A witness for His glory

Explanation: Once the prologue has been presented, the Apostle begins his account of Jesus’ steps from Glory to Glory by presenting the witness of John the Baptist. A delegation of Jewish priests and Levites has been sent out from Jerusalem to investigate who John was and why he was baptizing people. John’s activities had created a stir in religious circles, and the authorities wanted to know the deal.

Illustrate: an established ministry sending a team to investigate reports of faith healing (Benny Hinn for example)

Argument: The religious community was well aware of the prophecies of the Coming Messiah. With the advent of John the Baptist, the Jews were ending the 400 years of silence, and this was big news. The team was under the impression John could be the Messiah or at least the Prophet.

During his interview, the Baptist was careful to deflect attention from himself. He took pains to emphasize he was not the Messiah or one of the OT prophets. Although he had a platform, he did not use it to promote himself. In humility, he just claimed to be “a voice in the wilderness.”

Application: When the opportunity presents itself to share about Jesus, make sure you don’t waste it talking about yourself and your accomplishments. [this is not to say there is no place for a personal testimony, just make sure the majority of the testimony is about Jesus - not you!] Some folks dwell more on the sin and the seeming pleasures they enjoyed than the salvation they received

A Witness for His Glory does prepare others to see Jesus ()

Explanation: Once the delegation understood that John was neither the Messiah, the Prophet, or Elijah, they were still confused. If he was not one of these important biblical personages, then what was his purpose in baptizing people? John the Baptist informs them that he was doing it so that people, including himself, might see Jesus as the Messiah. The Apostle has already informed his readers that John had been sent from God () and now the Baptist tells the delegation that God told him to baptize people with water that in that process the Messiah would be revealed. The Messiah’s baptism would be unique and miraculous and would definitively reveal His relationship to God

Illustrate: a spokesperson for World Vision. He or she will prepare others to see the needs of orphans and underprivileged children. She will present information on how to give and remove barriers that might prevent giving

Argument: John’s actions were designed to showcase Jesus. Yes, John was directly commissioned by God to perform baptisms for the purpose of supernaturally revealing Jesus as Messiah. Yes, that was a unique ministry. However, all of us who are in Christ are called to bear witness of Jesus (; )

Application: Our lives and actions should be a credible witness for the One we serve. As a fast-food operator, we should perform with integrity and a positive work ethic. If you work in a factory, the others on the line should know your character by your performance. If you are a nurse or a teacher, others should observe your compassion for others and your personal holiness in your approach to your job. The way we perform at whatever job we have should never be a barrier for someone to encounter Christ. We should never hear someone say about us: “You are a Christian?! Now, that’s a surprise!

A Witness for His Glory does present an accurate understanding of who Jesus is ()

Explanation: Whether or not the delegation from the Jews was still present the next day or not, the Baptist details his encounter with Jesus. John begins by emphasizing Jesus’ role as Savior by using the title Lamb of God. While this terminology may be familiar to those in the church, remember that the Apostle is sharing this account with many who are not Jewish. The idea of Jesus as a sacrificial lamb that was offered in a payment for sins was a dynamic and new concept! It was startling and intriguing.

Then the Apostle has the Baptist describe the baptism of Jesus. [The Apostle doesn’t give a full detail, and has the Baptist describe it after the fact.] John had previously baptized Jesus, and when he sees Him on this “next day” he tells those with him about the experience and uses the event to highlight who Jesus is. The Baptist tells his audience that when he was baptizing Jesus the heavens opened and the Holy Spirit came down and anointed Him.

John begins by emphasizing Jesus’ role as Savior by using the title Lamb of God. While this terminology may be familiar to those in the church, remember that the Apostle is sharing this account with many who are not Jewish. The idea of Jesus as a sacrificial lamb that was offered in a payment for sins was a dynamic and new concept! It was startling and intriguing.

Illustrate: Gasakavar teaching college level physics. He was up there talking, but we did not understand what he was saying. Not communication!

Argument: The Baptist brings up the sin issue with his listeners. He is reminding them that all are sinners (cf ) and the remedy is Jesus. As the Lamb of God, Jesus is the Only One who can deal with the sin issue. Any gospel presentation that does not address how sin forms a barrier between us and God, and how Jesus is the only means of satisfying the wrath of God for us is woefully incomplete and thoroughly inadequate!

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