Introduction
If you remember in John 1:6-7, John the Baptist was briefly introduced as one who was sent by God to bear witness to this great “Light” that was a personification of Jesus and his work.
There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. This man came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all through him might believe. He was not that Light, but was sent to bear witness of that Light.
John 1:19-51 marks a shift from the prologue that describes in detail, Jesus who was the Word that was with God and was God, the ultimate expression and revealer of the grace and truth of God. Now we see more fully the ministry of John the Baptist and unique role He played in introducing the Son of God, Jesus, to the world.
“Madam Speaker, The President of the United States”
Last Wednesday, the President gave his “Sate Of The Union Address.” No matter what your political bend, the “State of the Union Address” is a reminder of the beauty of the American Democratic process, in which our elected leader is called to stand and address the state of our country before the people who vested him with power. My favorite part is when the President is introduced to the Speaker of the House by what they call the House of Representatives’ Sergeant-at-Arms. Imagine the honor it would be to introduced to the governmental leaders, people of the United States, and the watching world as the President of the United States.
The ministry of John the Baptist was much like that of the “Sergeant-at-Arms.” He was given the honor of introducing King Jesus to his people. Additionally, like the “Sergeant-at- Arms” after the introduction is made, he quick pointed others to Jesus and moved off the scene. So, today we are going to take look at the ministry of John the Baptist. As we do this, I want you see that like John the Baptist, we have been sent by God to give witness to the greatness of Jesus and direct others to follow Him.
John The Baptist Prepares The Way For Jesus (John 1:19-27)
“Now this is the testimony of John, when the Jews sent priests and Levites from Jerusalem to ask him, “Who are you?” He confessed, and did not deny, but confessed, “I am not the Christ.” And they asked him, “What then? Are you Elijah?” He said, “I am not.” “Are you the Prophet?” And he answered, “No.” Then they said to him, “Who are you, that we may give an answer to those who sent us? What do you say about yourself?” He said: “I am ‘ The voice of one crying in the wilderness: “ Make straight the way of the LORD,”’ as the prophet Isaiah said.” …”
A Portrait Of A Servant Of Jesus
- Servants of Jesus Have A Right Understanding of Identity
John the Baptist’s ministry takes place during a time of great expectation as many Jews were waiting for a greater Son of David to come. This messianic hope was widespread in 1st century Palestine. However the people were not necessarily united in their expectation, nor were these necessarily in keeping with the biblical prediction. The current text reveals some of the things the religious leaders and people of that time expected in reference to the messiah. We are told in John 1:19 that, “the Jews sent priests and Levites from Jerusalem to ask him, “Who are you?” John tells them clearly who He is not! He states emphatically that he is not the promised Messiah, which was interesting during his day because most religiously leaders who began to have a following usually played the Messiah card. At his denial of being the Christ, the priest asks him, “Are you Elijah?.” This is appropriate in that John had the demeanor of a prophet , and even resembled Elijah in his rugged lifestyle. Jesus himself, affirms in the Synoptic Gospels that John was Elijah. Still here, John denies literally being Elijah. John does this possibly to discount some of the unbiblical expectations surrounding the expectation of Elijah in the last days. Finally, they ask him if He is “The Prophet.” The Jews had an expectation of a “greater Prophet” than Moses that would come. This was rooted in Moses’ words in Deuteronomy 18:15.
Application
John’s ability to discern who he was not established for him a clear understanding of who he was in relation to Jesus and the mission given to him by God. This principle that Servants of Jesus Have A Right Understanding of Identity is invaluable as we navigate our lives as followers of Jesus. Too many of us root our identity in areas that ultimately veil, sidetrack, or harm our true identify in Jesus. For example, some of you are seeking to root your identity in the opposite sex. You think that if you could only find someone to love or be attracted to you then you would be happy. Still, others of root their identity in their place in society. You think if you could only get your degree, get into grade school, or get the right job then you would have value in the eyes of others. Ultimately, these pursuits are empty idols that bring no lasting joy. You were created for one purpose alone–to worship, serve, and root your identity in the person and work of Jesus. So this question, “Who are you?” raised to John by the Jews is relevant to us. And the way we answer it will effect every aspect of the way we live our lives.
