Who is John? Who is Jesus? Who are you? (John 1 v 19 – 34) – Terry Nightingale
This year, on 4-minute devotions, we are diving into the Gospel of John. In the last couple of weeks, we looked at the first section (1: 1 – 18) widely regarded as the Prologue, a sort of overview, introducing some of the main themes of the book. This prologue introduced us to:
- Both Jesus and John the Baptist
- Jesus as the Word; He is God; He was there at the beginning of time; “The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us” (John 1:14).
- John the Baptist was also sent by God (although he wasn’t God). If Jesus was the light of all mankind, John was sent to point to that light. He was a witness to “testify” to it.
With that introduction now laid out, John the Apostle (a different John, the author of the book) now begins the narrative – the story he wants to tell us.
Jesus who?
If you are familiar with any of the advent readings leading up to Christmas, one of them in Luke’s gospel describes a time when Mary (Jesus’s mother) visits Elizabeth (John the Baptist’s mother) both pregnant with their boys. We are told that John as an unborn baby leaped in his mother’s womb as soon as Mary spoke. Clearly the mothers knew each other back then but did the boys know each other while they were growing up?
In today’s reading we hear John the Baptist saying, “And I myself did not know him…” (John 1:33). In fact, he says it twice.
And… there is no evidence in the Gospels that they did know each other; they probably did not grow up together being raised in different places.
So, when we have this encounter of Jesus and John, John seeing Jesus and declaring to whoever is listening, “Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!” (John 1:29), this is not one mate saying of another, “Hey guys – this is my best friend, he is amazing, he’s got a great ministry, listen to him…”
No! – He is recognising someone he doesn’t know personally.
This is who I am
We can tell from today’s reading, John the B knew he had a mission in life. He could articulate it by simply quoting from the book of Isaiah: “I am the voice of one calling in the wilderness, ‘Make straight the way for the Lord.’” (John 1:23).
What do we glean from this?
- He is a voice. Life is not about him; he is carrying a message from someone greater than him−from God.
- That voice is calling in the wilderness. He is speaking to people who are spiritually dry, spiritually thirsty.
- The voice calls them to make way for the Lord. Repent! Make a straight path for Him−in other words, return to lives that are faithful to God. Faithful to God’s covenant.
- Get ready! The Lord is about to arrive.
- And when The Lord does arrive… “Look, (that’s Him!) the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!”
John knew his mission. He knew who he was and he also knew who he wasn’t.
He said, “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.”
Who is Jesus?
So, when did John the Baptist figure out who Jesus was? Then John gave this testimony: “I saw the Spirit come down from heaven as a dove and remain on him. And I myself did not know him, but the on who sent me to baptize with water told me, ‘The man on whom you see the Spirit come down and remain is the one who will baptize with the Holy Spirit.’ I have seen and I testify that this is God’s Chosen One.” (John 1:32-34)
When did this happen? This event referred to here is not recorded by John, but it is included by the other three synoptic gospels – Matthew, Mark and Luke. Jesus’ baptism.
It looks like John the Baptist had several “revelations” about who he was and what he was called to do and who Jesus was and what He was called to do.
Who are you?
The other day, Sue and I were sitting in her car eating ice-creams. It was a warm day, and we had a lovely view of the ocean with families enjoying the sunshine. One group of friends sat in front of us and one girl stood out because she spent every moment taking pictures of nothing but herself.
Back in January I saw a man being interviewed on Australian TV. He was asked, what is your new year resolution? He answered, “to focus more on me”.
I don’t think John the Baptist would be able to relate to today’s world.
John the B put no focus on himself. He was a voice, he was not Elijah, and his mission was to point people to Jesus: “Look, the Lamb of God…”
Let’s drive this home
I believe that one of the greatest joys in life is to discover who you are and why you are here.
Do you know who you are and do you know who you are not?
Do you know how you can use your unique personality and gifts to point people to Jesus?
As you ponder these questions, may the Lord lead you into a deeper discovery of His purposes for you.
Discovering God in a Crazy World
4-min Devotions this year invites you to join us on a guided journey through the Gospel of John.
You can also discover more of this ministry by visiting terrynightingale.com. For new subscribers to my website, I am offering a free gift. A sample from my book More bite-size devotions for the busy Christian – 10 Devotions from the Psalms.
All my books can be found on Amazon – my latest is called Sleeping in a Sinking Boat: finding peace in the middle of the storm (pub: Ark House Press), released this year.
