Advent Reflection: John 1:6-8, 19-28

John 1:6-8, 19-28 – Third Sunday of Advent

The main character in today’s Gospel is not Jesus. It is John the Baptist. In the Gospel we hear John’s testimony to the “light.” In his preaching, John makes it clear that he is not the light. John’s role is to prepare the people for Jesus’ coming so that when he comes, they will recognize Him and believe in Him.

The people continued to barrage John with questions. They ask if he is Elijah or is he the Prophet that was to come? Finally, John quotes a passage from the prophet Isaiah: “I am the voice crying out in the desert.” He simply says that he is the “herald,” the one who is to foretell the coming of the Lord.

The Jews continued to bombard John with questions: asking why he was baptizing people if he was not the One who was to come? The Jews would not let him rest. They asked why he was baptizing and preaching if he was not the Christ or Elijah? Finally, John clearly and simply tells the people that his role is to prepare the way for Jesus. He tells them that he, John, is not worthy to even untie the sandal strap of the One who is to come.

The people asking the questions of John were hungry to know more about the “Messiah.” They were hungry to have their questions answered. They wanted to have a sense of what would come. Of “Who” would come! They had been waiting for the Messiah for centuries! Perhaps they were beginning to wonder if the Savior would even come! They looked to Jesus to affirm their hope that the Savior would return.

What are the questions we have for Jesus? Are we hungry to know more about Jesus? Are we anxious for His coming? Do we recognize the ways He comes to us each day? May we open our eyes and hearts to Jesus this day! He may appear in surprising ways!