John 1:19-28
Asked at bank the other day to confirm DOB. Told teller what it was, said it was what I’d been told, pretty sure I was there but don’t remember it. John had quite dramatic before birth experience, got Elisabeth’s attention but I’m certain he didn’t remember. Probably was told same as Mary – “For indeed, as soon as the voice of your greeting sounded in my ears, the babe leaped in my womb for joy.” (Luk 1,44) Also must have been told by Zacharias about encounter with Gabriel, prophecy about John’s future.
John met all requirements including being “filled with the Holy Spirit, even from his mother’s womb” (Luk 1:15) for his relatively brief time of ministry. Could see from place of activity, his manner of dress, particular message declared to hearers that he was sent from God (John 1.6) to have unique place in history of redemption. Also had one of a kind effect on Jewish culture of 1st century, calling his own people to repentance and baptism.
Like Lord Jesus who followed, was challenged by religious leaders, not always in person but second hand by their emissaries. Never lost focus, not swayed by temptation to personal greatness, not intimidated by enemies. Stayed true to calling from God: be the one preparing his countrymen for main event, One who comes after him.
A. who he is not v.19-21
the Christ
no hesitation, declared emphatically he was not Messiah – John neither called to that position nor equipped for it
had questioners studied and understood OT, would understand and know answer to their question – couldn’t be that person
more important to John, he recognized difference between him and Jesus – had accurate self-image, was content with it
also recognized absolute need for people to follow Jesus, not him – knew he and others needed to be rid of sin, something he couldn’t do for them but Jesus could
Elijah
John fully aware of current traditional beliefs about Elijah – bodily return since he didn’t die, announce/anoint Messiah, Israel be restored spiritually and nationally
John could call people to repent, could not change hearts – required power of one who would baptize w/fire to do that
would come with same kind of message, same demeanor/appearance, not literally Elijah but one with same spirit
the Prophet
asking about one from Deu 18:18 “I will raise up for them a Prophet like you from among their brethren, and will put My words in His mouth, and He shall speak to them all that I command Him.”
some expected another Moses, miracles like plagues, deliverance from oppressors, interpret or renew ancient Law (Torah)
John’s assignment not like OT prophets who foretold future events, consequences / judgment for sinful rebellious behavior
even big deal signs and wonders told about but not performed by prophet – truly God’s doing sometimes through human instruments
B. who he is v.22-24
a proclaimer
answered as Jesus would to Satan… with Scripture – whether question of identity or message, cannot do better than God’s word as rule for comparison/measurement
a voice – especially for John, what he declared about Jesus and proper preparation for him way more important than his id
bearing witness to truth John 5.32-33 “There is another who bears witness of Me, and I know that the witness which He witnesses of Me is true. You have sent to John, and he has borne witness to the truth.”
there’s something else – John wouldn’t live to hear it but… he was testifying of the one who is truth – to reject either John’s testimony or Jesus’ words is to reject reality
a universal message
John was crying in the wilderness – typical prophet went to people / population centers, carried out ministry in accessible place
John did differently, spending much time along Jordan River, border between Israel and neighbors – people had to travel to him… a distance but… anyone welcome
did John recognize God’s word to Isaiah – ‘It is too small a thing that You should be My Servant To raise up the tribes of Jacob, And to restore the preserved ones of Israel; I will also give You as a light to the Gentiles, That You should be My salvation to the ends of the earth.’ ” (Isa. 49:6)
a kept promise
God does this a lot: make promise more than once, adding details each time – 600 years prior, forerunner would come
few months before event, Gabriel tells Zacharias “this one is the one” – miracle son of their old age named John the answer
required another person: John must have someone to go before, foretold repeatedly for millennia each time w/more information
angel appeared in dream to Joseph, “name him Jesus b/c this one will save his people” – miracle son of virgin the answer
C. who they don’t know v.25-28
one with authority
seemed to be big deal for religious leaders – skeptical, even angrily hostile toward one who didn’t have proper credentials
really no comparison between John and Jesus, his authority / ministry / dignity / glory so far beyond John was out of reach
heads up to questioners: better pay close attention to him b/c he has power and authority you’re not ready for
present but unrecognized (Mat 1.23)
shepherds had advantage, angel’s inside story, didn’t have to rely entirely on own wits to recognize baby lying in manger
wise men later brought gifts, worshiped him showing clear understanding and appreciation of Jesus’ rank and greatness
Jesus “rubbed shoulders” for thirty years with these folks, still didn’t see him for who he was… Immanuel, God with them
having the greatest dignity
whether recognized or not, Jesus’ humanity cloaked true Deity, like never before God in perfect union with man
just b/c Jesus didn’t wear dignity outwardly, still worthy of highest esteem… in fact worthy of adoration and worship from all
why didn’t they know who John was, better yet why didn’t recognize Jesus – did not have eyes capable of seeing him – blind to things only understood w/help of Spirit
Live at time when more information more readily available to more people than ever before. Yet wisdom and understanding hasn’t kept up. Even if they had, people still wouldn’t recognize Jesus. Promised his followers “I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” He is Immanuel, he is God with us, sent by Father as supreme demonstration of his love for us, sent into world as atoning sacrifice to save his people from their sins.
Friends and neighbors today just as unaware of God with us as 2000 years ago. Makes us rejoice we are able to love / worship, sad others don’t. Can be like John, direct others to Christ, give them good news that Jesus like his Father loves every one of his people and
He has opened heaven’s door, Now ye need not fear the grave: Christ was born to save!
Reformanda 