SeniorSeeker
Active member
[size=large]The Delegation from Jerusalem[/size]
The delegation asked John, "Who are you?" It was not a question of identity but one of authority to teach or preach. John knew that many believed him to be the Messiah, so he answered, "I am not the Christ." Tradition said that Elijah would appear in person to proclaim the Messiah and that Moses "the prophet" would rise from the dead. Following this line of popular thought, the priests asked, " 'What then" Are you Elijah?' He said, 'I am not.' 'Are you the prophet?' And he answered 'No.' They they said to him, 'Who are you, that we may give an answer to those who sent us? What do you say about yourself?' " (John 1:21,22). John plainly stated, "I am the voice of one crying in the wilderness: 'Make straight the way of the Lord' " (verse 23). Isaiah had foretold John's coming (Isa. 40:3). The Pharisees had their answer. John claimed to be God's voice, His spokesman. The central issue of authority to baptize remained. "The Jewish nation could have paid John no higher compliment; it could have borne no more eloquent testimony to the power of his message. Indeed, his proclamation of the coming of the Messiah was so effective that the people mistook him for the Messiah Himself!"
Do others see Jesus' reflection in you? It is His work to change you and yours to submit. Are you willing? What does your answer say about your faith? Are you God's voice?
The delegation asked John, "Who are you?" It was not a question of identity but one of authority to teach or preach. John knew that many believed him to be the Messiah, so he answered, "I am not the Christ." Tradition said that Elijah would appear in person to proclaim the Messiah and that Moses "the prophet" would rise from the dead. Following this line of popular thought, the priests asked, " 'What then" Are you Elijah?' He said, 'I am not.' 'Are you the prophet?' And he answered 'No.' They they said to him, 'Who are you, that we may give an answer to those who sent us? What do you say about yourself?' " (John 1:21,22). John plainly stated, "I am the voice of one crying in the wilderness: 'Make straight the way of the Lord' " (verse 23). Isaiah had foretold John's coming (Isa. 40:3). The Pharisees had their answer. John claimed to be God's voice, His spokesman. The central issue of authority to baptize remained. "The Jewish nation could have paid John no higher compliment; it could have borne no more eloquent testimony to the power of his message. Indeed, his proclamation of the coming of the Messiah was so effective that the people mistook him for the Messiah Himself!"
Do others see Jesus' reflection in you? It is His work to change you and yours to submit. Are you willing? What does your answer say about your faith? Are you God's voice?