Daily Reading: (John 1:19-29):
“Now this was John’s testimony when the Jewish leaders in Jerusalem sent priests and Levites to ask him who he was. 20 He did not fail to confess, but confessed freely, “I am not the Messiah.” They asked him, “Then who are you? Are you Elijah?” He said, “I am not.” “Are you the Prophet?” He answered, “No.” Finally they said, “Who are you? Give us an answer to take back to those who sent us. What do you say about yourself?” John replied in the words of Isaiah the prophet, “I am the voice of one calling in the wilderness, ‘Make straight the way for the Lord.’”
The people who heard John knew that John was unique. They had not had a prophet for over four hundred years. The fact that John was baptizing was significant to them, because it was not something that their rabbis did. This was not the only reason they thought he might be the Messiah, the Prophet or Elijah, but it was part of why they began to wonder if he might be the fulfillment of one of their prophecies.
John’s confession proves that John was not an impostor. He had a wide reputation. The nation was expecting that the Messiah was about to come, and multitudes were ready to believe that John was the One, (Luke 3:15). John’s example shows that all Christians, and especially all Christian ministers, however much they may be honored and blessed, should be willing to lay all their honors at the feet of Jesus and declare like Paul did in 1 Corinthians 15:10- “But by the grace of God I am what I am.”
“I am the voice of one calling in the wilderness,” My personality is nothing; my message everything. “Make straight the way of the Lord.” Prepare the minds and hearts of the people that Christ may freely enter in.
Now comes the announcement John was destined to make where His mission has been fulfilled (John 1:29). “Behold, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!” Jesus Is the Goal of John’s Ministry (John 1:35-37).
Jesus Is the Sin-Removing Lamb (John 1:36-37). This means that discipleship is the expressed need for a savior from our sins. In other words, following Jesus is not heroic. We follow him the way sheep follow the shepherd—because we need to be protected. We need to have our sins forgiven. We are weak, and He is strong. We are hungry, and He is the bread of life. We are thirsty, and He is living water.
Jesus Is the Giver of Spiritual Sight (John 1:38-39). “Come and you will see.” If you will truly come to me, you will see spiritual reality of who I am (John 1:39). Jesus began the relationship by saying, “What are you seeking?” (verse 38). And now we hear Andrew say to his brother, “We have found the Messiah.” As you seek Jesus you will find Christ.