“Now this was John’s testimony when the Jewish leaders sent priests and Levites from Jerusalem to ask him, ‘Who are you?’
“He confessed—he did not deny but confessed—‘I am not the Christ!’
“So they asked him, ‘Then who are you? Are you Elijah?’ He said, ‘I am not!’
“‘Are you the Prophet?’ He answered, ‘No!’” —John 1:19–21
John the Baptist’s influential ministry began to raise the eyebrows of the Jewish leadership of his day. Indeed, his message began causing such a stir that the authorities in Jerusalem sent delegates to question him, “Just who are you?” You can only imagine the prodding he received. It reminds me of the movie Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid when they were being relentlessly pursued by a group of bounty hunters that they were unable to shake. The gang asked themselves a similar question: “Who are those guys?” These prominent Jewish leaders should have known full well from prophecy that John the Baptist was the forerunner of the Christ rather than sitting and scratching their heads in wonder.
It was so like John the Baptist to not only confess but to confess freely that he was not the Christ. The greatness of this forerunner of Jesus is found in John’s own words to his disciples when they came to him with questions regarding Jesus’ growing popularity. The crowds were beginning to follow Jesus instead of John!
“John replied, ‘No one can receive anything unless it has been given to him from heaven. You yourselves can testify that I said, “I am not the Christ,” but rather, “I have been sent before him.” The one who has the bride is the bridegroom. The friend of the bridegroom, who stands by and listens for him, rejoices greatly when he hears the bridegroom’s voice. This then is my joy, and it is complete. He must become more important while I become less important. The one who comes from above is superior to all. The one who is from the earth belongs to the earth and speaks about earthly things. The one who comes from heaven is superior to all.’” —John 3:27–31
John the Baptist did not come upon the scene to present himself as some great leader. While his spirit, his conversation, and his doctrine of repentance commanded respect, he had no intention of elevating himself to a lofty position. Dressed in camel hair and eating locusts and wild honey, he was more interested in doing good than appearing great. How necessary that thought and action are in modern-day disciples of Jesus as well. Oftentimes it is we who find ourselves in the limelight (and unfortunately enjoying it I’m afraid) rather than our Lord. However, it is He who is to be glorified and magnified.
John the Baptist also refused the honor of being called Elijah. However, he came in both the power and spirit of Elijah. Jesus said of John in the book of Matthew:
“What did you go out into the wilderness to see? A reed shaken by the wind? What did you go out to see? A man dressed in soft clothing? Look, those who wear soft clothing are in the palaces of kings! What did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet! This is the one about whom it is written: ‘Look, I am sending my messenger ahead of you, who will prepare your way before you.’ I tell you the truth, among those born of women, no one has arisen greater than John the Baptist. Yet the one who is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he is! From the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven has suffered violence, and forceful people lay hold of it. For all the prophets and the law prophesied until John appeared. And if you are willing to accept it, he is Elijah, who is to come. The one who has ears had better listen!” —Matthew 11:7–15
Become More
John the Baptist was a true prophet, filled with the Holy Spirit even from the womb, proclaiming God’s requirement of repentance, sent by God to be the forerunner of His Son, and an example of humble obedience to every follower of our Lord Jesus.
“He must become more important while I become less important.” —John 3:30
Keep the attention on Jesus!
Further Reflections
“Secular learning, honour, and power, seldom dispose men’s minds to the reception of divine light.” —Matthew Henry
“God’s faithful witnesses stand more on their guard against undue respect than against unjust contempt.” —Matthew Henry
“The greatness of a man’s power is the measure of his surrender.” —William Booth