Encounters with Jesus: John the Baptist

“When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the baby leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit” (Luke 2:41 NIV84).

When I think of John the Baptist, I usually envision him as a “Grizzly Adams” kind of guy, with a scraggly beard, dressed in clothing made from wild animal skins. I expect to see him at the edge of the Jordan River, preaching repentance and eagerly baptizing all who will come forward.  Most of us know the story of John’s reluctance when Jesus came to be baptized by him.  He said, “I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?” (Matthew 3:14b, NIV84).

 We often think of that special moment as John’s first encounter with Jesus. Actually, John’s first encounter with Jesus was when both were still in their mother’s wombs.  After learning about her pregnancy, Mary went to visit her cousin, Elizabeth, who was already six months pregnant with John, another miraculous conception (Luke 1:5- 25).  Even then, John recognized Jesus as the Messiah!

Knowing who Jesus was from an early age and then being asked to baptize Him must have weighed heavily on John.  He had already acknowledged that he was not worthy to carry the sandals of the One coming after him (Matthew 3:11), yet it was Jesus who asked to be baptized by him.  What an honor that must have been! Still, it would have also been a very humbling experience. 

Like John, we each encounter Jesus in different ways and at different times in our lives.  I’ve met Him in times of great turmoil when there was no place to be except on my knees.  I’ve also met Him in times of amazement when He called me to serve in ways that I thought were beyond my abilities.  He surprised me with just what I needed when I thought I was in over my head. 

Sometimes, our encounters with Jesus excite us.  Others humble us as we realize how unworthy we are to be in His presence.  Yet, when we surrender our will to His, as John did when he baptized Jesus, I can almost picture a smile on Jesus’ face as He extends His hand and reminds us that we are part of His family, and He will never abandon us. 

The more we know Jesus, the more precious our encounters will become.  What are you doing in 2026 to increase your encounters with our precious Savior?  He’s waiting patiently for you to draw near!

I am the vine; you are the branches.  If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing” (John 15:5, NIV84).

Luke 1:39 – 45

Matthew 3:13 -17