John 1, Part 4

Scripture: John 1:19-34

Observation: We are formally introduced to John the Baptist, though not in the most pleasant way. John the Baptist has been in ministry for some time, and religious leaders from Jerusalem (Pharisees) send messengers to get some details about him. These priests and Levites interrogate John, asking first who he is. He tells them who he is not: the Messiah. They go down a short list - Are you Elijah? The prophet? To both he answers no. So, they outright ask again who he is. John the Baptist quotes from Isaiah 40:3, "A voice cries out: 'In the wilderness prepare the way of the Lord, make straight in the desert a highway for our God.'" The answer doesn't satisfy them; it's almost as if they didn't hear him, for they go on to ask why he's baptizing if he's none of the above. He tells them, not the answer to their question, but the fact that there is someone else, greater than himself, among them. The next day John the Baptist identifies this One as Jesus, who approaches John with the Holy Spirit upon Him. John uses 2 names to identify Jesus - the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world, and the Son of God. In this way John points all to Jesus.

Application: In all their questioning the priests could not get John the Baptist to bring attention to himself. He knew clearly his task: to point the way to the Light. Even when they asked him point blank questions, his answers directed them to Jesus. He showed total humility, because he knew who he was in relation to Jesus. What about me? If someone asks me, "Who are you and why do you do what you do?", would I know how to answer? Would I point them to Jesus?

Prayer: Father, I am created for Your glory. Without You I am nothing. Yet You love me so much You've given me an identity, daughter of the Most High. That's who I am - I'm Yours because I was purchased with the precious blood of the Lamb. May my life reflect the honor of being Your child, and the obedience to the Most High Parent. In Christ Jesus I pray, Amen.