Pointing to Jesus

Scripture: Now this was John’s testimony when the Jewish leaders in Jerusalem sent priests and Levites to ask him who he was. He did not fail to confess, but confessed freely, “I am not the Messiah.” They asked him, “Then who are you? Are you Elijah?” He said, “I am not.” “Are you the Prophet?” He answered, “No.” John 1:19-21

Observation: The "leaders" take note of John the Baptist's ministry, and come to inquire about whom he may be. They first ask about Messiah and Elijah - two people the Jews well understood from scripture to be coming - before moving to a generic "prophet", yet it is unclear what is meant by this third question. Some suggest they were repeating the 'messiah' question again, but generically in case he was being cautious about directly answering that question. Others suggest the Jews believed Jeremiah was also to return and thus this was his title. However, it is just as likely they were asking if he was a generic prophet.

In all cases, John answers 'no'. He will not claim any right, honor, or title that honors him. This is the case even though he could have claimed the title of 'Elijah', for he was the promised metaphorical return of the messenger coming before Messiah (Jesus even says so), and he certainly could have declared himself as some generic prophet for he was. Instead, he ultimately gives them the answer from Isaiah 40 ... he is the voice calling in the wilderness to make straight the way of the Lord ... he is the one who will point to Messiah. In other words, his life exists only to point toward Jesus.

Application: John was immediately perceived as being meaningful and important to the Jewish leaders, even to the point where they thought he may be the Messiah. Yet John understood one great fact, which was that the meaning of his life was always to show others Jesus. He actively baptized, but only as a way of preparing them for Jesus. He declared Jesus' status publicly. He ultimately surrendered his own followers to Jesus, and even died at a time that allowed for the expansion of Jesus' message.

How do I point to Jesus? I probably don't on a regular basis. Maybe some activities of my life do, but those are often in evidence around other believers. On a daily basis, I should find a way to point to Jesus more, in word and deed.

John pointed to Jesus even when he could have claimed honor and status for himself. This is an example to learn and emulate.

Prayer: Lord, how great and amazing is your word, that you provided guidance for people to see and know you, and you still do. May I grow more and more into one who points to you, Jesus. Amen.