The Testimony of John. John 1:19-28 The Gospel of John opens with the testimony of creation and the authority of the Word, who became flesh and lived among people. There was a unique glory in Christ that no one else ever possessed. God showed His nature through the law that Moses gave to God's people. Moses delivered the law, and Christ fulfilled it. God has gone beyond just the testimony of the law. John the Baptist came with the testimony that God was about to reveal Himself and His truth through "the only begotten Son of God," whose life on earth demonstrated the nature of God in a way that could be seen and heard.
Both law and grace are parts of God's nature. To observe creation shows that there are "laws" maintaining order. However, seeing God physically is impossible because we could not withstand God's glory and holiness in our current human state. In Christ, we see the great grace that makes salvation possible for those who believe in the Lord Jesus Christ. God's truth has given us greater understanding as the Spirit of God makes clear the prophecies of the Old Testament that have been fulfilled in the Person and work of the Lord Jesus Christ.
People gather in clustered groups, some suspiciously waiting to hear John’s straightforward words. Others anxiously seek stories of life and hope; still, some whose status quo has enriched them listen cautiously, wondering if they will be exposed for their sinful business dealings. Religious leaders form a parade of self-centeredness, confident they are doing what is right and are above the crowd of “sinners.”
The sinful, known to live on the dark side, would fearfully hear John’s warning. The dissatisfied would have come closer, wanting change, and would have hopefully listened for a message that could bring some light into their mediocre lives. Those convicted of their sins stepped into the water to publicly identify themselves as people who repented and sought the relief of forgiveness. Those who truly repented and were converted would have faced themselves and made honest life changes.
As John the Baptist called the nation of Israel to repentance and urged them to show proof of their sincerity through baptism, the religious leaders grew uneasy. They felt responsible for determining whether John's credentials were genuine and whether he was a false prophet. They were worried that John's teachings might challenge their traditions. To better understand him, they subtly brought up prophets in hopes of prompting him to reveal his identity. After all, people were coming to listen to him, and he was gaining popularity.
John didn't fully reveal his identity as they tried to fit him into their own understanding. But he clearly explained why he had come and was preaching. He was preparing the way for the Messiah, who was already among them but hadn't been publicly recognized yet. The baptism of John served as a testimony for those who were baptized and repented, awaiting the coming of the one after John, who had the authority to forgive sins. John understood his role and stayed focused on the responsibility he had been given.
The example of John as a preacher and a spokesperson for the Lord is one we do well to follow. He was not swayed from his calling by pressure from those around him or by religious leaders. His call to repentance reminds us of the need for true repentance before the Gospel is understood. Repentance is a genuine change of mind, regret, and sorrow for sin, along with a sincere desire for forgiveness. The awareness of guilt prompts one to seek mercy. In any Gospel message, there needs to be "repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ" clearly preached.
Many do not realize that the Lord is near us. He does not appear visibly or audibly, even though He is "One among you." He reveals Himself today through His servants. Every believer is responsible for faithfully representing the Lord Jesus through words and actions. He baptizes every believer with the Holy Spirit as they are immersed into the body of Christ—the church. The baptism of the Holy Spirit is mentioned seven times in the New Testament. Five references are about what will come, making them prophetic [Mat.3:11; Mk.1:8; Lu.3:16; Jn.1:33; Acts 1:5]. One occurred as a historical event [Acts 11:16-18], and another relates to teaching about that event [1Co.12:13].
John was the voice sent from God to speak for God to the nation, give warnings, and call the chosen nation of the Jews to repent. The voice of one who speaks for God is to be loud and clear, yet plaintive and easily understood because we call sinners in darkness to flee… repent, and “Behold the Lamb of God who bears away the sin of the world.” One whose message burns in his soul is not intimidated by questioners – his answers are from God. He knows the work he is called to do is urgent because the Lord is coming. A spokesman of a greater “Sent One” needs to know what to do and say and what not to say. The voice of John was heard by the nation, the king, the people – and God. Our voices should be heard worldwide, calling lost souls to repent and believe the Gospel.