John 1:19-23 (WEL) This is John’s testimony when the Jews sent priests and Levites from Jerusalem to ask him, “Who are you?” 20 He spoke openly and didn’t deny, “I am not the Christ.” 21 So they asked him, “Well then, are you Elijah?” He said, “I’m not.” “Are you the prophet?” He answered, “No.” 22 Then they said to him, “Who are you so that we can give an answer to those who sent us? What do you say about yourself?” 23 He said, “I am the voice of one shouting in the wilderness, ‘Make a straight path for the Lord,’ like the prophet Isaiah said.” [Isaiah 40:3]
V19 This is John’s testimony when the Jews sent priests and Levites from Jerusalem to ask him, “Who are you?”
John the Baptist was clear and honest. Some thought that he might be the promised Messiah, but John did not deviate in his ministry as the forerunner of Messiah.
A principle: be honest, be true, in all you say and do.
V20 He spoke openly and didn’t deny, “I am not the Christ.”
We need to speak truthfully, clearly, without hesitation, and edifyingly. See Colossians 4:6 and 1 Peter 3:10.
God knows what we think and say (Matthew 12:36). He is pleased when we speak the truth: 3 John 1:13-15 (WEL) For I greatly rejoiced when the brethren came and reported of the truth that is in you, even as you live in truth. 4 I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are habitually living in truth.
V21 So they asked him, “Well then, are you Elijah?” He said, “I’m not.” “Are you the prophet?” He answered, “No.”
They knew the Scriptures that said Elijah would come before Messiah (Malachi 4:5), which he will during the Tribulation (Revelation 11:3). When Jesus spoke of John the Baptist being Elijah, He refers to the power and authority that God gave John the Baptist, a prophet upon whom the Spirit of God rested. See Matthew 11:12-15.
They also knew about that prophet spoken of by Moses (Deuteronomy 18:18).
V22 Then they said to him, “Who are you so that we can give an answer to those who sent us? What do you say about yourself?”
They were instructed to find out who John was as written in the prophets. John gave his answer in verse 22.
V23 He said, “I am the voice of one shouting in the wilderness, ‘Make a straight path for the Lord,’ like the prophet Isaiah said.” [Isaiah 40:3]
Compare Matthew 3:1.
(Know the Word Study Bible Notes) “Scholars also see this passage as one of the key messianic prophecies. The image of verses 3–4 is that of the ancient Near Eastern practice of “rolling out the red carpet” for a visiting monarch. Mark makes use of these verses to describe the ministry of John the Baptist, as the prophet urges people to prepare for the coming of the Messiah.”
We learn:
- Of an example of speaking the truth.
- A fulfilled prophecy.
Questions:
- How is your speech?
- Do you listen and do what the Scriptures command?
- Do you prepare your heart for God every day by praying, reading, and studying the Scriptures?