Who Are You?

Scripture: John 1:19-28 (Click link for scripture in Bible Gateway)

19 This was John’s testimony when the Jewish leaders sent priests and Temple assistants from Jerusalem to ask John, “Who are you?” 20 He came right out and said, “I am not the Messiah.” 21 “Well then, who are you?” they asked. “Are you Elijah?” “No,” he replied. “Are you the Prophet we are expecting?” “No.” 22 “Then who are you? We need an answer for those who sent us. What do you have to say about yourself?” 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!’ ” 24 Then the Pharisees who had been sent 25 asked him, “If you aren’t the Messiah or Elijah or the Prophet, what right do you have to baptize?” 26 John told them, “I baptize with water, but right here in the crowd is someone you do not recognize. 27 Though his ministry follows mine, I’m not even worthy to be his slave and untie the straps of his sandal.” 28 This encounter took place in Bethany, an area east of the Jordan River, where John was baptizing. (John 1:19–28 NLT)

The Jewish leaders sent priests and Temple assistants from Jerusalem to find out who John was. John was actually the son of a priest, Zechariah, but had not joined the Temple system. In their minds the options were: 1) John was The Prophet foretold by Moses (Deuteronomy 18:15); 2) John was Elijah (Malachi 4:5); 3) John was the Messiah; 4) John was a false prophet. John denied being one of the first three, so in their minds he was a false prophet.

The Jewish leaders were the “protectors of the faith” and were careful to investigate any new so-called prophets or teachers for danger of heresy. The Jewish leaders were also concerned lest anyone or anything upset their delicate arrangements with Herod’s government and the Roman government. John clearly stated that his message was preparation for the Messiah and his Kingdom and his role was as a humble servant and bold announcer of the coming King and Kingdom.

If they had accepted John, they would have had to change their minds, let go of their system and their security. In their place, with all that to lose, what would you and I have done? The decision to believe God’s message still requires that we are willing to let go of our systems and our security and trust fully in him.

Prayer:

Father, It’s easy to see the fault in those guys. Please help me to see my own fault and my own continuing need to change my mind so you can change my heart! Amen!