Prepare the Way: Living a Life That Points to Jesus
Read John 1:19–28
Preparing the Way: A Call to Humble Purpose
In a world that often seeks recognition and self-promotion, John the Baptist’s life stands as a radiant example. It shows what it truly means to live for a higher calling. When religious leaders approached him, they were eager to identify who he was. They wondered if he was the Messiah, Elijah, or the long-awaited Prophet. John responded with astonishing humility: “I am not the Christ.”
Instead, he described himself as “the voice of one calling in the wilderness,” fulfilling Isaiah’s prophecy. His mission was simple. It was not to take the spotlight. He aimed to prepare hearts for the One already in their midst—Jesus Christ. They did not yet recognize Him.
John baptized with water—a symbol of repentance and readiness. But he pointed beyond himself to the One who would baptize with the Holy Spirit. This was the One so holy that John confessed he was unworthy even to untie His sandals.
John’s life was a declaration: “It’s not about me. It’s all about Him.”
A Servant’s Heart: Living for What Matters Most
This passage strikes deeply into the soul, reminding us of our true calling as disciples of Christ. Like John, we are not the destination—we are the signposts pointing others to Jesus. We are not the light, but we bear witness to the Light. And like John, our joy must be found not in being seen, but in helping others see Him.
John’s dedication to Christ, his obedience, and humility show that powerful ministry isn’t always loud or visible. It is the one that quietly, faithfully prepares the way for the Lord—one heart at a time.
Illuminated Purpose: My Role in God’s Story
As I reflect, I see myself in John’s shoes with the help of the Holy Spirit. It is not in his greatness, but in his posture. Like him, I am a servant called to guide others—not to follow me, but to follow Jesus. My role as a discipleship group leader is not to impress, but to invest. Not to gather followers, but to nurture Christ-followers.
I walk with someone new in their faith. I stand beside someone weathered by the storms of life. My mission is clear. I aim to prepare hearts to know Jesus more deeply. I also strive to help them love Him more profoundly.
I am a vessel. The treasure is not me—it is Christ within me.
The Heart of the Mission: He Must Increase
There is a sacred beauty in decreasing so that Jesus increase. We find deep peace in knowing our significance does not lie in how many know our name. It lies in how many know His because of us.
I am not worthy of this calling—yet by His grace, I have been entrusted with it. And so, I pray to serve with faithfulness, with joy, with humility. That my life would be a doorway through which others can enter into fellowship with the living God.
“He must become greater; I must become less.” – John 3:30
How I Became a D-Group Leader – Just Like John: Helping Hearts Prepare for Jesus
— A Journey of Healing, Obedience, and Joyful Surrender
I decided to follow Jesus. I wanted to become a committed disciple. One of the first things I did was join a discipleship group (D-group) in my community. I had no idea that a simple “yes” would become one of the biggest turning points in my life.
Through my D-group, I experienced God’s love in ways I never imagined. It became more than just a weekly meeting—it was my family. We studied the Word of God together. We shared insights and encouraged one another. We lifted each other in prayer and laughed together. We played games and ate (a lot of) good food. We walked side by side through both joy and hardship. We held each other accountable, and in doing so, grew stronger in faith. It was through this community that God began to heal my emotional wounds and even some physical struggles. For the first time in a long while, I felt seen, known, and loved. It was not just by people, but by God Himself.
In our group discussions, I learned something vital. To grow in an intimate, personal relationship with Jesus, we must spend time with Him daily. This became the foundation of my walk with God. I created my own daily “rules for life,” which became my spiritual rhythm:
- Begin the day with God
- Open the Book of God
- Go through the day with God
- Converse in mind with God
- Conclude the day with God
Over time, God began planting a new desire in my heart—to help others experience what I had found. The Great Commission was no longer just a Bible verse; it became a personal mission. I was reminded of Jesus’ words in Matthew 28:19-20:
“Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations… teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
Let me tell you a little secret. Sometimes the “nudge” from Jesus comes through your D-group leader. They might say, “O, ikaw na next ha! Handle mo na ‘to.” (I’m still not sure if that was encouragement or a gentle shove!)
