This is John’s testimony when the Jewish leaders in Jerusalem sent priests and Levites to ask him, “Who are you?”
John confessed (he didn’t deny but confessed), “I’m not the Christ.”
They asked him, “Then who are you? Are you Elijah?”
John said, “I’m not.”
“Are you the prophet?”
John answered, “No.”
They asked, “Who are you? We need to give an answer to those who sent us. What do you say about yourself?”
John replied,
“I am a voice crying out in the wilderness,
Make the Lord’s path straight,
just as the prophet Isaiah said.”
Those sent by the Pharisees asked, “Why do you baptize if you aren’t the Christ, nor Elijah, nor the prophet?”
John answered, “I baptize with water. Someone greater stands among you, whom you don’t recognize. He comes after me, but I’m not worthy to untie his sandal straps.” This encounter took place across the Jordan in Bethany where John was baptizing. (John 1:19-28, CEB)
Who are you?
Do you know who you are?
John here is asked if he is a bunch of people, he is not. He knows who he is not.
When we meet someone new, we usually ask what the person does. As if our employment is actually who we are. I am a pastor, but that is not who I am; it is part of my identity, but not the full identity.
As John and you, I was sent to help prepare the way of the Lord. To make valleys high and mountains low. To help hearts be open and ready for Jesus.
I am a child of God. Named. Claimed. Sealed. To give love to the world.
Who are you?
aSacredRebel 