John was being asked his identity by Jewish leaders who sent priests and temple assistants from Jerusalem. John didn’t provide them his credentials, his title, or history of himself (being related to Jesus), but he identified himself as “a voice shouting in the wilderness”. His identity is found in Christ, His identity or purpose I should say, was to clear the way for the LORD’s coming.
Let’s read John 1:19 - 28,
19 Now this was John’s testimony when the Jewish leaders[a] in Jerusalem sent priests and Levites to ask him who he was. 20 He did not fail to confess, but confessed freely, “I am not the Messiah.” 21 They asked him, “Then who are you? Are you Elijah?” He said, “I am not.” “Are you the Prophet?” He answered, “No.” 22 Finally they said, “Who are you? Give us an answer to take back to those who sent us. What do you say about yourself?” 23 John replied in the words of Isaiah the prophet, “I am the voice of one calling in the wilderness, ‘Make straight the way for the Lord.’”[b] 24 Now the Pharisees who had been sent 25 questioned him, “Why then do you baptize if you are not the Messiah, nor Elijah, nor the Prophet?” 26 “I baptize with[c] water,” John replied, “but among you stands one you do not know. 27 He is the one who comes after me, the straps of whose sandals I am not worthy to untie.”28 This all happened at Bethany on the other side of the Jordan, where John was baptizing.“I am a voice shouting in the wilderness, clear the way for the LORD’s coming.” John 1:19 - 28
How many of us are displaying that same identity? Are we so caught up on ourselves in establishing our own name, that we are forgetting to lead people to Christ? We as Christians must prepare people for Christ second coming, just as John was preparing people for Christ first coming.
John was fulfilling a prophecy in Isaiah 40:3
Listen! It’s the voice of someone shouting, “Clear the way through the wilderness for the Lord! Make a straight highway through the wasteland for our God!
Although John was related to Jesus, he was fulfilling of old testament prophecy, and he had many disciples following him; he did not make it about himself. He made it about Christ.
“True ministry points others to Jesus not ourselves.”
As Christian how are we preparing others for the second coming of Christ?
18 Jesus came and told his disciples, “I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth. 19 Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations,[a] baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. 20 Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Matthew 28:18-20
Jesus reminded us that He is with us and to make disciples of all the nations… which means to spread the gospel of Jesus Christ. Anytime your sharing the gospel or doing something intentionally for Christ the enemy will try his best to stop you, which is why Jesus also reminded us that He has been given all authority in heaven and on earth. Therefore, we have to remove any obstacles that hinders us from preparing others, removing distractions that so easily try to prevent us from doing what God has truly called us to do. To stay focused, we must stay in the word of God, pray, fast, etc. The Bible tell us that the enemy comes to steal, kill, and destroy. But Christ came that we may have life, and have it have it more abundantly. We should want others to experience the abundant life God has for them. Think of it this way… if you had the cure for cancer would you keep it to yourself or would you tell others about it? We have the answer to how to receive eternal life, so why not share the Good news of our savior Jesus Christ?
Again: “True ministry points others to Jesus not ourselves.”
It’s okay to have a business, be an entrepreneur, have Godly ideas, etc. but how are we using the very things and/or ideas God blesses us with to advance His kingdom? Even though John was questioned about who he was, He did not exalt himself, but he exalted Christ. The vision, the business, the book, or whatever God entrustes you with is bigger than you. Remember people are depending of your obedience. John was literally in the dessert when he was preaching this very message. During some seasons, we may feel like we are in a desert and may not see fruit of our obedience right way but keep trusting God and stay focused on the real reason, which is leading people to Christ. When you seek God and put Him first everything else will be added. When we speak it should represent the love of Christ and our voice should lead people to Christ. Whatever you’re doing in life right now whether its on a personal or professional level, ask yourself this question…
Are you a voice for Christ or are you a voice to only promote yourself?
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