The Gospel of John: John 1.19-28

Read and meditate on John 1.21.
OK, so he’s not the Christ. But who is he? He has to be someone significant, otherwise the multitudes would not be flocking to him. We see in the follow-up question posed to John an awareness on the part of the religious leaders of someone great anticipated, from the beginning of the Old Testament to the end. There’s a lesson here about how to read our Bibles.

²¹And when they pressed
him, asking, “Then Elijah?” he confessed,
“No, I am not Elijah.” “Are you then
the Prophet?” they persisted. He again
denied, and answered simply, “No.”

- John 1.21

Reflect
1.  Perhaps John is Elijah? Where did they get that idea? Look at Malachi 4.1-6. What did the coming of “Elijah” portend? Why would this have concerned the Jews in Jerusalem? Complete this prayer: O Sun of Righteousness, rise today…

2.  John only answers their question: “I am not.” He’s not very forthcoming about his identity. John wants to hear their thinking before he explains himself. Why? What advice for us as witnesses might there be in this? Lord, help me to understand the people you’ve sent me to in my Personal Mission Field. Today…

3.  Who is “the Prophet” about whom the priests and Levites ask? Look at Deuteronomy 18.15-19. Why would the Jews be concerned about the coming of this One? Let Your Word speak to me today, O Lord, so that…

4.  Again, John is succinct: “No.” He has let them expose their assumptions about his identity, without clarifying his role and calling. What kind of assumptions do people today have about Christians and our message? Is it a good idea, when we’re talking with someone about the Lord, to try to understand whatever assumptions others may have about Jesus and His Gospel? Why or why not? Lord, how can I begin to learn…

5.  John seems downright reticent to identify himself with the Christ. Or is he? Is he merely allowing the tension to build before he reveals his mission? Is he trying to pique the curiosity of his inquisitors? Or is he being succinct so that he doesn’t say too much too soon? What do you think? Bring together into one prayer the prayers you wrote from questions 1-4.

Summary
“See how [the priests and Levites] press him more vehemently, repeatedly urging their questions on him without giving up. John for his part first removes their false assumptions about him and then sets before them what is true.” John Chrysostom (ca. 344-407)

John’s witness is concise, conversational, and not in the least pushy or hysterical. He’s just answering questions, waiting patiently for the opportunity to reveal himself and his message. Evangelizing lost people is a process, not an event. What can we learn from John about managing that process?

Closing Prayer
But I will hope continually,
And will praise You yet more and more.
My mouth shall tell of Your righteousness
And Your salvation all the day,
For I do not know their limits.
I will go in the strength of the Lord GOD;
I will make mention of Your righteousness, of Yours only.

Psalm 71.14-16

Psalm 71.3, 12-16 (Solid Rock: My Hope is Built)
O God, be not too far from me; my ever-present Helper be!
Consume and shame my enemies; let them reproached and humbled be.
  A Rock of habitation be; command Your Word to rescue me;
  My Rock and Fortress ever be!

But as for me, my voice I raise to sing in hope and constant praise!
With saving grace my soul will swell Your never-ending grace to tell!
  A Rock of habitation be; command Your Word to rescue me;
  My Rock and Fortress ever be!

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.