(JOHN CHAPTER 1)
Verses 19-21:
And this is the record of John, when the Jews sent priests and Levites
from Jerusalem to ask him, Who art thou? And he confessed, and denied
not; but confessed, I am not the Christ. And they asked him, What then?
Art thou Elias? And he saith, I am not. Art thou that prophet? And he
answered, No. Then said they unto him, Who art thou? that we may give
an answer to them that sent us. What sayest thou of thyself?
"And this is the record of John"…. Here we have another glimpse at the
portrait of a soul winner via John's testimony. The Bible records that
he was firm in his stand for the Lord. As the Jews vigorously tried to
extract information from him, John renounced himself, being careful and
determined to direct all attention to Jesus. He did not take any opportunity
to lift himself up. John did not find soul winning a difficult situation
in which to be humble. Ladies, as you are out sharing the gospel, people
will naturally examine you and probe to find out where you are from and
what your intentions are. What will you profess yourself to be? Are you
clear in the understanding of your function as a Christian?
Verses 22-24:
Then said they unto him, Who art thou? that we may give an answer to them
that sent us. What sayest thou of thyself? [23] He said, I am the voice
of one crying in the wilderness, Make straight the way of the Lord, as
said the prophet Esaias. [24] And they which were sent were of the Pharisees.
What elevated position might you attempt to associate yourself with in
the church when met with direct questions? "I'm the music director's wife."
"My husband is a deacon in the church." "I'm the pastor's secretary."
"I am in charge of choosing Sunday school curriculum." "My father is an
evangelist." May we be as conscientious as John was in choosing answers
that would de-emphasize self and emphasize Christ! For instance, if I
pass out a tract and use it as an opportunity to tell everyone that I
am the "pastor's wife" of the church I am inviting them to, then I have
chosen to highlight myself. As soul winners, we speak wisely when we speak
the least of ourselves! Use your voice for God's glory - not your own!
Don't authorize others to think more of you than is essential to your
service. Remember, the devil would love to sidetrack your intention to
witness and take the focus off Christ. Though you may become intimidated
by those confronting you, and feel the need to concoct certain impressive
answers under pressure, remember John's record as a soul winner and stand
firm in directing persons attention toward the Lord!
Verses 25-27:
And they asked him, and said unto him, Why baptizest thou then, if thou
be not that Christ, nor Elias, neither that prophet? [26] John answered
them, saying, I baptize with water: but there standeth one among you,
whom ye know not; [27] He it is, who coming after me is preferred before
me, whose shoe's latchet I am not worthy to unloose.
Baptism was a very common ceremony among the Jews and it baffled them
to find John utilizing it in his ministry. The Pharisees assumed it was
an indication that he was starting a new religion. However, John's baptism
was one of repentance. In fact, you'll notice John's reply to their question
diverted their attention away from the topic of baptism and turned them
toward the truth, that being that they did not know Christ. As a soul
winner, you too, will meet up with folks who are preoccupied with baptism,
believing it to be an act to rest in for eternal security when indeed,
it is not. There stands ONE among us - Jesus Christ alone washes our sins
away and grants eternal life; not Jesus plus baptism. John made it clear
that it was only an emblem of what they must receive from Him who was
mightier than he…
Mark 1:8
I indeed have baptized you with water: but he shall baptize you with the
Holy Ghost.
In closing, only God can give the Holy Spirit to us as we repent of our
sins and receive Jesus Christ as our personal Lord and Savior. Those who
realize themselves to be unworthy make the best soul winners! As always,
John gave uncompromising yet modest, self-denying answers to Pharisaical
comments. Despite the fact that he understood his function as a Christian,
he did not consider himself anything more than a voice in the wilderness.
John left no room for pride in his ministry. These people were mistaken
in their understanding of the Lord and simply needed John's cry of wisdom.
He earnestly called people to repentance and was not intimidated by the
issues that they threw in his path to thwart his witness. He stood his
ground firmly and faithfully paved the way for Christ!
God Bless,
Pam
Isaiah 60:1&2
Copyright 2002 Pamela A. Iannello
