Day 266 - John 4–6 Psalm 70

John the Baptist appears strongly in chapters 1–3 of John, pointing everyone toward Jesus. Remember that his task was to prepare the way. After that, we no longer hear of him in this Gospel.

What happened? Other gospels (Matthew, Mark, and Luke) tell that John was arrested by King Herod. John had denounced Herod’s sins, and he put him in prison. Later, John was killed in jail.

John’s story may seem sad, but his mission was complete. He came to prepare hearts for Jesus, and once Jesus began His ministry, John stepped back. His words: "He must increase, and I must decrease" were fulfilled in his life.

In John 4, Jesus talks with a Samaritan woman at a well. She is surprised that He speaks to her, but Jesus explains that He can give her living water, that is, eternal life. She believes and shares the news with her town, and many more also believe. Then, Jesus heals the son of a royal official from a distance, showing that His power has no limits.

In John 5, at a pool in Jerusalem, Jesus heals a man who had been sick for 38 years. The leaders get angry because it happened on the Sabbath. Jesus explains that He does the work of His Father, declaring Himself equal to God. This angers the leaders even more.

In John 6, a large crowd follows Jesus, and He feeds more than five thousand people with only five loaves and two fish. Later, He walks on water toward His disciples during a storm. The next day, He teaches that He is the Bread of Life.

Psalm 70 is a brief and urgent prayer for help. The writer asks God to hurry in saving him.