October 21, 2016
HE IS COMING! MAKE READY!
John 1:19–34
Stephen Stack
Central Truth
We are not “all that,” but Jesus is. When we can’t stand on our own, He stands for us. And we have work to do. Many do not know these truths, but we can prepare them for Christ’s return by sharing hope with them.
Key Verse | John 1:29
The next day he saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, “Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!” (John 1:29)
John 1:19–34
The Testimony of John the Baptist
19 And this is the testimony of John, when the Jews sent priests and Levites from Jerusalem to ask him, “Who are you?” 20 He confessed, and did not deny, but confessed, “I am not the Christ.” 21 And they asked him, “What then? Are you Elijah?” He said, “I am not.” “Are you the Prophet?” And he answered, “No.” 22 So they said to him, “Who are you? We need to give an answer to those who sent us. What do you say about yourself?” 23 He said, “I am the voice of one crying out in the wilderness, ‘Make straight 1 1:23 Or crying out, In the wilderness make straight the way of the Lord,’ as the prophet Isaiah said.”
24 (Now they had been sent from the Pharisees.) 25 They asked him, “Then why are you baptizing, if you are neither the Christ, nor Elijah, nor the Prophet?” 26 John answered them, “I baptize with water, but among you stands one you do not know, 27 even he who comes after me, the strap of whose sandal I am not worthy to untie.” 28 These things took place in Bethany across the Jordan, where John was baptizing.
Behold, the Lamb of God
29 The next day he saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, “Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world! 30 This is he of whom I said, ‘After me comes a man who ranks before me, because he was before me.’ 31 I myself did not know him, but for this purpose I came baptizing with water, that he might be revealed to Israel.” 32 And John bore witness: “I saw the Spirit descend from heaven like a dove, and it remained on him. 33 I myself did not know him, but he who sent me to baptize with water said to me, ‘He on whom you see the Spirit descend and remain, this is he who baptizes with the Holy Spirit.’ 34 And I have seen and have borne witness that this is the Son 2 1:34 Some manuscripts the Chosen One of God.”
Dive Deeper | John 1:19–34
I must confess something to you: I am not perfect. I often try to be, however, by holding myself to standards that I can never achieve. Before realizing the truth of Christ and what He did, that mentality led me to endless feelings of disappointment, depression, and lack of purpose. Over the last couple of years, I have come to recognize the value of two things: a healthy self-evaluation (that does not involve self-condemnation), and more importantly, the need to grow in a deeper understanding of God’s character.
John the Baptist understood both of these concepts. First of all, he acknowledged his shortcomings before a holy God, proclaiming his unworthiness even to untie the strap of Christ’s sandal (John 1:27). Even better, John possessed the foresight to see that the Father sent Jesus because the whole world was unworthy. But we don’t need to have it all together. Christ offers us a full and abundant life in relationship with Him (John 10:10). By His perfect righteousness, Christ paid the price for sin that we never could (1 Peter 3:18). God’s deep and abiding love for us is sacrificial in a way that our best authors and playwrights can never capture fully!
God allowed John the privilege of pointing the way to Jesus in preparation for the great work He was to accomplish. And the great news is that we are called to play a similar role. We are tasked to be lights in an increasingly dark, broken world. Jesus finished the real work on the cross, but He is coming back to establish His righteousness and justice throughout the entire world. While we wait for that glorious day, we are to share with others the truth, hope, and joy of Christ in eager anticipation of His return (Matthew 28:19-20). Get ready, because it is going to be a party for all who believe in His name!
Discussion Questions
1. Do you tend to find your worth in standing on your own two feet and proclaiming yourself king of the world, or do you recognize your true value as a child of the King of kings?
2. How can you make time today to reflect on God’s love, not taking grace for granted, but realizing that He paid a great price to take away your sin?
3. How well are you sharing the hope you have within you and pointing others to Christ? (Remember—the Holy Spirit does the real work. You are called simply to be faithful in sharing the work He has done and is doing in your life!)