Daily Devotions
John
Calling Upon Witnesses
Text: John 1:1-18
CALLING UPON WITNESSES
Even as we read the prologue that John wrote, we are introduced to the way in which he would go about supporting his claims concerning the Person of the Lord Jesus Christ. It is one thing to claim that Jesus was the Living Word of God, it is quite another to “prove” the bold declarations made.
John however was not intimidated by the task at hand. He knew that it was difficult. He knew that not everybody would easily accept what he had written. Nevertheless, he would not say less. He couldn’t. Such was the strength and power of his faith and conviction that he held concerning his belief in Jesus.
What John could do however was to bring supporting evidence to back up his claims concerning Jesus. One of the people he introduced was a well-known preacher called John, the son of Zacharias.
“There was a man sent from God, whose name was John.
This man came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light,
That all through him might believe.
He was not that Light, but was sent to bear witness
Of that Light.”
John 1:6-8
Who had not heard of John? The Synoptic Gospels also noted the impact that John made on the whole country. Let us take note of the following statements found in the Synoptic Gospels concerning the witness of John the Baptizer.
Matthew observed,
“In those days John the Baptist came preaching
in the wilderness of Judea…Then Jerusalem, all Judea, and all the region around the Jordan
Went out to him and were baptized by him in the Jordan,
Confessing their sins.”
Matthew 3:1, 5-6
Mark noted the following,
“John came baptizing in the wilderness and preaching
a baptism of repentance for the remission of sins.
Then all the land of Judea, and those from Jerusalem,
Went out to him and were all baptized by him in the Jordan River,
Confessing their sins.”
Mark 1:4-5
Luke also made similar observations,
“The word of God came to John the son of Zacharias
in the wilderness.
And he went into all the region around the Jordan,
Preaching a baptism of repentance for the remission of sins…”
Luke 3:2-3
THE SIGNIFICANCE OF JOHN AS A WITNESS
What was the significance of introducing John the Baptizer as a witness? The following arguments may be noted.
1. The Credibility of John
The witness of a mighty preacher who could command the attention of thousands, and cause them to repent from their sins, and to seek the baptism of repentance cannot be easily ignored! People would not have flocked to John seeking baptism from him, if his standing as a man of God was not credible!
2. The Credentials of John
John proclaimed himself as the one prophesied in the prophecy of Isaiah (Cf. Isaiah 40:3-5). That would make him the Fore-runner of the Messiah, no less. The credentials of John were backed up by the spiritual power that he wielded, as evidenced in his powerful preaching.
3. The Commission of John
The Gospel of John presented a special slant of his mighty ministry. John came for a very reason – to bear witness of Jesus (John 1:6-8). Imagine having a thriving ministry, with thousands of people flocking to hear him preach, and yet his special work was not to build up a personal ministry, but simply to bear witness concerning Jesus.
If the mighty John the Baptizer was only a mere witness, what did that say about the Person he was bearing witness for?
“BUT WE SEE JESUS…”
John drew the crowds. But he did not want the people to turn to him. He saw himself as but “the voice crying in the wilderness” (John 1:23). He was NOT the Word of God. He was NOT the Co-Creator. He was NOT the Light. He was NOT able to give life to anyone. He was only a messenger. He had a great message that he preached forcefully.
Determinedly, John deflected any possible undue attention to himself. The Word of the Lord that came to him was all too clear. He must focus on helping people to see Jesus as THE LIGHT. He did his utmost to encourage people to believe in Him – Jesus!
John was a great preacher. He was mighty servant of God. He was most effective in his ministry. But when all is said and done, he was NOT the Word of God. He came only to bear witness of the Light. Yes, he was indeed a man “sent from God” and he remained faithful and true to his God-given mission to bear witness concerning Jesus – who was “The True light, which gives light to every man coming into the world” (John 1:9).