The Gospel of John
Lesson 4 – John 1:25-34
In vs. 25-8 they question John about his baptizing equating
baptizing as being done only in a valid way by someone special such as the
Messiah or by Elijah. By baptizing John steps up his claim as to who he is. By
doing so he also demands that those that hear him put a greater value on his
message. As such he takes the authority position declaring he is worthy to be
followed to the One he represents. He did not say this of himself, but, was
commissioned to do so from the Lord.
It is interesting here that we do not know for sure what
form of baptism John employed. This passage, as well as other references, does
not tell us and therefore it is left open for debate as to whether John dunked,
poured or sprinkled. John’s baptism, however, was referred to as one of repentance for the remission of sins and, therefore,
in all likelihood had reference to the ceremonial cleansing found in the O. T.
in Leviticus chapter 15 and parts of chapter 16 resembling the taking of a bath
cleansing away impurities. In Lev. 16:4 and 24 it refers to a ceremonial
washing or cleansing followed by the putting on of holy garments which is the
symbolism found in the New Testament baptismal event. This is probably why the priests
and Levites found here in John 1:19-25 were familiar with John’s procedure and
questioned him on it.
However, it appears that John’s baptism took this O. T.
practice to a deeper and much more symbolic level equating his baptism with the
remission of all sins and the looking for and the committing their life to the
coming Messiah which was at their doorstep. The cleansing that John preached
and spoke of was thorough and complete not just dealing with one specific act
or action, but the putting off of man’s sin and his sinful nature and the
putting on of ‘new garments’ found in Christ. In Jn. 3:23 it appears that he,
John, needed much water to perform his baptisms, indicating that he in all
probability entered into the water to baptize, again leading to the Leviticus symbolism.
We also see other examples of this in Scripture to support this line of
thinking such as Phillip when he baptized the Ethiopian eunuch in Acts 8:36-9
going down into the water to baptize him.
In the sixth chapter of Romans the Apostle Paul adds to the
symbolism by giving us the picture of identifying with Christ’s death in
baptism, being buried, i. e. in the water, followed by being raised back up out
of the water symbolizing alive again anew…in Christ. Paul again in Col. 2:12-3 uses
this symbolism of being buried with Christ in baptism and followed by being
raised with Christ being made alive again in newness of life. This form and
practice of baptism will eventually be given to Christ’ followers, which will eventually
become the Church, baptism being one of the only two sacraments given by
Christ.
Concerning John’s baptism, John warned them harshly not to
confuse the outward cleansing of the O. T. ceremonial washing with his baptism which
symbolized an inward cleansing of man’s heart which was full and complete and
as such prompted a change in action and was not just an event.
Although John was humble being fully content with who he was
and the mission he was given he was also totally confident of that mission and
Who he was serving. He had received his commission to preach and to baptize
from the Lord directly. He had also received his message from the same. He told
them in essence that he did not baptize to show his authority, but he did so
because of his authority and his mission given to him by God.
In vs. 26 and 28 John declares his message to those sent
from the Pharisees. In v. 26 he gives them in essence a warning by giving them
a message to carry back to those who sent them telling them that they did not
know the One that he represented and that they needed to pay attention to his
message and to what was about to happen.
In Matthew chapter 3 v. 2 it tells us that John had been
preaching a strong message proclaiming that the Kingdom of Heaven was about to
appear. In the other Gospels John the Baptist is recorded as saying a little
bit more when asked this question concerning baptism replying in essence that
they needed to wake up and take notice telling them that ‘they haven’t seen anything yet!’
His reply in the other Gospels included that the baptism
that is about to appear will not be with water which is initiated by man’s will
desiring a change toward God. John did not see this step by man demonstrated by
water baptism as insignificant. He viewed his baptism and those who came to God
in this way as significant. But, what was about to appear had far greater
significance and benefit to man, appearing as a ‘baptism of fire’ burning up
sin and rebellion toward God in man’s heart making a completely ‘new’ and
‘different’ person. In Matthew chapter 3 v. 12 it says that this ‘fire’ of the
‘Holy Spirit’ will thoroughly purge impurities and will burn up the ‘chaff’ or
these impurities with ‘unquenchable fire’.
Here too in v. 26 of John he is probably giving them an
initial warning that when the ‘Real Prophet’ appears that they should not to be
found responding to Him with externalism or going through the motions having no
change of heart or life. Again, referencing Matthew’s Gospel in chapter 3
Matthew records John the Baptist speaking very pointedly and in a
confrontational manor warning this same group found in John chapter 1 to not
even bother coming if they don’t mean business with God expecting a change in
they’re life. In this section concerning baptism John in essence told them that
baptism was not a fashion statement, but more of a dividing point between the
old way of life which was ‘against God’ and the new way of life ‘following
after God’.
After giving us this background Jesus shows up on the scene,
v. 29. It says that He showed up very shortly after John’s dialog with those
sent from Israel’s religious leaders. Read vs. 28-34. It tells us in v. 31 that
John did not know Jesus prior to them meeting, but that God had told John that
he would recognize Him when he saw him. God also gave John a sign to look for
of confirmation that would validate John’s encounter when it happened.
