The Gospel of John: John 1.19-28

Read and meditate on John 1.23.
How does John explain himself? In terms of Scripture, and in terms of the coming Lord. Now that’s instructive!

                                                 ²³But John
said only, “I am but the voice of one
who cries out in the wilderness, ‘Make straight
the pathways of the LORD, and hesitate
no longer,’ as Isaiah prophesied.”

- John 1.23

Reflect
1.  John defined himself in two ways, first, in terms of the Word of God. Read Isaiah 40. How does this add to your understanding of how John understood himself and his calling? Complete this prayer: Lord, thank You for coming among us to…

2.  Second, John defined himself in relation to the Lord. What was his role? How did he fulfill that role? How can John be seen as having created a pathway to the Lord? Today, Lord, use me to show the pathway to Jesus by…

3.  We see here the apostle John reaching back to the Old Testament (again) to set the stage for his story. Why is this important? What Old Testament passage would you point to in order to begin telling the story of Jesus? Lord Jesus, I see You revealed in many places in the Old Testament, and this causes me to…

4.  If you could choose one passage of Scripture that would explain you and your life, what would it be? Why? Lord, the passage that defines my life is…because…

5.  If you were asked to explain your life in relationship to the Word-become-flesh, what would you say? John saw himself as a pathfinder. How do you see yourself? Bring together into one prayer the prayers you wrote for questions 1-4.

Summary
“What else is anyone doing who is preaching the true faith and good works but preparing the way for the Lord to come to his hearers’ hearts so that the power of grace may enter them and the light of truth pervade them? He makes the Lord’s paths straight when he predisposes the mind for good thoughts by his good preaching.” Gregory the Great (ca. 540-604 AD)

Can you see how John the apostle’s work of writing this gospel is similar to the work of John the Baptist? Explain. Can you see how your calling to your Personal Mission Field is like this, too?

Closing Prayer
I waited patiently for the LORD;
And He inclined to me,
And heard my cry.
He also brought me up out of a horrible pit,
Out of the miry clay,
And set my feet upon a rock,
And established my steps.
He has put a new song in my mouth—
Praise to our God;
Many will see it and fear,
And will trust in the LORD.

Psalm 40.1-3

Psalm 40.1-5 (Dix: For the Beauty of the Earth)
I waited patiently for God; You inclined and heard my cry,
Lifted me up above the sod, set me on that Rock on high!
New songs in my mouth You gave, may You through me many save!

Blessed are all who trust in You, turning both from lies and pride.
Countless wonders, Lord You do, and Your thoughts with us abide.
Lord, Your worth who can declare? None with You can e’er compare!

T. M. Moore

Visit The Ailbe Seminary, where our course, One in Twelve: Introduction to Christian Worldview, can show you how Jesus is central to all aspects of life in the world – and beyond! Our course is free, and you can study at your own pace, watching videos and using the free materials provided.

We are happy to offer each week’s Scriptorium studies in a free weekly PDF, suitable for personal or group use. You can download all the studies in our series on the Gospel of John by clicking here. Please prayerfully consider sharing with The Fellowship of Ailbe through your giving. You can contribute to The Fellowship by clicking the Contribute button at the website or by sending your gift to The Fellowship of Ailbe, 19 Tyler Drive, Essex Junction, VT 05452.

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.