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How John the Baptist and Jesus Saves: Stoop Down and Untie Sandal Straps.
How does John the Baptist baptize? I picture myself arriving in the Jordan with a large crowd, and there I see him for the first time knee deep in the water, wearing camel hair and a leather belt. He looks like a caveman, and he eats like a caveman. From his mouth, I can hear his invitation: “Who is the next sinner that needs baptism?” I figure that I may as well get it over with, so I approach, take my sandals off at the water’s edge, and walk into the water. After the baptism, I can now check off another item from my bucket list.
That is not how John baptized. As you approach the water, John would stoop down and untie your sandal straps, then walk you to the water. How do I know that that is what John did? Because he tells us that he is not worthy to stoop down and untie HIS sandal straps. Why does John do that? Because that is how you save. You become humble and approachable.
We all know what happens when a cat is stuck in a tree. You do not climb up the tree and start yelling at the cat, “Bad kitty.” You will never get it down. You must approach it, reach in your pocket, and pull out a tasty snack. Then gently pat the kitty, give it a gentle hug, and then you can bring it down.
Let’s now go to the end of the Gospel, just before Jesus is arrested, tried, and dies on the cross to save us. What does he do? The same thing John the Baptist does: He stoops down, unties sandal straps, and washes his disciples’ feet. Why does He do this? Because that is how you save.
I belong to a running club, and every Thursday night, we meet at the track. We all get in the first lane and run in a single file. If someone is faster, they will pass on the outer lane. I can tell you that everyone passes me on the track. But most of them always say, “Good job, Peter.” No, they are the ones who are doing a good job, so why are they nice to me? Because they are saving me. They save me from getting discouraged, saving me from thinking that I do not belong.
We live in a world where there are many who need our help or need to be saved. Here is how it is done. You stoop down and untie their sandal straps; you become humble and approachable. Then, and only then, will you be able to save.
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