[John] came as a witness to testify concerning that light, so that through him all might believe. (John 1:7)
Expanded Passage: John 1:4-9
Have you ever gone to God or a mentor with the thought “Just tell me what is best, and I will do it,” only to leave frustrated with uncertainty? When you want a direct answer, unclear guidance and a taciturn response often leads to irritation. It can be easy to run to God or a person we consider wise to solve our problems, but easy is not always best. A good mentor does not solve problems, they equip people to solve their own. A mark of a good leader is to empower others to do more than they would otherwise be capable of on their own.
Sandwiched between passages about Christ, who created all things, holds all things in his hands, and is the light to all, is a regular human being, just like you and me. Sure, John was Jesus’ cousin and a great prophet, but fundamentally, he was a man called by God. Despite having created all things, God uses regular people to reveal God’s salvific purposes. John the Baptist knew that he was no savior, but he could be a witness of the one who was and is Savior to all. You are no savior, but God wants to use you to be a witness. Even when he does not directly tell you what that means, he is empowering you every step of the way.
Respond to God’s call to be a witness to the light.
Scott Donahue-Martens is a clinical chaplain and served on staff at a Wesleyan church in Massachusetts.
© 2025 Wesleyan Publishing House. Reprinted from Light from the Word. Used by permission. Scriptures taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®.
