New Testament: Mark 1.7–8

To read the Bible in a year, read Mark 1.1–22 on February 22, In the year of our Lord Christ 2023

By Don Ruhl 

Everyone knew that John the Baptizer was someone great, but he told the people: 

“There comes One after me who is mightier than I, whose sandal strap I am not worthy to stoop down and loose. I indeed baptized you with water, but He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.”

– Mark 1.7–8 

John, the greatest man ever born, said that someone was even greater, and that was Jesus the Christ, the Son of the living God, Lord of heaven and earth. 

Among the many reasons that John could have listed, he mentioned that he only baptized in water, but Jesus would baptize in the Holy Spirit. How much greater is the Holy Spirit than water? The Spirit created water! Water did not create the Holy Spirit. 

Loosing the sandal strap of someone seems like such a menial thing, but not when we are talking about the Son of God. Yet, he washed the feet of his disciples! 

Amazing Jesus, how sweet the sound of his name! 

Questions: 

• Why or how was Jesus mightier than John? 
• Is there someone living today whose shoe you believe you are not worthy to take off? 

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Don preaches with the Savage Street Church of Christ in Grants Pass, Oregon. 

Listen to his sermons here: GrantsPassChurchOfChrist.com