2024_10_11 Insight Post- Yayo Espinosa
This week’s reading- Luke 1:5-80, Mark 1:1-14, Matthew 3:1-17, Matthew 11:1-19, Luke 7:18-28, Matthew 14:1-12
Imagine being a messenger, proudly announcing the most important person in the room. Imagine standing alongside the trumpeters heralding the arrival of the royal family, getting ready to announce the King and Queen themselves. How incredible would that be? That image comes to mind when I think about John the Baptist.
In Mark 1, we read that John was the messenger sent to prepare the way for the Lord’s coming. ‘He is a voice shouting in the wilderness, ‘Prepare the way for the Lord’s coming! Clear the road for him!’ (Mark 1:3)
John the Baptist wasn’t seeking recognition for himself. He wasn’t concerned with being in the spotlight or gaining followers. His sole purpose was to point people to Jesus, to prepare their hearts for the arrival of the Messiah. He understood that his mission was greater than himself, and he embraced it with humility. John declared this powerful message: “Someone is coming soon who is greater than I am—so much greater that I’m not even worthy to stoop down like a slave and untie the straps of his sandals. I baptize you with water, but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit!” (Mark 1:7-8)
Here, John revealed the magnitude of who Jesus is. He saw himself as unworthy even to perform the lowest tasks for Jesus, yet he faithfully pointed others to the Savior. John knew that his baptism with water was just the beginning—Jesus would bring the ultimate transformation by baptizing people with the Holy Spirit, bringing new life and power. John the Baptist fully understood his role and his God-given calling. His purpose was clear: to be the forerunner for Christ, preparing the way and letting everyone know that the long-awaited Messiah was coming. His calling was to proclaim and live the message—to live entirely for Jesus.
There’s something so inspiring about John’s example. He wasn’t focused on making a name for himself or achieving personal success. He was all about Jesus—his life, his mission, and his very identity were wrapped up in pointing others to Christ. Imagine what it would be like to live with that kind of dedication. To live in a way that points people to Jesus, making it possible for Him to work in their hearts. John’s life invites us to ask: how can we, too, be messengers of Christ’s love and truth? How can we prepare the way for Jesus to transform the lives of those around us? John’s humility and boldness remind us that our calling, just like his, is not about us—it’s all about Jesus. With that being said, let’s go and share the Good News of Jesus Christ.
Jose (Yayo) Espinosa
Associate Pastor