God With Us - The Testimony of John the Baptist

This morning I was reviewing John 1:19-28:

Earlier in this chapter we learn that God sent a man, John the Baptist, to tell about the light so that everyone might believe because of his testimony. John was not the light, but simply a witness to tell about the light.

When asked by the religious leaders who He was, John the Baptist replied without any hesitation that "He was not the Messiah or the Christ."

They then asked if he was Elijah or the Prophet they were expecting? He replied "no"

After being prodded further, John replied using the words of the prophet Isaiah, “I am a voice shouting in the wilderness, clear the way for the Lord’s coming!” (Isaiah 40:3 - time is short, do not be afraid your God is coming, he brings his reward with him as he comes)

They then asked, If you aren’t the Messiah, Elijah or the Prophet, what right do you have to baptize? John told them, “I baptize with water, but among us is someone you do not recognize. Who’s ministry comes after mine. I’m not even worthy to be his slave.”

The story takes place at Bethany, which is an area east of the Jordan River.  In this passage I’m given further information about John the Baptist, and about some Religious leaders who want to know who he is and why he’s doing this.

While John is Baptizing he replies their questions and quotes Isaiah 40:3 in reply to who he is and what he is doing.  John replies in a manner that the religious leaders should have understood, they were familiar with Isaiah. John also indicates that the one they expect will come after him, and very soon (someone here in the crowd that you do not recognize.)

Like John I too can be a voice that helps introduce Jesus to others. John 1:23 “John replied in the words of the prophet Isaiah: “I am a voice shouting in the wilderness, ‘Clear the way for the Lord’s coming!’” (NLT)

This morning I stop and thank you Father for providing Christ the Messiah. Through my belief in Him and I am brought back into a right relationship with you and find meaning for my life.

Bottom Line:

God has come to dwell among us, be ready to accept Him.

What this means to me:

This passage reminds me that I should never hesitate to identify with Christ. Like John the Baptist, my life can be used to help point others to Jesus through my testimony and my life. I should be ready to provide a reason for the hope that I have. It's not my job to convince them, but only provide my experiences and story.