Scripture: John 1:15 (ESV) – “John bore witness about Him, and cried out, ‘This was He of whom I said, “He who comes after me ranks before me, because He was before me.”‘”
In John 1:15, we are presented with John the Baptist’s testimony concerning Jesus: “John bore witness about Him, and cried out, ‘This was He of whom I said, “He who comes after me ranks before me, because He was before me.”’” John the Baptist’s declaration about Christ is both simple and profoundly significant. He calls out, in no uncertain terms, the supremacy and eternal pre-existence of Jesus. Although John’s earthly ministry began before Jesus’ public ministry, he acknowledges that Jesus far surpasses him in rank and dignity.
John’s words highlight the truth that Christ is more than a great teacher or a spiritual leader; He is the eternal Son of God. When John says, “He was before me,” he is testifying to Jesus’ divine nature. Jesus, though born into the world after John, existed from all eternity. In this confession, John makes it clear that Jesus is not merely a man who appeared on the scene, but the eternal Word who took on flesh. Calvin stresses that recognizing the eternal nature of Christ is fundamental to understanding who He truly is. We must not diminish Jesus to someone on our level; He is infinitely greater, deserving of our reverence and worship.
John the Baptist’s humility is also noteworthy here. Despite his own influence and the crowds that came to hear him preach, John understood his place in God’s redemptive plan. He was the voice preparing the way for the Lord, but he knew that his role was always to point beyond himself to the One who is greater. This humility is a mark of true discipleship. We are not called to draw people to ourselves but to direct them to Christ, who alone is worthy of glory.
Reflect on this: How often do we try to elevate ourselves in the eyes of others rather than magnify Christ? Even as believers, we can be tempted to crave recognition and build our own kingdoms. But John’s testimony is a reminder that our highest calling is to exalt Jesus, not ourselves. The greatness of Christ overshadows all human accomplishments, and it is our joy and duty to declare His preeminence.
Moreover, John’s witness invites us to consider the eternal nature and divine majesty of Jesus. In a world that often seeks to make Jesus more palatable or relatable by downplaying His divinity, we must stand firm in proclaiming who He truly is: the eternal Word, the uncreated Creator, the One who was before all things and in whom all things hold together.
Reflection Questions:
- Do you recognize and proclaim the eternal greatness of Christ in your own life? How can you grow in humility, like John, pointing others to Jesus rather than seeking glory for yourself?
- Are there areas where you have tried to elevate yourself instead of exalting Christ? How can you redirect the focus back to Him?
Prayer: Almighty God, we thank You for the testimony of John the Baptist, who declared the greatness of Your Son. Help us to embrace the humility that John displayed and to make much of Jesus in our lives. May we always remember that Christ ranks before us because He is eternal and sovereign. Empower us to bear witness to His greatness with boldness and joy. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
*edited and modernized from John Calvin’s sermon on John 1:15*
Covenant Presbyterian Church 