Today’s passage: John 1:19-28
Helpful thoughts:
- John the Baptist testifies:
- He is not the Christ.
- He is not Elijah (Though he does fulfill the prophecy of Elijah, he is not the man Elijah – Matthew 11:14, Luke 1:17, Malachi 4:5-6).
- He is not the Prophet of Deuteronomy 18:15. The Jews did not understand the Prophet Moses had referred to was the Christ (Acts 3:22-24).
- But he is the fulfillment of Isaiah 40:3.
- John’s baptism represented a cleansing after repentance (Turning from sin). The Jewish people who were receiving this baptism were acknowledging they’d needed to turn from their sin to be ready for the coming of the Lord.
- John the Baptist knew his role. It didn’t matter as much if people knew who he was. His life’s mission was to point people to Someone else.
Questions to consider:
- What does the first portion verse 20 seem to evidence? What John trying to cover himself or protect himself before the Pharisees? Did he fear them? What did he want more, to protect himself or to inform them of the truth?
- Who was John the Baptist? What was his role? What was his goal?
- Did John the Baptist’s humility result in fear or in courage? How can knowing who we are in Christ and rejoicing in God’s purpose for our lives help us to boldly proclaim the gospel message?