- Servants of Jesus Orient Their Lives For The Mission
Following John’s declaration of who he is not, then he affirms who he is. Quoting the prophet Isaiah he states, “I am ‘ The voice of one crying in the wilderness: “ Make straight the way of the LORD,”’ In other words, John sees himself as one who is testifying to a new exodus, announcing that God Himself would rescue his people who are in captivity, like in the days of Moses. Keeping with the OT context, John sees preparing the way for God to come and exiles to return from their place of captivity as central to his mission. This “making straight” like in the book of Isaiah involved the people of God repenting of their sins and idolatry. Later in Isaiah, we see that this repentance would usher in a “Servant” (Is. 52-42) that would bring a greater deliverance and ultimately a “new heaven and earth” (Is. 65-66). This message of repentance is seen in his ministry of baptism. When John reveals his identity as the one who prepares the way for God Himself to come rescue the people of God, the group representing the Pharisees asks him why he is baptizing if he is not Christ, Elijah, or the Prophet. John defends his ministry of baptism as a symbol of a repentant heart, then he roots his authority in Jesus who will come and baptize with the Spirit, renewing the hearts of men.
Application
John was committed to the mission he had been given by God, to prepare the way for the salvation of God. Like John, there is a sense where we have this same ministry. God has placed us in the wilderness of culture to “cry out” and call to our friends, family, co-workers and classmates to repent and receive the salvation that God offers in Jesus. The question is are you “crying out?? Where is your wilderness? Are you standing in the face of opposition? Servants of Jesus Orient Their Lives For The Mission.
- Servants of Jesus Find Significance In Obscurity
John’s affirmation of His mission stops short of claiming fame for himself. Instead He states, “It is He who is coming after me that is preferred before me, whose sandal straps I am not worthy to loose.” In Jewish culture, the loosing of sandal straps was a task for slaves. Though a rabbi was meant to be honored in every way by his disciple, the loosing of sandal straps was not included in his task. For example, Rabbi Joshua (250 a.d.) taught, “All manners of service a slave renders his master, the pupil renders to his teacher, except the taking off of his shoes.” However, John saw himself as unworthy to loose Jesus’ sandal– a task too menial for even slaves. John believed that his significance was established in his slave-like service to the coming Messiah.
Application
For the most part, our culture teaches that significance comes through making a name for yourself. John found worth in making the name of Jesus great. Thus, Servants of Jesus Find Significance In Obscurity. How do you respond when you are overlooked? Does it bring you joy to elevate Christ over your own natural desire to be seen and regarded?
John The Baptist Proclaims The Identity Of Jesus (John 1:28-34)
“The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, “Behold! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world! This is He of whom I said, ‘After me comes a Man who is preferred before me, for He was before me.’ I did not know Him; but that He should be revealed to Israel, therefore I came baptizing with water.” And John bore witness, saying, “I saw the Spirit descending from heaven like a dove, and He remained upon Him. I did not know Him, but He who sent me to baptize with water said to me, ‘Upon whom you see the Spirit descending, and remaining on Him, this is He who baptizes with the Holy Spirit.’ And I have seen and testified that this is the Son of God.”
The Prophet Moses Promises
The next day John reveals the identity of Jesus as the Messiah, the “Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world.” The “Lamb” was an image rich in OT meaning that pointed to the fulfillment of God’s promise, forgiveness of sins, and deliverance from exile.
- Jesus: The One-Of-A-Kind Son
The gospel of John has already pointed to Jesus being the “One-of-a-kind Son” that is at the Father’s side (John 1:14). In the mind of 1st century Jews this language harkens back to the book of Genesis and the account of Abraham and Isaac. The parallel is seen more fully in John 3 where the Father like Abraham offers up His Son Jesus. But unlike Abraham, the Father offered his only Son and unlike Isaac, Jesus suffered death for sin.
- Jesus: The Passover Lamb
Jesus is also pictured in the gospels as the “Passover Lamb.” Jesus Himself points to this typology in the Lord’s Supper, which was uniquely tied to the Passover meal, that commemorated the great rescue of the people of God during the exodus. It was also often viewed by many Jews as deliverance from the power of sin.
