John - Chapter 1, Part 2
THE TESTIMONY OF CHRIST'S FORERUNNER,
JOHN THE BAPTIST
JOHN 1:19-51
John the Baptist is one of the most remarkable characters of the NT. He was the subject of OT prophecy in Isaiah 40. His birth was due to the direct and miraculous intervention of God (Luke 1). He was filled with the Holy Spirit in the womb of his mother. John has already taught that he was a man sent from God. How amazing was the description of him from Christ himself in Matthew 11 when he said, “Among them that are born of women,there has not risen a greater than John the Baptist”.
To this man was given one of the highest honors of all scripture as he was chosen to baptize the Lord and to stand beside Him as the Spirit of God revealed itself over the Jordan river.
As we begin the Book of Signs, we see that certain men have been sent from Jerusalem to question John concerning his own identity as well as why he has begun this new technique of baptism which is drawing many to him.
In verses 19-26 we see the Jew's inquiry to John and his answers.
Who art thou? John confesses his work but denies that he is the Christ.
Art thou Elijah? John says no.
Art thou that prophet? John says no.
What sayest thou of thyself? I am a voice of one crying in the wilderness.
Why baptizeth thou? To prepare the way for Christ.
John now opens his strongest witness so far of Jesus as the Christ. Verse 27 teaches that John introduces Jesus as one who these men do not know. He who is coming after John is preferred before him and John clearly indicates the position that Jesus holds, as John tells he is unworthy to loose the sandal of Jesus.
The very next day, Jesus himself arrives and John makes the announcement that is clear and pure about who Jesus is. He says:
“Behold the lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world”. John further testifies to the eternal nature of Jesus as he says that Jesus was before him.
John saw the spirit descending from heaven to rest upon Jesus (1:32) and the spirit has taken residence on Jesus (abode upon him). John testifies that the one who sent him to baptize now has told him that this one on whom the Spirit rests will baptize with the Holy Ghost.
This issue of the description of Jesus as “the Lamb of God” by John was fulfilling the OT types & shadows of the Lord, each of which pointed to Jesus, the Savior.
Standing before John was the one whom all OT sacrifices prepared for His coming. Note the order of the OT shadows and NT views of the Lamb:
In Genesis 4, we have the lamb typed as the firstling of the flock slain by Abel in his acceptable sacrifice.
In Genesis 22, we have the prophecy of the lamb as Abraham told Isaac that God will provide himself a lamb for sacrifice.
In Exodus 12, we have the lamb slaim and the blood applied which saves the chosen people of God from the death angel.
In Isaiah 53, we are told the lamb to come would be a man.
In John 1:29, we learn exactly who this man is.
In Revelation 5, the lamb is before all the host of Heaven.
In Revelation 22, the lamb is seated on the throne.
The sacrifice in Genesis 4 is for the individual. In Exodus 12 the sacrifice is for the nation. But now here in verse 29 we see the sacrifice is for the entire world.
Now, Jesus finds His first disciples. Verse 37 teaches that from the witness of John the Baptist, two disciples followed Jesus. One was Andrew, Peter's brother. He quickly goes to find Simon and tells him that the Messiah has been found. When he arrives, Jesus knew him by name already and by family and immediately gave him the new name of Peter, the stone.
Next Jesus calls Phillip and Phillip finds and brings Nathaniel, who is skeptical that any good thing may come from Nazareth, but Phillip answers, “Come and see”.
When Nathaniel arrives, Jesus knows him already as well by name and gives him a large compliment, saying he is an Israelite without guile. Nathaniel has no problem quickly saying that Jesus is the Son of God and the King of Israel.
Jesus opens a divine thought to Nathaniel by telling him that he believed simply because Jesus knew him, but that Nathaniel will now see greater things. Jesus pulls back the curtain of the future by telling Nathaniel that he will see Heaven open, and the angels of God ascending and descending upon the Son of man.
Here is Jacob's vision in Genesis 28:12. When Jacob awoke from his vision he spoke the words that came true in the words of Jesus in this verse. He said: “This is none other than the House of God; this is the gate of Heaven.” (Genesis 28:17)
God's word and will revealed and fulfilled!
We should be careful to note the open ended question that Jesus asks these new followers in verse 38 which is “What seek ye”?
What would be the answer each of us would give to this simple question from the Lord? Is it not true that this is the spiritual question the Lord still asks each of us every day as we struggle to walk with Him?
What do we seek? Does our life indicate that we seek gold & silver, or the acceptance of men, or success as defined by the world? What portion of our lives is consumed seeking these things?
Where is our heart? Is our heart truly set on Jesus as not only our Savior but also our Lord? Can we say the beautiful words of Psalm 42:1:
“As the heart panteth after the water brooks, so panteth my soul after thee, O Lord.”
When these first disciples asked Jesus in verse 38 “...where dwellest thou...”,
Jesus gives the answer that all his followers wish to hear. “Come and see”. Remember the one word Jesus gave Peter to have him walk on the sea toward him, “Come” This is His gracious invitation to the first followers and it remains his constant invitation to us today. Come and be close. Come and you will see what you seek in me.
Come to all who labor and are heavy laden.
