John – Chapter 1:19-28
Introduction: The transition from John the Baptist to Jesus is the transition from the old to the new, from promise to the fulfillment, from the shadow to the light, from the type to the reality, from the earthly to that which from all eternity was in the beginning. This is vividly expressed in the transition from John’s baptism by water only to Jesus’ baptism by water and the Spirit. It is also expressed in terms of their person, discipleship, and work. Ultimately the baptism of John is fulfilled by the unity fo the water and the Spirit. This baptism goes into effect at the death of Jesus, whose blood cleanses us from all sin (1 John 1:7). By the blood of the Lamb and united with the Spirit, the water of Baptism becomes “one Baptism for the forgiveness of sin.” v.19-22 – The apostle John makes the point that John did not fail to confess, but testified freely about his role. The implication is that John could have given in to human pride but, by God’s power and grace, he didn’t. His eyes were on Christ. The questions of the priests and Levites show us what the eschatalogical Messianic hope was for the “Anointed One.” They also expected Elijah to be the forerunner for the Lord (Malachi 3:1; 4:5–6). He and Moses are thought to be the two witness of Rev. 11:3. And they expected the Prophet like Moses (Deut 18:15,18). In the NT, Jesus is identified as this prophet (Acts 3:22-23; 7:37; Lk 9:35). In John, the people believe Jesus is this prophet (Jn 6:14; 6:30-35). This strong expectation likely figures into the Transfiguration in the synoptics. So is John Elijah to come or not? He says no. Jesus says yes (Mt. 11:14; 17:12-13; Mk 9:13). John does not claim the title of Elijah but Jesus confers it on him. That said, John here is emphasized his office as witness and the final, absolute nature of that witness. He had already seen the Spirit descend on Jesus. In this Gospel, John had but one role to play, as a voice, a witness. (1:7-8, 32, 34). “He must increase that I may decrease.” v. 23 “I am a voice: ‘Make Straight the Way of the Lord’” – Isaiah 40:3 is loaded with exodus overtones, including “the wilderness.” The “way” is a common theme throughout Isaiah (Is…