories of God’s faithfulness can have a profound impact on those around us. [51:15]

Psalm 66:16 (ESV)
Come and hear, all you who fear God, and I will tell what he has done for my soul.

Reflection: What is one specific way you have experienced God’s presence or transformation recently, and who can you share that story with this week?

Day 5: Being Receptive and Open to God’s Work

To prepare for Christ’s coming—both in this season and every day—we are called to be receptive, open, and willing to be changed. This means cultivating a posture of wonder, pondering God’s work, and being ready to receive new insights or directions from the Holy Spirit. As we open our hearts and minds, we not only grow in faith ourselves but also become vessels of God’s love and grace to others. [54:14]

Isaiah 43:19 (ESV)
Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.

Reflection: In what area of your life do you sense God inviting you to be more open or receptive, and what practical step can you take today to say “yes” to that invitation?

Sermon Summary

As we continue our journey through Advent, we find ourselves reflecting on what it means to prepare for the coming of Christ—not just as a historical event, but as a present and ongoing reality in our lives. This season is about more than decorations and traditions; it’s about opening our hearts to transformation and sharing that experience with others. We looked at the example of John the Baptist, a figure who lived on the margins, spoke truth in love, and prepared the way for Jesus. John’s life was marked by a radical commitment to truth, even when it led to personal cost, and his story challenges us to consider how we, too, might live with such integrity and courage.

John’s time in prison is a powerful reminder of the human experience of doubt and questioning. Even someone as faithful as John found himself wondering if Jesus was truly the one they had been waiting for. In his moment of uncertainty, John sent his followers to ask Jesus directly, “Are you the one who is to come, or are we to wait for another?” Jesus didn’t respond with a theological treatise or a list of credentials. Instead, he pointed to the tangible evidence of God’s work: the blind see, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the poor receive good news. The invitation is to witness and share the lived reality of God’s presence.

This passage calls us to a faith that is both honest and communal. It’s okay to have doubts and questions; what matters is that we bring them to the source—into community, into prayer, into honest conversation with God and one another. Sometimes, we need others to have faith for us, to carry us when we are struggling. And sometimes, we are called to share our own experiences of God’s grace, no matter how small, so that others might be encouraged and transformed.

As we prepare for Christ’s coming, both in this season and in our daily lives, let us be people who are open to experience, willing to share, and ready to receive. Let us be receptive to the ways God is at work in us and through us, and let us not underestimate the power of sharing even the smallest testimony of God’s love. In doing so, we help one another grow and fulfill the calling God has placed on our community.

Key Takeaways

1. Truth in Love Requires Courage and Integrity John the Baptist’s willingness to speak truth, even when it meant confronting those in power, reminds us that living faithfully often requires courage. Truth spoken in love is not about harshness, but about accountability and a deep desire for transformation in ourselves and others. This kind of honesty is costly, but it is also the foundation of authentic community and spiritual growth. [35:26]
2. Doubt is Part of the Journey, Not a Detour Even John, who prepared the way for Jesus, experienced doubt and uncertainty in the darkness of his prison cell. Rather than hiding his questions, he sought answers from the source. Our own seasons of doubt are not failures; they are invitations to deeper faith, especially when we bring them into the light of community and prayer. [45:17]
3. Faith is Strengthened in Community The story highlights the importance of allowing others to have faith for us when we are struggling. Community is not just a support system; it is a means by which God’s presence is made tangible. By sharing our burdens and our faith, we create space for God to work in ways we could not experience alone. [46:17]
4. Transformation is the True Sign of God’s Work Jesus points to real, observable change—the blind seeing, the lame walking, the poor receiving good news—as evidence of God’s kingdom. Miracles are not just about spectacle; they are about transformation. Our calling is to notice, celebrate, and share the ways God is changing lives, both in dramatic and in quiet, everyday ways. [50:23]
5. Sharing Our Experience is an Act of Faith and Hope We are called not only to experience God’s grace but to share it with others. Even the smallest testimony of God’s work in our lives can be a source of hope and encouragement for someone else. By being open and receptive, we participate in the ongoing story of God’s love and help our community grow in faith.

** [52:11]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[09:23] - Advent and Preparing for Christ
[10:15] - Witnessing Christ in the World
[10:44] - The Example of John the Baptist
[23:29] - Community Announcements and Missions
[33:17] - Prayers for Worship Teams
[34:00] - Returning to John the Baptist
[34:43] - John’s Unique Calling
[35:26] - Speaking Truth in Love
[36:42] - John’s Imprisonment and Doubt
[37:09] - The Question: Are You the One?
[37:55] - Jesus’ Response: Evidence of the Kingdom
[39:19] - Why Was John in Prison?
[42:05] - The Herodian Family Drama
[43:33] - The Cost of Truth
[45:17] - Doubt and Seeking Assurance
[46:17] - The Role of Community in Faith
[47:52] - Experiencing and Sharing Christ
[49:36] - Transformation as Testimony
[52:11] - The Power of Small Testimonies
[54:14] - Closing Encouragement and Prayer

Bible Study Guide

Bible Reading

Matthew 11:2–11 (ESV) —
> 2 Now when John heard in prison about the deeds of the Christ, he sent word by his disciples 3 and said to him, “Are you the one who is to come, or shall we look for another?” 4 And Jesus answered them, “Go and tell John what you hear and see: 5 the blind receive their sight and the lame walk, lepers are cleansed and the deaf hear, and the dead are raised up, and the poor have good news preached to them. 6 And blessed is the one who is not offended by me.”
> 7 As they went away, Jesus began to speak to the crowds concerning John: “What did you go out into the wilderness to see? A reed shaken by the wind? 8 What then did you go out to see? A man dressed in soft clothing? Behold, those who wear soft clothing are in kings’ houses. 9 What then did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet. 10 This is he of whom it is written,
> “‘Behold, I send my messenger before your face,
> who will prepare your way before you.’
> 11 Truly, I say to you, among those born of women there has arisen no one greater than John the Baptist. Yet the one who is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he.”

