John 1:6-34 - The Power of Sharing the Truth
There is no sense in keeping it to yourself. That’s not the point at all. In fact, as we see in this first chapter of John, God’s way was to prepare people by a message of repentance and by sharing the truth about who Jesus is. God loves a cheerful giver. And today, that’s us.
I don’t know if John was the first to believe that Jesus was the Messiah (Mary, Joseph, Simeon, and Anna (Luke 2) are examples of those whom Scripture tells of early faith), but The Baptist was certainly the man that God foretold and prepared to share with Israel that the salvation sent from God had arrived (Luke 3:6, Malachi 3:1, and Isaiah 40:3).
John the Baptist preached a message of repentance and one of holiness. He focused on integrity, honesty, generosity, and helping the poor (Luke 3). There was no empire-building for John the Baptist, no fake religiosity, no nepotism, no self-promotion, no selfish ambition.
I’ve worked with Christians who will only praise God if they get something from Him. They think God's blessings are only shown if some file goes their way, if they get a win, or extra money in the bank. But is that how God blesses us? Was John, beheaded for his honest witness, blessed or cursed by God?
John the Baptist was and is blessed beyond measure! In fact, Christ our King said this about John, “I tell you the truth, of all who have ever lived, none is greater than John the Baptist. Yet even the least person in the Kingdom of Heaven is greater than he is!” (Matthew 11:11)
As people with new life (new creations in Christ) we are to “set our sights on the realities of heaven where Christ sits in the place of honor at God’s right hand” (Colossians 3:1). The reality of heaven is that Christ is King and He’s building His kingdom today. The Kingdom advances as we obey Christ and abide in Him, and as we share the truth and make disciples.
It’s more than okay to overemphasize the importance of “the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world” (John 1:29). That’s really the point. Talk about sin, dysfunction, and depravity. Then talk about the Cross and God’s passionate love for us. Talk about God’s forgiveness for our sins, His immense love for us, and how He gives us new life when we accept His gift and believe in Jesus.
For over 30 years Jesus lived in the word He created. Unrecognized (1:10). Rejected by the Israelites (1:11). All the prophets looked forward to God living among us, Immanuel (God with us). I don’t know about you, but I want to be liked, recognized, and heard. I went to a Men’s Bible Study earlier this week at the local Free Baptist Church. It was the first time I met with this group. I was determined to listen and hear them and not to talk or attempt to be a know-it (I can’t stand myself when I do that). I must say it took a lot of willpower to listen and not talk (I did blurt out one comment - just couldn’t help myself). Yes, it’s great to contribute. But it is also very good to listen. Jesus, fully God and fully man, knew people’s hearts all too well. Yet he also spent three decades watching and listening before His ministry began. It’s more than okay for us to spend an hour listening and observing.
It takes guts to preach the truth. I’m thankful and praying this morning for the pastors out there who are preparing midweek for what they’ll teach and preach this weekend. I pray they are bold and well-prepared to speak the truth, in love. What an exciting time to be part of God’s family.
John the Baptist died a horrible death at the hands of wicked horrible people. God’s judgment fell on those people with certainty in AD 70 - just as Jesus said would happen (Matthew 21:33-46). But before he died, John, the Baptist fulfilled his God-ordained mission to prepare the way for the Messiah and to preach clearly that there is salvation from God through the forgiveness of sin (Luke 1:77). As a prophet, John the Baptist heard directly from God (1:33). He believed and he put his faith into action. No, he didn’t have all the answers. But he was faithful in what he knew from God. And in so doing he gave an example to Jesus' disciples of what it meant to testify to the truth and to be martyred for sharing the life-giving message of salvation through repentance of sin.
Not everyone will believe in Jesus. That’s the way it’s been since the beginning. But we see in this chapter that God sent John the Baptist to prepare people by his testimony (the way he acted and the way he preached) so that they might believe in the Messiah (1:7). It’s an essential theological point that eviscerates determinism. We have free will! God desires that all people believe in Jesus (1:6-9). Just like the Israelites who rejected their Messiah, we too can weigh the testimony of the prophets and decide what to do with Jesus. Do we believe Him and accept Him? If we do, God gives us the right to become children of God. By belief in the Son, we are reborn with a spiritual birth that comes from God (1:13). You don’t have to believe it; in fact, you can reject it. But I believe it with all my heart.
I was reminded this week that all who believe in Jesus have God alive in their hearts. We are family. It should impact how I see others at work and in the community. We are not enemies. There is a brotherhood and sisterhood of believers. We are to be known for our love, our good deeds, our peace and calm in any situation, and in the harmony and unity of faith in Christ.
As God’s children, we have a right and a responsibility to thankfully recognize that we are raised to new life. “Christ is all that matters, and he lives in all of us” (Colossians 3:11). Please consider looking at Christians today not as enemies, but as children of God. And look at all people as those Christ died for. Jesus loves all people. So shall we.
Yes, it’s a spiritual battle. Yes, we face dysfunction and troubles. But be optimistic. The saints that have gone ahead of us to heaven are with Jesus now. Christ reigns and He will return, judge all people, and create a new heaven and earth. Jesus is patiently waiting for the full number to believe in Him before His final return. Our job, like The Baptist, is to do all in our means to help the poor, live righteously, face any obstacle with confidence and bravery, and to share the truth of the Messiah.
We’ve spiritually died of our old life, so now we gotta act like it! Put those earthly sinful desires that lurk and entice us to death. Have nothing to do with sexual immorality, lust, greed, worshipping men rather than God, lying to each other, anger rage, malicious behavior, and foul language (Colossians 3:5-11).
Men, it’s a great day to grow and to give to others. We first must get our own house in order. Think indeed of the realities of heaven. We are not a doom and gloom cult. Never make idols of men. Rejoice in God’s goodness and grace this morning. Rejoice in the supernatural ability to know that we abide in Him!
We think because God gives us the ability to do so (1:4). Like Jesus, be forgiving. Make allowances for the faults of others and be Holy Spirit-led. Be kind, merciful, generous, humble, tenderhearted, and patient (Colossians 3:12).
Lord Jesus, thank you for John the Baptist and for all the saints that have gone before us. Help us to be the real deal today. Help us to be concerned about the poor and the needy. Help us to praise You no matter how the current outcome looks. Help us to be righteous like John the Baptist was. We know that You became poor for our sakes so that we may have the treasure beyond measure of knowing You, our King. Please give us people to encourage today and to share with them the truth of Your compassion. Amen.
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