John’s testimony about himself to the priests and Levites: John 1:19-28
John’s testimony to Jesus as the Son of God: John 1:29-34
Thoughts about serving others
This link includes a list of posts about Serving the Least, the Lost, and the Lonely.
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Let the Word evoke words. May your life encourage lives.
John is interrogated by the Pharisees, sent by the Sanhedrin, trying to determine his true motives. To be fair, they were protecting their religious laws and in a sense were attempting to keep the Jewish faith pure by keeping out those who would misrepresent the law. Jesus would speak directly to this group many times and some would hear his words. It seems the reality is these Jewish leaders loved their laws more than the Lord. In our day, we too can stumble and miss who we are worshipping as we focus on worship itself. Lord, I pray we are always mindful of our advantage–we have the Holy Spirit indwelling in our hearts.
John tells the Levites he is not the Messiah, not Elijah and not a prophet. He is merely a man, “I am the voice of one calling in the wilderness, ‘Make straight the way for the Lord.'” (John 1:23). Having heard John’s response, it seems like they should have realized this was a quote from Isaiah 40:3 and perhaps there was some reason, but that was not the reason for their questions, they were not postured to actually have a conversation, they were looking for a few quick answers that would satisfy their bosses, the ones who sent them. They were just looking for answers, not expecting to learn something.
John is not endorsing himself, he is a true evangelist pointing to the One who was to come. The next day his wait is over. Since John was born with the Holy Spirit he must have felt a joy beyond expression, “Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!” (John 1:29). No viral videos to post, only words that confess he has seen the One of whom he was witnessing about. Prepare the way, be baptized, repent of your sins and sinful ways, for the Son of God is now walking among you.
Today we have the Holy Spirit with us, we have the opportunity to spend time with the God of the universe by reading his word, by praying and learning who we are meant to be for his glory, not ours. Lord, as I learn more about you each day, I pray you will continuously improve my vision of your desire for my life for your glory. I do not desire wealth, fame, etc. I just want to point people to you. Whether I’m writing software or sermons, I do this all for you and for your glory. Amen.