(REFLECTIONS ON John 1:19-28)

When John the Baptist, the one God called to baptize with a baptism of repentance appeared in the wilderness, the Jews sent priests and Levites to him from Jerusalem to ask him, “Who are you?” Was this just out of curiosity?

No, it was actually an official investigation of this man, John the Baptist, that was doing the work of the priest, that was offering repentance through baptism, but not in Jerusalem, in the Temple, but in the wilderness. John the Baptist’s baptism came in religious opposition to what the priests and Levites were doing in Jerusalem, and in the Temple.

There was also a continued expectation and anticipation for the Messiah, for the Christ, and so John the Baptist was questioned, “Who are you?” John the Baptist first denied being the Christ saying, “I am not the Christ.” This then led the Jewish officials to ask if not the Christ, if he was Elijah or the Prophet. John the Baptist said he was not the Christ, nor Elijah, nor the Prophet. All these, the Jews expected to return and appear, and bring restoration to Israel.

Then they asked him again, “Who are you?“

John said,

23 He said, “I am the voice of one calling out in the wilderness, ‘Make the way of the Lord straight,’ as Isaiah the prophet said.”

John the Baptist was the messenger to come before the Christ, to prepare the way. He came to baptize a baptism of repentance to prepare the people for Christ, who would bring about a different and new baptism, more than just repentance, but life, that is eternal life.

Brothers and sisters, our role in the church today is to continue to be the voice. The voice preparing the way for the second coming of Christ, not to offer Himself for the sins of the world, which He has already done, but for salvation.

This call is not just for the select few that have been professional trained, the pastors, elders, or teachers, but for all that call themselves sons and daughters of God. This is our identity in Christ. No we are not the Christ, we are not Elijah, or the Prophet.

WHO ARE YOU? I AM THE VOICE

Pastor Michael Lu
Enduring Word Bible Commentary: John 1