Jesus: The Suffering Servant
This language also is similar to that of Isaiah 53. The parallels in verse 7 (“like a lamb led to slaughter” LXX amnos as in John) and verse 11 (“He shall bear their iniquities”) are particularly striking. John’s “take away” language corresponds with the Hebrew term translated “bear” in the NRSV. The gospel writer probably has in mind the setting aside of sin but the expiatory death of Jesus.
Application
I think is easy to see from the portrait of a servant of Jesus that we as followers of Jesus fail to live up to this standard. We are rebellious and sinful, treasonous to God, desiring to run our own live. But in John’s confession of the identity of Jesus, we so the solution to our sin failure. “Behold the Lamb of God, that takes away the sins of the world” As we behold Jesus we see that while we constantly fail, Jesus never fails to serve completely the Father, making Him the only one that can absorb the wrath we deserve for sin. What hope in exchange for our failure!
John The Baptist Points His Disciples To Jesus (John 1:35-51)
“Again, the next day, John stood with two of his disciples. And looking at Jesus as He walked, he said, “Behold the Lamb of God!” The two disciples heard him speak, and they followed Jesus. Then Jesus turned, and seeing them following, said to them, “What do you seek?” They said to Him, “Rabbi” (which is to say, when translated, Teacher), “where are You staying?” He said to them, “Come and see.” They came and saw where He was staying, and remained with Him that day (now it was about the tenth hour). One of the two who heard John speak, and followed Him, was Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother…”
John 1:35-51 chronicles the the decrease and transition of John’s disciples to Jesus. John’s witness of Jesus as the “lamb of God” causes His disciples to begin to follow Jesus. This statement effectively marks the end of John as the Baptist’s significance in redemptive history. Similarly to Moses, John the Baptist “brought salvation history to a boundary he himself could not cross (Matt. 11;11).” We can glean several principles about an effective witness of Jesus from the life of John and the call of Jesus.
Gospel Centered Evangelism
- Gospel Centered Evangelism: Jesus Is The Draw
The disciples are drawn to Jesus 1st by the right understanding of His person as testified by John. John rightly communicated Jesus as the “lamb of God”, the “Son of God”, who existed before the foundation of the world (‘After me comes a Man who is preferred before me, for He was before me.’ ). Later they discerned for themselves that Jesus was the one “Moses in the Law and the prophets wrote about” that believe that Jesus was the “Son of God, the King of Israel.” Thus as we give witness to Jesus we must remember to give a biblically faithful portrait of Jesus. Jesus in not a moral teacher, a sympathetic sissy, or a genie in the bottle waiting for us rub Him so He can grant our selfish wishes. He is the Son of God, the King of Israel.
- Gospel Centered Evangelism: Takes In Consideration The Person
It is interesting to note Jesus calls His disciples in several unique ways: 1. Jesus Gathers John & Andrew Through Curiosity (John 1:35-40). John gives witness to Jesus as the Lamb of God. John and Andrew begin to follow Him, then Jesus beckons Andrew and John to come and investigate more about Him. 2. Jesus Gathers Peter Through Witness (John 1:41-42). Peter hears about Jesus through the testimony of Andrew who appeals to his understanding of the Scripture to woo Peter to follow Jesus. 3. Jesus Gathers Philip Through Boldness (John 1:43). Jesus just says “Bring it” (obviously a euphemism for the sake of contextualization). 4. Jesus Gathers Nathanael Through Overcoming Doubt (1:44-50) Philip finds Nathanael and testifies of Jesus, but Nathanael doubts the validity of Jesus because of his Nazarene birth. Jesus then shows him His power in revealing his knowledge of His character.
- Gospel Centered Evangelism: Commands Commitment
It is impossible to read the Gospel of John and not find yourself captivated and drawn in by John’s arguments and presentation of the person of Jesus. One striking element John employs is the use of questions by the characters in the narrative to challenge the reader. One of the most powerful is heard in the narrative of Jesus’ call to the disciples. The two disciples heard him speak, and they followed Jesus. Then Jesus turned, and seeing them following, said to them, “What do you seek?” This question jumps off the page, uncovering motives and challenging us to commit to the true identity of Jesus.