Becoming New: 5 Days of Transformation Through God’s WordSample

Jesus's Transformation Toolkit

John the Baptist, chosen by God to prepare the way for Jesus, was an instrument of transformation. John’s ministry reveals to us the tools God gives to those who do His transformative work.

The Word of God (Matt. 3:1–3). Not all of us are called to be preachers, but we are appointed to be witnesses, and John pointed the people to Jesus. The Word of God magnifies the Son of God, which is why John said that Jesus must become greater, and he must become less (John 3:30). We cannot transform people and circumstances, but Jesus can. John didn’t talk about the Word of God; he declared the Word and magnified Jesus Christ.

Prayer (Luke 11:1). We often don’t think of John the Baptist as a great man of prayer, but what he taught his disciples must have impressed our Lord’s disciples. During his years in the wilderness, John must have spent many hours asking God to save the people of Israel and fulfill the promises of 2 Chronicles 7:14. Without prayer, transformers can do nothing.

The axe (Matt. 3:10). How easy it is to be like the fig tree Jesus cursed, all foliage and no fruit (Matt. 21:18–19). The tree dried up from the roots, so we must first apply the axe there. True ministry gets to the root of the matter and doesn’t just trim the branches. John applied his axe of truth to the roots of the false teachings of the Pharisees and Sadducees, and so did Jesus.

The winnowing fork (Matt. 3:12). On a high place outside the town, the farmers would use the winnowing fork to throw the grain into the air, and the wind would blow away the chaff, leaving just the grain. How we need the wind of the Spirit to separate the useless chaff from people’s lives! God wants the grain brought in and the chaff burned up. Jesus comes seeking fruit, not chaff.

Even though we use the same tools, no two Christians are identical—nor should they be. Jesus mingled with the people and welcomed the children, while John was a loner who preferred the wilderness. Jesus healed people and even raised the dead, but John never did one miracle, yet he led many to believe in Jesus. Use the tools and trust Him with the transformative results.

Reflect: In what ways has God been using the four tools in your life—both in your life and through your life?

Pray: Ask God which tool he wants you to use today. Then step out in obedience and faith, trusting Him to bring transformation into that situation.