John 1:22
Those who have Messianic hope, including the Jewish temple delegation, come from Jerusalem to the place on the river across the Jordan where John is Baptizing-- Elizabeth and priest Zechariah’s son who is the forerunner of the Savior.
Those who have traveled out from the Jewish temple ask, “Who are you?” John responds, “I am not the Messiah.” They respond, “What then? Are you Elijah?” John responds, “I am not.” Then they ask, “Are you the prophet?” John responds, “No.”
They say, “Who are you? Let us have an answer for those who sent us. What do you say about yourself?” John’s answers are concise as harbinger, the usher of Jesus, calling seekers to repent and receive Baptism so that their hearts and minds will be ready and able to hear Jesus-- the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world. John says, “I came Baptizing with water for this reason, that He might be revealed to Israel.”
Jesus is revealed to us-- John testifies that the Spirit of God descends on Jesus like a dove. John The Baptizer knows by faith that the eyes of the Lord are on our souls. We are not worthy for the Savior to love us to the point of giving His life for us but He does. John says, “I am not worthy to untie the thong of His sandal.”
So unworthy are we yet Jesus chooses us to be included in God's Plan to follow Jesus to the Cross. The Baptist says, “He must increase but I must decrease.” (John 3:30) So then the question comes to each of us: What do you say about yourself? Is Jesus at the first and foremost in all that you are and do? Place full faith in Jesus and do no waver.
Truly salvation includes both water Baptism and New Birth, “He will Baptize with the Holy Spirit,” Only One can provide salvation through giving His life for you. “This is the Son Of God, ” John says, “Make straight the way” he quotes from Isaiah 40:3. Let us rid and reject all crooked things and live with surety of Whose we are– we belong to Jesus by faith and by confession and repentance as we are vessels for the Holiness of His Spirit.
What do you say about yourself? John 1:22
Study Questions:
John the Baptizer was born to be the forerunner for Jesus. How does John the Baptist clear the way for Jesus the Messiah?
What does the Spirit of God descending like a Dove mean for John the Baptist?
How are the 'eyes of the Lord' upon your soul? Is repentance necessary for you too?
What are the dates of your Baptism and your New Birth?