What Jesus Did! 'Real Places, Real People, Real Savior' — John 1:26-28

Saturday, January 17, 2026

John told [the Pharisees who asked him what right he had to baptize], "I baptize with water, but right here in the crowd is someone you do not recognize. Though his ministry follows mine, I'm not even worthy to be his slave and untie the straps of his sandal." This encounter took place in Bethany, an area east of the Jordan River, where John was baptizing.
— John 1:26-28 NLT

Key Thought

"A long time ago in a galaxy far, far away..."© If we are not careful, we can find ourselves looking at the story of Jesus as we view a work of fiction. In his gospel, John wants us to know that his account of Jesus is more than just a good tale. It is a story about real places, real people, and a real Savior. Yes, there was real water for baptism. There was a real city around which all of these things involving John the Baptizer happened. There were real, everyday people who came to this place along the Jordan River to open their hearts to the Kingdom of God. John reminds both them and us that there was a real Savior on the scene. God would walk among them as Jesus. He would get the dust of the streets on his feet. He was so great that John said he was not worthy to do the most menial work of a slave - kneel down, unlatch his sandals, and clean his feet. Dirt, sweat, feet, rivers, people, cities, crowds ... real places, real people, real Savior, real Jesus!

Today's Prayer

O what wondrous love you've shown, O God, by sending your perfect Son to live in my imperfect world. O what wondrous grace you've given, dear God, when you allowed yourself to be soiled by the dust of my existence so that I could live for the praise of your glory. I praise you. I thank you. I love you. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

Have thoughts on this devotional? Leave a comment

3 Related Resources by Heartlight

Mistaken Identity
Devo: A Year with Jesus
"Dear Disciple, John the Baptist was an incredible person. He was brave. He was honest. He spoke the truth no matter the consequences. He lived to..."
Connecting with Jesus Personally
Article by Phil Ware
Can I really know Jesus? Phil Ware continues his series on The Andrew Effect focused on connecting others with Jesus as our life's mission.
Beyond Description
Article by Phil Ware
The beloved disciple wants us to know and love Jesus like he does! Phil Ware looks at the gospel of John chapter 1 and reflects on all the titles, names, and descriptions given to Jesus in this one chapter and what it really means for us.

Illustration

Illustration of John 1:26-28 NLT — "I baptize with water, but right here in the crowd is someone you do not recognize. Though his ministry follows mine, I'm not even worthy to be his slave and untie the straps of his sandal."

Other Devotionals from Heartlight for Saturday, January 17, 2026

Praying with Paul
Features the apostle Paul's writings turned into daily, powerful prayers.
'The Deeds of the Flesh' (Ga. 5:19-21)
"Dear Father, opposer of all that is evil, Help me to stay away from those things which are clearly works of the flesh: immorality, impurity,..."
Unstoppable!
A one-year devotional guide through the book of Acts.
'One Event, Two Stories' (Acts 12:4-5)
"Then [Herod] imprisoned [Peter], placing him under the guard of four squads of four soldiers each. Herod intended to bring Peter out for public trial..."
Daily Wisdom
A daily devotional featuring wise counsel found in Scripture.
Isaiah 55:8-9
"For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord. As the heavens are higher than the..."
God's Holy Fire
A daily devotional about the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives.
'God's Spirit Will Be with God's People, Forever!'
""As for me," God says, "this is my covenant with [the Israelites]: My Spirit that I've placed upon you and the words that I've given you to speak, they're not....."

About This Devotional

What Jesus Did! is a series of one-year devotional guides through each gospel, using one short scripture passage each day and following the Gospel in sequential order. Each devotional consists of a scripture passage and a reflection and a prayer which open up the day's scripture and show how it challenges you to live for Jesus.

What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware and is available in book form.

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

More What Jesus Did!