John 1:6-8 (WEL) There was a man sent by God whose name was John. 7 He came as a witness, to testify about the Light so that all would believe through him. 8 He himself was not the Light but that he might testify about the Light.
V6 There was a man sent by God whose name was John.
This is John the Baptist, a man prophesied about in Isaiah 40:3, conceived by the miraculous power of God (Luke 1:13), taught by God (Luke 3:2), commissioned by God (Luke 3:3), was faithful to God’s call (Luke 3), and died as a martyr to truth (Mark 6:27-28). Sent by God refers to God giving a command to preach and teach the people of Israel of the soon coming Messiah—Jesus.
He preached the message that Messiah was coming soon, and to be prepared for Him, living holy lives, admitting they are sinners, and as proof of repentance be publicly baptized. Baptism does not save. Baptism is taught in the Old Testament as a requirement to be clean after any unclean activity (bodily fluids, sex, touching a dead body, touching an unclean dead animal, etc.). Compare Leviticus 11:25-28, Leviticus 11:40, Leviticus 13:54, Leviticus 14:8, Leviticus 15:5-7, Leviticus 15:16, and Leviticus 15:20-22.
V7 He came as a witness, to testify about the Light so that all would believe through him.
John’s specific ministry was to preach about the Light, who is Jesus Christ. The goal is for people to believe the prophets and all they prophesied about the Messiah. The word “all” means all. Most rejected, but many believed. All were convicted, but most hardened their hearts.
V8 He himself was not the Light but that he might testify about the Light.
The Apostle John wrote very clearly that John is not the Messiah, but that Jesus is the Light, the Messiah. John the Baptist was asked about this but denied that he was the Messiah (John 1:19-23).
We learn:
- John the Baptist’s purpose, commission, and ministry.
- John the Baptist’s honesty and faithfulness to his call.
Questions:
- What is your commission?
- Are you faithful to what God has called you to?