The Gospel of John: John 1.19-28

Read and meditate on John 1.19, 20.
Having introduced John, and his role as a witness to the Light, and a summary of his preaching, John now expands on the Baptists’ ministry somewhat. His purpose in this is to set the historical stage for the coming of the Word of God, and to introduce other players who have a role in the story he is reporting. We want to let this section of John 1 bring us into some of the expectations and tensions existing in Judea and Jerusalem at the time of Christ’s coming.

¹⁹The Jews sent priests and Levites unto John, 
who from Jerusalem arrived as one
to hear his testimony. “Who are you?”
they asked. ²⁰John answered,and he said unto
them, “I am not the Christ.”

- John 1.19, 20

Reflect
1.  Quickly read Luke 3.1-18. How would you summarize John’s message to the people who came to him at the Jordan? Given the content of that message, why do you suppose so many kept coming (v. 7)? Complete this prayer: Lord, I long to see the day when, as in John’s day, people…

2.  The Jews heard about John and sent investigators to learn more. Briefly look at Acts 5.33-37 and Acts 21.37, 38. What may have been motivating “the Jews” in sending these men to John? Lord, how should we as witnesses to the Light distinguish ourselves from…

3.  Who were the “priests and Levites”? What role did they play in the life of the people of Jerusalem and Judea? The Jews had Roman soldiers at their disposal (cf. Matt. 27.62-66). Why did they send religious leaders rather than civil magistrates? What does this suggest about their motive? Help me to understand, Lord, the desires and fears that lodge in the hearts of…

4.  John’s answer to their query is striking. Without being prompted, he disabused them of any thought that he might be “the Christ.” What does this suggest about the word that was spreading about John? Why would people have supposed this might be so? John “did not deny, but confessed” that he was not the Christ. Why does the apostle John make this so emphatic? Does this suggest anything about being a witness to the Light? Lord, is there anything in my life that might lead others to associate me with Christ? Or…

5.  Tension is in the air from the very beginning, and the religious powers-that-be have their antennae up to detect any threat to their authority and place (cf. John 11.45-48). They want to know who John is because they intend to control him, or at least, to allow him to function within their parameters and purposes, to do his religious thing on their terms. Sound familiar? Explain. Bring your prayers from questions 1-4 together into one prayer.

Summary
“In all probability the scribes and lawyers were already expecting the one awaited (deriving his time from the Scriptures). This is why Theodas had sprung up who had gathered no small crowd by claiming to be the Christ, I think. And after him, Judas of Galilee, in the days of the taxation, had done something similar. Since therefore Christ’s sojourn is rather heatedly expected and discussed, it is with good reason that the Jews send priests and Levites from Jerusalem to John, intending with the question, ‘Who are you,’ to see if he will admit to being the Christ.” Origen (185-254 AD)

The Name of Christ creates interest and response. Some, moved in their hearts by longing, will want to learn more, and to prepare for receiving Him. Others, for other motivations, will want to exert their control over Him. How is the apostle John preparing us for our calling to be witnesses for Christ?

Closing Prayer
Do not fret because of evildoers,
Nor be envious of the workers of iniquity.
For they shall soon be cut down like the grass,
And wither as the green herb.
Trust in the LORD, and do good;
Dwell in the land, and feed on His faithfulness.
Delight yourself also in the LORD,
And He shall give you the desires of your heart.
Commit your way to the LORD,
Trust also in Him,
And He shall bring it to pass.
He shall bring forth your righteousness as the light,
And your justice as the noonday.
Rest in the LORD, and wait patiently for Him;
Do not fret because of him who prospers in his way,
Because of the man who brings wicked schemes to pass.

Psalm 37.1-7

Psalm 37.1-6 (Neumark: If Thou but Suffer God to Guide Thee)
Let not the wicked make you worry;
Envy not those who break God’s Word.
Like dying grass will they be sorry,
And fade like every dying herb.
I trust You, Lord; I’ll do Your will;
Keep me in grace and faithful still.

How I delight in Your salvation!
Lord, grant me all my heart’s desire!
To You I trust my every station;
Let Your good purposes transpire.
Your righteousness a blazing light
Bring forth in me against the night!

T. M. Moore

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Except as indicated, Scripture taken from the New King James Version. © Copyright 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved. All psalms for singing adapted from The Ailbe Psalter. All quotations from Church Fathers from Ancient Christian Commentary Series IV a and b: John, edited by Joel C. Elowsky, General Editor Thomas C. Oden (Downers Grove: InterVarsity Press, 2006. Verse translation of John by T. M. Moore.