The Gospel of John, Day 7: ch. 1, vv. 24-28

24 Now the Pharisees who had been sent 25 questioned him, “Why then do you baptize if you are not the Messiah, nor Elijah, nor the Prophet?”

Baptism seems to be a very important thing to the Pharisees. This was different than the traditional ritual cleansing that was performed by the Jews, so it was a notable practice done by John.

26 “I baptize with[e] water,” John replied, “but among you stands one you do not know. 27 He is the one who comes after me, the straps of whose sandals I am not worthy to untie.”

28 This all happened at Bethany on the other side of the Jordan, where John was baptizing.

Even though baptism is mentioned several times, we get the sense that it is not the most important thing. Jesus is greater than all this, even John the great prophet is unworthy to even untie this man's sandals.  Christ is worth more than anything.

Summary-John continues to baptize at the Jordan River. The pharisees have lots of questions about that (as do I). However, John keeps pointing back to the greatness of Jesus, the one to come after him. We are unworthy of Jesus' presence also. Yet we can come to him, because of the truth and grace that He brought us.