ECWA Food for the Day – 2nd August, 2025

SATURDAY, 2 AUGUST
TEXT: JOHN 1:19-28
TOPIC: I AM NOT THE CHRIST

The growing popularity of John the Baptist in and around Jerusalem triggered controversies and rumours about John’s real identity. Many speculated that he could be the Christ, Elijah, or the Prophet.

The aristocrats of Jerusalem sent delegations of priests and Levites to find out whether John is the Christ, Elijah, or the Prophet.

John the Baptist emphatically stated that he was neither the Prophet nor the expected Christ.

The delegation then asked, “Who are you? Give us an answer to take back to those who sent us…” (vs. 22).

In light of John’s fame and popularity, evidenced by the mammoth crowds attending his crusades (Luke 3:1-19), he must have been somebody important. But John chose to introduce himself as only a voice of one calling in the desert.

John refused to be the focus and insisted that the one who comes after him, Jesus, should be the focal point of his ministry.

The general attitude in Africa is that when one holds an office, one should grab as much as one can.

John the Baptist had an opportunity to be known as an important person, but he was contented with the ministry he had been given by the Lord. He was fully satisfied to be less than a servant so that Jesus’ glory could be seen.

QUESTION
In Christian gatherings, do you focus on the messenger or the message?

PRAYER
Dear Lord, forgive me for spending a considerable amount of time glorifying men instead of God.