A Man Named John

I consider myself fortunate. Years ago, I attended many concerts for popular entertainers. I think ticket prices were only about $6 to see Bobby Vinton, Tony Orlando, Ray Stevens, Herman’s Hermits and the Four Seasons. Without a doubt, the Beach Boys and Elvis were my favorite concerts.

To be honest, I don’t remember names of their opening acts. Yet, somebody was there to warm up the crowds and heighten anticipation for those top on the bill.

John the Baptist set the gospel stage for Jesus and multitudes hung on his messages in the opening act.

“There was a man named John
who was sent from God.
He came as a witness
to testify about the light,
so that all might believe through him.
He was not the light,
but he came to testify about the light.
The true light, who gives light to everyone,
was coming into the world (John 1:6-9 HCSB).”

John the Baptist’s opening act turned the attention of the world to Jesus.

“The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, ‘Here is the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world! This is the One I told you about: ‘After me comes a man who has surpassed me, because He existed before me (John 1:29-30 HCSB).”