‘A man who comes after me has surpassed me because he was before me”

John 1:30

How could Jesus, John the Baptist’s cousin be before him? When John was an embryo in the womb of Elizabeth, the body of Jesus had not yet been conceived. Jesus was a month younger than John. John watched his divine cousin grow up and knew exactly who He was, and is. Even in the womb, the small, yet-forming body of John, jumped for joy, when Mary, Jesus’ mother, visited Elizabeth.

What is going on here? We don’t exist before conception, but John is telling us that Jesus did. He is a unique person because He existed before His earthly life. In fact, we are told in the Word of God, that Jesus has always existed. He is the eternal Word, ever-existing and the Creator of all things. Why should He contract Himself to a human body? 

“Who being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death—even death on a cross!”

Philippians 2:6-8

He is not like us. He has humbled Himself and given up glory, honour and His life, for our sake. How wonderful to be loved by Him and to walk through this vain life in His blessed company. For those who follow, we also give up ourselves and live for Him.