“He said, “I am the voice of one crying out in the wilderness, ‘Make straight the way of the Lord,’ as the prophet Isaiah said”” (John 1:23).

John was born a few months before Jesus and his assignment was to preach in the wilderness and prepare the way for Jesus. In John chapter 1, some of John’s disciples became Jesus’s first followers. John was related to Jesus and I imagine that he was well acquainted with him. Although Jesus did not start his ministry before his baptism, I imagine that John knew enough to know the power and authority that he commanded. “even he who comes after me, the strap of whose sandal I am not worthy to untie”” (John 1:27).

John was firm in his convictions and spoke boldly despite his audience. The religious leaders were intrigued by his presence and often sent messengers to try to discover who he was. John never attested to being the Christ, Elijah or the prophet. John simply used his platform to set the scene for Jesus’s entry. “and he looked at Jesus as he walked by and said, “Behold, the Lamb of God”” (John 1:36).

John’s disciples were concerned when Jesus started preaching and baptising as they noticed that he attracted a larger following. John reminded them that he was not the Christ. “He must increase, but I must decrease”” (John 3:30).

Many of us have platforms and avenues which we use to convey messages daily. Our message should let people know more about Jesus Christ. We are here to establish the kingdom of God and we lift our voices to let people know who Jesus is.

A.P.-Y.

Published by Anneta Pinto-Young

I am a trained Social Worker who currently provides professional leadership on a programme to support Social Work students and Newly Qualified Social Workers entering the Social Work Profession. Born and raised in Jamaica in a Christian family where my father is an ordained Pastor and Deacon who has served for over 50 years in the ministry. My father is also a trained musician and our family can be described as a musical family. I grew up in a small farming community in St. Peter’s, St. Andrew and my parents also have a small farm. I credit my gift of writing to my father who I watched and listened to over the years as he wrote sermons, poems and other recitals in his capacity in ministry. English has always been an easy subject for me and over the years I have developed an increased interest in writing. I am a Trainer, I sing and have a passion for worship, the spoken word and the free flow of the prophetic anointing. I am married to my best friend Andrew Christopher Young who is an advanced Musician and whose music you can find on YouTube and Facebook. I am a trained Coach and Mentor and I love experimenting with food so I love cooking. I enjoy trying cultural dishes from across the world and I view food as an entry into cultures and languages.

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