The Word Became Flesh: An Advent Devotional

Day 10: The Witness Points the Way

Scripture Reading: John 1:6-8; John 5:39-40

"He was not the light, but he came to testify about the light."

Reflection

John the Baptist had one job: to point to Jesus. He was not the light; he testified about the Light. This same principle applies to all of Scripture—it exists to bring us to Christ. The Bible is not an end in itself but a means to knowing Jesus. It's possible to study Scripture diligently yet miss the One about whom it speaks. The Pharisees knew their Bibles inside and out but rejected Jesus when He stood before them.

God has given us His inspired Word so that we might encounter the Living Word—Jesus Christ. Every page of Scripture, rightly understood, shines light on Christ. The witness is not the point; the One to whom the witness testifies is the point.

Consider

- When you read the Bible, are you primarily looking for Jesus, or for something else (moral lessons, interesting facts, comfort)?

- How can you avoid the Pharisees' mistake of loving the Bible while missing Christ?

- What would it look like for Scripture to take you "by the hand and bring you to Christ" this week?

Application

As you read your Bible this week, ask a simple question with each passage: "What does this teach me about Jesus?" Let Scripture be your witness to Him.

Prayer

Lord, thank You for Your Word that testifies about Your Son. Keep me from the error of loving the Bible more than I love Jesus. As I read Scripture, open my eyes to see Christ shining from every page. May Your Word lead me deeper into a relationship with Him. Amen.