However, in v. 29 we read that when John first saw Jesus
that he knew right away that He was it, He was the Promised One. We do not know
for sure, but there is a good possibility that those sent from the Pharisees
were still present, John being able to point Jesus out to them directly. As
Jesus was coming toward John he declares ‘Behold the Lamb of God, who takes
away the sin of the world’. In v. 31 he makes sure that they, and us, have no
doubt as to who he says this One is. He tells them that this One was before him
which is very significant. John and Jesus were in actuality related to each
other as far as family goes. John’s mother Elisabeth and Jesus’ mother Mary
were cousins (Lk. 1:36) . We know from the historical account that John was
physically born first, being born about 6 months before Jesus’ birth. John’s
reference here that Jesus was before him implies Jesus’ existence before John’s
birth.
It is also interesting to note that even though John had
never physically seen Jesus, that this was not the first time that they
met…kinda, sorta. In Luke’s Gospel chapter 1 v 41 we read that Mary had gone to
visit her cousin, Elisabeth, and when Mary and Elisabeth met it says that John
leaped for Joy when he heard Mary greeting Elisabeth. It says that even in the
womb John knew Christ’ Presence even though he had never physically laid eyes
on Him. It is good to remember that the account of John tells us that John the
Baptist was ‘full of the Holy Spirit’ right from birth and we read also in Jn.
1:33 that God spoke directly to John as He did to several others in the past.
There is no way John could have been fooled.
In any case, John knew Christ right away…in other words,
from John’s perspective Christ was easy to identify. His identity was
unmistakable. There was no need for John to ask probing questions to be sure.
However, God would validate John’s recognition of the Savior in a way that
would make this encounter iron clad to John. God had told him to watch and he
would see the Spirit of God descend upon the One that was the real McCoy. He
testified to John that the Spirit would descend and stay upon the Promised One.
John testified in Jn. 1:32 that this indeed happened. Now there was no doubt.
Other Gospel accounts would add that at the time of this event that one more
thing happened as further validation that this was indeed the Christ. It says
that a voice from heaven spoke verifying that this was indeed Christ.
John’s testimony and the events that surrounded it would be
enough to validate Jesus’ claim to the throne. In almost any court case one
solid expert witness can often be enough to clinch the case. It is significant
that all of the Gospel writers highlight John the Baptist’s testimony and
encounter concerning these events as part of their argument. If one were
considering these facts this would be enough, but the Apostle John will present
much more.
As we continue toward the end of this chapter we see that
Jesus after His baptism now goes public with His mission and ministry and
begins to build and lay the foundation of the Church. Before we begin to look
at the beginnings of the Church, I think that there are a couple additional
points that are worthy of mentioning here concerning John the Baptist and his
ministry.
First it is estimated that Jesus began His public ministry
somewhere around the age of 30 years old. That would mean that John the Baptist
was just a little older than that at the time of this meeting. We often wonder
about the years prior to Jesus’ public ministry. There is not much recorded
concerning them. But, the same could be asked about John the Baptist. John’s
prior years to the events stated here are somewhat of a mystery. The question
could be asked ‘what was John’s life like before these events?’ setting the
stage for his public ministry.
We know that he was anointed by God in a special way being
filled with the Holy Spirit from his mother’s womb, Lk. 1:15. Although John was
not perfect in nature and needed a Savior we know that he was a unique child in
that he exhibited a wisdom and power and zeal for God at an early age. It says
in Lk. 1:80 that he grew and became ‘strong’ in the spirit. Lk 1:17 tells us
that this spiritual growth eventually matured and exhibited a life similar to
the strength, power and influence and effectiveness to that of the prophet
Elijah. It can be assumed that like Jesus, as a boy he was not only a
spiritually wise child, but he was also a good boy. It says in Lk. 2:51and 52
that Jesus obeyed His parents and grew in wisdom and stature and in favor with
both God and man, and John being ‘full of the Spirit’ in all likelihood was not
much different. He would have held to the same standards and personality as
Christ obeying his parents and the having favor with those around him.
Another interesting personality trait about John was that
even as a young lad he loved the outdoors and seemed at home in the wilderness
and wild settings. John was a young man that walked with God and it seems that
he sought out these wilderness places to commune and grow strong in his
relationship with God. It is interesting that his parents did not stop him for
doing so and seemed to recognize God’s call on his life.
From what we know of him he appeared to be a rugged young
man probably physically strong in nature. But, although he was physically
strong it appears that he had a heart of compassion for the people for in Lk.
1:17 it says that though he had a straightforward message like Elijah, his
message must have contained compassion for it melted the hearts of the fathers
turning them toward their children and broke the heart of the disobedient and
rebellious causing them to change their ways beginning a new life and new
direction toward wisdom and repentance toward God.
John had an uncompromising message, but did not seem
judgmental in spirit as he proclaimed the truth. We can assume that this was
also true of him as a young man. The people heard his message and those seeking
the truth loved to listen to him. It tells us in MK. 6:20 that even Herod whom
John confronted concerning a sinful practice and lifestyle highly respected
John, even protecting him, hearing John’s message gladly. We see in Jn. 1:35
that John had disciples and followers so he wasn’t a loner.
One more thing concerning the appearance of John the Baptist
and the prophecy that surrounds him found in Isaiah. Is. 40:3-5 It is easy to
understand how John can be the fulfillment of the first part of this prophesy.
However, although the last part of this prophesy could be more figurative, many
scholars believe it to be literal and yet to be fulfilled with the onset of the
coming Millennial Kingdom when the Lord returns to earth for His reign. John’s
testimony to Jesus being the Christ is a powerful one and carries a lot of
weight in the Apostle John’s argument.
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