Honestly, I didn’t feel ready. I doubted myself. “Me? Lead a group? What if I fail? What if I say the wrong thing?” But I couldn’t ignore the call. And more than anything, I wanted to obey Jesus. He didn’t call the perfect—He calls the willing.
When I stepped into the role of a D-group leader, I realized something beautiful. It’s like being John the Baptist. I am preparing the way for the Lord. John prepared hearts to receive Jesus. Similarly, I was helping prepare the hearts of my D-group members. They were being prepared to encounter Him personally and powerfully. What an honor to be entrusted with that spiritual role. It allows me to help others clear the clutter of the world. This helps Christ enter their lives fully.
It wasn’t always smooth. There were moments of joy. There were also moments of frustration, especially with members who were still learning to walk with the Lord. Sometimes, it felt like spiritual babysitting—“Lord, ayaw nila makinig!” But those were the moments when God taught me to be patient, kind, and nurturing. God was using my group not just to grow others, but to transform me. I am still a work in progress—God’s ongoing project in becoming more Christlike.
Life has also brought me to different places. I had to move several times, and each time, I entrusted my group to another leader. But wherever I landed, somehow, God would lead me to start another group. At first, I was frustrated. “Lord, bakit hindi ako matahimik sa isang lugar?” But over time, I realized—maybe I was on assignment. Maybe each move was a divine mission to plant new seeds. It allowed me to water the hearts of women. I walked with them through what I had already experienced. What once felt like an inconvenience, I now see as my calling.
Looking back, I never imagined I’d be here. I’m leading, discipling, and encouraging. Sometimes, I am even the “ate” (big sister) others didn’t know they needed. But God did. And I’m so glad I said yes.
Becoming a D-group leader isn’t about being an expert. It’s about being available. It’s about being like John—pointing others to Jesus. It’s about letting God use your life. Your story, struggles, and healing help prepare the way for others to meet Him, know Him, and follow Him.
If you’re wondering whether God is calling you to lead, let me assure you. If He can use someone like me, who once said “I’m not ready”, then He can use you too.
So go ahead. Say yes. Obey.
And watch how God writes a beautiful story through your simple step of faith.
My Prayer
Lord Jesus, may I never stand in the way of Your work. Let me be a willing instrument in Your hands. Shape me into a servant who reflects Your love, speaks Your truth, and walks in step with Your Spirit. May my heart burn with the desire to see others know You. May I decrease, that You may increase. Amen.
An Invitation to Walk the Journey
Have you ever wondered why God placed you where you are? Have you considered the people in your life as part of your mission field?
You are not here by accident. Just as John the Baptist prepared the way for Jesus, you are called to prepare the way. Do this in your home, your workplace, and your circles of influence so others can encounter the Savior.
Look around. Who needs encouragement, truth, love? Who needs someone to walk beside them in faith? Someone to simply say, “You’re not alone, and Jesus is here with you.”
You don’t have to be perfect. You don’t have to have all the answers. You just have to be willing.
Will You Say Yes?
The world is aching for hope. Hearts are yearning for truth. Souls are desperate for the light of Christ. And God is calling you—right where you are—to be His voice in the wilderness.
Will you prepare the way? Will you walk with others and point them to Jesus?
Ask yourself:
- Am I preparing hearts to meet Jesus?
- Am I faithfully living as His servant, His disciple?
- Who can I begin walking with today?
If not now, when?
If not you, who?
Let us rise together as faithful messengers, humble servants, and passionate disciple-makers. May we live lives that echo John’s cry in the wilderness. He proclaimed, “Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!”
Here I Am, Lord—Send Me
Today, make it your prayer:
“Lord, I may not feel ready. I may not feel worthy. But I am willing. Use my life to lead others to You. Let me be a light in the wilderness, a voice of hope, a vessel of grace. Here I am—send me.”
Looking for a DGroup in Cebu City?
Our doors are open, and we’d love to welcome you into our growing DGroup family! If you’re new to discipleship, you have a place here. If you want to grow deeper in your walk with God, there’s also a place for you. Come journey with us—we’re excited to do life and faith together.
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🌿 This is the journey. Come walk with us. He is worth it. ✨
Immanuel and Me 
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