We take a look at the life of John the Baptiser, a man who "was not the light, he came only as a witness to the light". As we look at John's life and ministry we are challenged as to how we reflect the light of Christ to others so that we may become less, and He may become greater.
Some background on John the Baptiser
- He was related to Jesus. His mother, Elizabeth & Mary were cousins (Lk.1:36). Zechariah was descended from the high priest Abijah, and Elizabeth was descended from Aaron. Good pedigree.
- His parents, Zechariah & Elizabeth were old & barren before his conception (Lk.1:7, all of ch.1 is about John). Barrenness was seen as a sign of not being blessed. cf. Abraham & Sarah. This too was a miraculous conception.
- His birth was foretold to Zechariah by the Angel Gabriel (Lk.1:11-20). Answered prayer. All answers to prayer are in God’s perfect timing. Gabriel mentioned “great in God’s sight”, drink no wine, go on before Jesus (like Elijah), Prepare people for Jesus. Zecharaih’s song of prophecy (Lk.1:67-69)
- He was filled with the Holy Spirit from birth (Lk.1:15)
- He may have been an Essene – a member of a particular ascetic Jewish cult
- He was aware of his own role in relation to the Messiah (Jn.3:27-36)
- Jesus may have been one of his followers. James & John were among his followers.
- He was of the same “mould” as Elijah – fiery, passionate & uncompromising (Jn.1:21,25).
- He challenged everyone to moral excellence & a return to God (baptism for repentance) (Lk.3:10-14)
- He upset Herod by criticizing his marriage to his brother Phillip’s wife, Herodias (Lk.3:19,20)
- And was executed for it (Mk.6:17-29). Isn’t it always the case that evil attempts to silence it’s critics.
So, what does it mean for John (and us) to be a witness to the light?
Jesus told us that we are the light of the world (Mt.5:14)
Our light is to reveal & glorify God (Mt.5:16)
- So, what was John really on about?
- He was a witness to the light – but not the light itself. Like the moon.
- Reflection of the light. Just as the moon doesn’t generate light, we see by that light because it reflects the Sun.
- At various phases of the moon, we see more or less light, depending on how much of the reflective face of the moon is turned towards us.
- In Matthew 5, we are told that we are salt & light.
- Light is used in Scripture, not just about the ability to see – it is synonymous with God’s action & revelation.
So, how do we (like John) testify to the light?
- Never take credit for our actions
- Look for darkness to shine into
- Tell what we have seen by the light
How well do we reflect the Son?
