John 1:19 Now this is the testimony of John, when the Jews sent priests and Levites from Jerusalem to ask him, “Who are you?”
A voice crying in the wilderness
While studying for this devotional, I came across an interesting fact. This is the first time in the bible where the priests and Levites were referred to as Jews. They came to John the Baptist and asked who he was. John the Baptist had a great following, and many thought that he was the Messiah. Even into the year 250, a sect taught that he was the Messiah.
John 1:20 He confessed, and did not deny, but confessed, “I am not the Christ.”
John the Baptist himself denied being the Christ. This tells you how well some of his followers listened. I think it was more nefarious, and Satan was using them to fool people, therefore stopping them from true salvation. John 8:31-32 Then Jesus said to those Jews who believed Him, “If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” Be careful searching out the truth. The truth isn’t your truth; it’s what Jesus tells us it is.
John 1:21 And they asked him, “What then? Are you Elijah?” He said, “I am not.” “Are you the Prophet?” And he answered, “No.”
The priest and Levites kept pushing John for an answer. But John’s job wasn’t to satisfy them; it was to proclaim the way of the Lord. In Matthew 11, Jesus inferred that John was a type of Elijah, but John the Baptist did not seek his glory; he sought to glorify the One whose sandals he was not worthy to fasten. Why were the priests so interested in knowing if John was Elijah? Because Deuteronomy 18 promised another Prophet would come, implying the Messiah.
John 1:23 He said: “I am
‘The voice of one crying in the wilderness:
“Make straight the way of the LORD,”
as the prophet Isaiah said.”
He stayed true to the message God gave him. The voice of one crying in the wilderness. In the wilderness, because few would listen in Jerusalem. He was there to proclaim the Messiah. The Savior of the world prophesied in Isaiah. The call rings out even today. Have you heard the call from eternity? Have you heard that still, small voice whispering in your ear about the Messiah? Be still and listen; you may be surprised how many times He has called you.
Key Takeaways
- John 1:19 introduces the priests and Levites questioning John the Baptist about his identity.
- John the Baptist denied being the Christ, indicating confusion among his followers about his true role.
- The priests asked if John was Elijah, reflecting their interest in a Messiah, as prophesied in Deuteronomy 18.
- John identifies himself as ‘the voice of one crying in the wilderness,’ fulfilling Isaiah’s prophecy.
- John’s mission remains focused on proclaiming the Messiah, inviting listeners to heed the call from eternity.
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