John’s 1 Miracle
The Bible often compares John the Baptist to the prophet Elijah, but they differ in one detail. Elijah performed many miracles, while John the Baptist did none — with one exception! Do you know John’s singular, stupendous supernatural sign?
John 10:41 reports: “Though John never performed a sign, all that John said about this man [Jesus] was true.” John’s sole miracle was foretelling the truth about Jesus.
1. John was given prophetic vision to identify Jesus as “the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world” (John 1:29). Jesus accomplished this when He laid down His life on the cross to pay for the disobedience and rebellion of all people.
2. John linked Jesus to the Holy Spirit. “I saw the Spirit come down from heaven as a dove and remain on him…. this is God’s Chosen One” (John 1:32, 34). When John baptized Jesus, the Holy Spirit descended and equipped Jesus for His ministry.
3. John foretold that Jesus “is the one who will baptize with the Holy Spirit” (John 1:33). Starting on the day of Pentecost and ever since, Jesus baptizes His disciples with the Holy Spirit.
This third prophecy of John appears in the Bible six times.* So we ought to take it seriously! Have you sought the constant filling of the Holy Spirit, or have you shied away from Him?
Some believers are reluctant to focus on all the Persons of the Holy Trinity, fearing they might “swallow the Holy Spirit feathers and all.” The Bible, however, does not entertain this fear. The Scriptures always show us the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit working in tandem with no friction of any sort. They are not at odds with each other, not vying for dominance over each other, not seeking honor at the expense of the others. They are one united team — Team Trinity —working seamlessly to bring salvation and blessings to everyone everywhere.
God pours out His Spirit on believers to grant us power (Acts 1:8), gifts (Rom. 12:3-8), and fruit (Gal. 5:16-26) for daily life and fruitfulness. Why shy away from the blessings which result from John the Baptist’s singular, stupendous, supernatural miracle?
* Mat. 3:11, Mark 1:8, Luke 3:16, John 1:33, Acts 1:5 & 11:16.
This is post #16 in an ongoing dialog about the Gospel of John occurring online at www.philbickel.com, Facebook, and Youtube. You’re invited to join the conversation.
A catalyst for the dialogue is a free 97-page ebook by Phil Bickel, Fullness or Fraction in the Gospel of John, which introduces readers to 10 essential building blocks of life in Christ.
[Photos courtesy of www.LumoProject.com. Used by permission.]