John 1:31 (CEV)
“I did not know who he was. But I came to baptize people with water, so that he would
be made known to the people of Israel.”
What Does This Text Say?
In John 1:31, John the Baptist says something striking. He honestly admits that at first he did not know Jesus himself. Yet he knew what his task was: to baptize with water so that Jesus would become visible to the people. His task was not to understand everything, but to be obedient.
This is an encouraging message. You do not have to know everything or be completely certain in order to be used by God. John shows that God uses people who are willing to do what is asked of them, step by step. Through his faithfulness, Jesus was made known to others.
This text shows that God often works through ordinary actions. What seems small can have great meaning.
Examples from Church and Society
Church
In the church, you see this when people do something without knowing exactly what it will lead to. Someone helps with an activity, listens to another person, or prays faithfully. Later it turns out that this was an important moment for someone else.
Society
You see this in society as well. Think of someone who offers a listening ear to a colleague. Or someone who does volunteer work without knowing who will be helped by it. Sometimes you only see later that your effort made a difference.
A Question to Reflect On
• Where am I being asked to do something, even though I do not fully understand it yet?
• Do I dare to trust that God can use my efforts?
Closing Thought
John the Baptist shows that obedience is more important than complete knowledge. God makes visible what He wants, often through people who are simply willing to be available.
Take This With You
• You do not have to know everything to begin
• God uses faithfulness in small things
• Your efforts can help others see God
To Close
John 1:31 invites us to live with trust and obedience. Those who are willing to take their place help make God visible in the lives of others. That makes this message worth sharing.