Observation Questions

What question does John the Baptist send his disciples to ask Jesus, and why is this significant given John’s earlier ministry? ([37:09])
How does Jesus respond to John’s question? What specific things does he point to as evidence? ([37:55])
According to the passage, how does Jesus describe John the Baptist to the crowd after John’s disciples leave? ([38:46])
What circumstances led to John being in prison, and what does this reveal about his character? ([39:56])

Interpretation Questions

Why might John the Baptist, who had previously proclaimed Jesus as the Messiah, now express doubt and ask, “Are you the one who is to come?” What does this tell us about faith and doubt? ([45:17])
Jesus doesn’t give a direct answer to John’s question but instead points to the evidence of transformation and healing. What does this suggest about how God’s work is revealed? ([47:52])
The sermon mentions that John’s willingness to speak truth in love led to his imprisonment. What does this say about the cost of living with integrity and courage in faith? ([39:56])
The sermon highlights the importance of community, especially when we have doubts or struggles. How does the passage and the story of John illustrate the role of others in our faith journey? ([46:17])

Application Questions

John was willing to speak truth in love, even when it was risky. Is there a situation in your life where you feel called to speak truth with love and courage? What holds you back, and what would it look like to step forward? ([35:26])
Have you ever experienced a season of doubt or questioning in your faith? How did you respond, and did you feel comfortable bringing your doubts into community or prayer? ([45:17])
The sermon encourages us to let others “have faith for us” when we are struggling. Is there someone in your life who has carried you in faith, or is there someone you feel called to support in this way right now? ([46:17])
Jesus points to real, observable change as evidence of God’s kingdom. Can you think of a time when you witnessed or experienced transformation—big or small—that encouraged your faith? How might you share that story with others? ([50:23])
The sermon challenges us to be open and receptive to God’s work in our lives. What is one area where you want to be more open to God’s presence or transformation this Advent season? ([54:14])
Sometimes we underestimate the power of sharing even small testimonies. What is one small way God has shown up in your life recently? How could sharing this encourage someone else? ([52:11])
As we prepare for Christ’s coming, what is one practical step you can take this week to be more present, receptive, or willing to share your experience of God’s love with others? ([53:58])

Sermon Clips

To be like John is to speak truth. It is about accountability with our relationship to one another and our relationship to God and about living a life that is worthy of Christ. [00:35:27] (18 seconds) #SpeakTruthLiveFaith

John asked his followers his disciples to go to Jesus go to his cousin go find him and I want you to ask him this question for me are you the one who is to come or are we to wait for another see John is in a time and period he knows his fate he knows what's coming he's not getting out so he's probably wondering maybe one commentator put it like this a dying man cannot afford to have doubts he must be sure friends have we had doubts I think we're honest with ourselves of course we have doubts of course we question of course we ponder of course we wonder let's just be truthful with ourselves but what we can learn here is this ask the source go to the source and how do we do that it's by being in community. [00:45:08] (86 seconds) #AskTheSource

We see this in Jesus's answer Jesus doesn't answer with writing a report or writing a letter and sending it back Jesus is showing through experience another translation reads like this go back and tell John the things you have heard and the things you have seen it's not that they went and Jesus wrote it down it's that they heard and they saw it was tangible tell him you have seen it. [00:47:46] (36 seconds) #SeeHearBelieve

What do we do with this information? What do we do? How do we continue to move forward? What do we take away to prepare for Christ? Not only in a future coming to prepare for Christ, though, right now in the everyday that we wake up and can accept again. What do we do? I think it's this. I think it's simply this. It's what Jesus does. Share the experience. Share the experience. Don't just maybe write about it and put it away or or keep it bundled up and hidden. Show how Christ is working through you. [00:48:44] (54 seconds) #ShareTheExperience

Tell John about change and transformation in people's lives. Take the name John out of that sentence. Put whoever else there. Put yourself there. Share the experience. Share the experience. That is what we're here for. And that is what excites us. [00:50:52] (30 seconds) #TransformationInAction

Friends, what this passage, I think if we sum this up as we are preparing ourselves, not only in the here and now for the coming of Christ, but again how Christ came at Christmas. What I think it's saying to us is that we are to be ready. Number one, to experience. And number two, to share that experience in your community. [00:51:42] (30 seconds) #ReadyToExperience

I've said it before. We never know. We never know how what we may share of how God has worked in and through us may change the life of some of us. And we never know. We may not. I'm not talking about these big, you know, sunbursts of something going on in life. I'm talking also about the small. What's the small experience that you have been a part of that could, by sharing it with someone else, change their life? [00:52:11] (48 seconds) #SmallMomentsBigImpact

We never know how what we may share of how God has worked in and through us may change the life of some of us. And we never know. We may not. I'm not talking about these big, you know, sunbursts of something going on in life. I'm talking also about the small. What's the small experience that you have been a part of that could, by sharing it with someone else, change their life? [00:52:18] (41 seconds)

So may we in this day and this night and in the days ahead open our hearts and our minds to receive you again and again so that we may continue to be changed and grow in this faith community, and in some way, some tangible way, help us share your love and your grace that we have experienced with those around us. [00:55:01] (25 seconds) #LiveAccountability

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