Scripture
By Elder Janice Hall
Lesson Text: John 1:15-28
Related Scriptures: Isaiah 40:3-5; John 3:22-30;5:31-40; Malachi 3:1; Matthew 11:7-14
In the lesson text, John 1:15-28, John the Baptist knew that Jesus was before him in every sense. John the Baptist told the Jewish leaders who he was not, because his position was to point to the Messiah. We see in Isaiah 40:3-5, that Isaiah speaks for the LORD’s messenger who cries out to the barren places. These scriptures have a direct fulfillment in the New Testament in the person of John the Baptist.
The verses of John 3:22-30 speaks about a discussion, between followers of John the Baptist and a Jewish religious leader, over purification. John the Baptist was not bothered with his followers, as Jesus attracted crowds, and was glad to see Jesus succeed. John 5:31-40 expresses how Jesus brought forth witnesses who would testify that He is equal to the Father. Jesus found it significant to give them reason to believe beyond what He said about Himself.
When we look at Malachi 3:1, this passage speaks of the coming of the two messengers. The prophesied messenger is none other than John the Baptist. The second messenger is the Lord Jesus coming to His temple as the fulfillment of the old covenant and to have a new covenant. In the verses of Matthew 11:7-14, Jesus reminded the multitudes that John was God’s chosen forerunner of the Messiah. He was more than a prophet, because he alone had the ministry of serving as the Messiah’s herald.
Synopsis
By Sister Raufu Spagnoletta
The Gospel of John is unique from the Synoptic Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke) so called due to the similar content. John includes a lot of information in his Gospel not found in the Synoptics. John is the only writer who begins his story of Jesus Christ with His eternal existence rather than the time He appeared on earth (John 1:1-14), demonstrating that Jesus is God. John writes a clear statement of the purpose of his Gospel, in John 20:31, "But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through His Name."
We begin our lesson in John 1:15-18, with testimony about Jesus from John the Baptist. "John bare witness of Him, and cried saying, This was He of whom I spake, He that cometh after me is preferred before me: for He was before me." The term "bare witness" affirms that one has seen,heard, or experienced something or that he knows it. Because it was taught him by divine revelation or inspiration, John the Baptist testifies to his audience. The testimony exclaims, Jesus is the Greater One, Jesus existed before me, Jesus is the source of blessing upon blessing, Jesus is the culmination of God's grace, and Jesus is God made visible.
When the religious leaders interrogated John the Baptist, "Who art thou?" John confessed, "I am not the Christ, I am not Elijah, I am not that prophet." "What sayest thou of thyself?" John said, "I am the voice of one crying in the wilderness, Make straight the way of the Lord, as said the prophet Esaias (Isaiah 40:3)." And they asked him, "Why baptizest thou then if thou be not that Christ, nor Elias, neither that prophet?" John answered them saying, "I baptize with water: but there standeth one among you, whom ye know not: He it is, who coming after me is preferred before me, whose shoe's latchet, I am not worthy to unloose (John 1:19-2
Practical Application
By Sister Brittenne Boykin
This week’s lesson points to the testimony of John the Baptist. The dictionary defines testimony as “evidence or proof provided by the existence or appearance of something”. John’s ministry and life bore witness of the one that would come after him. So much so, that Christ himself when speaking of John declared in Luke 7:28 “ I say to you, among those born of women there is no one greater than John.” We see in our text, John being questioned by the religious leaders as to his identity.
He claimed not to be the Messiah but stood in truth declaring he was not Christ( John 1:20). John not only declared his position as the forerunner but boldly heralded the soon coming King (vs. 27).In today’s society much pomp and circumstance is made about movers and shakers. We want our work proclaimed and celebrated. John’s life gives us a vital nugget in regards to living a life that solely lays the foundation for greater.
He was clear on his purpose and his assignment (vs. 23). John’s ministry was epic in and of itself but when given the opportunity he took no glory for himself, but pointed it all back to Him who was to come. Talk about being secure in your purpose!! John shows us that a life lived in humility on purpose, for our purpose is an epic life indeed. May we not only walk in our divine purpose, but may we also be willing to surrender the bright lights and accolades for the true light of the world!
