John the Baptist is to be admired for his simple witness for Jesus. Verses 19-28 record an interrogation of John by a deputation sent by Pharisees. John’s confidence in his role as an early witness to Jesus contrasts the ignorance displayed by these antagonists of the true Messiah.
Apparently, John was attracting crowds with his message, a circumstance that needed investigating by leaders intent on fomenting discontent in the crowd. This scene of interrogation indicates that opposition to Jesus will first attack the credibility of His witnesses (1:19-21). John is a marvelous example of how accusations are best countered by a simple, direct response. “He said quite openly and straightforwardly, I am not the Christ” (1:20, BBE). John the Baptist had a special air of freedom about him. He was not overly concerned about his wardrobe, his diet, his message, or the status of his audience. He was comfortable in his own skin.
John’s witness focused on Jesus, not on popular ideas (1:21). Their next question was emphatic: “You - Are you Elijah?” He sensed their motives. His response denied what they hoped would discredit him (1:21a). Malachi 4:5-6 prophesied that Elijah would precede the Messiah. Jesus identified John as the “spirit and power of Elijah,” not Elijah in person. Thus, John the Baptist does fulfill the Elijah prophecy (Matt. 11:7-14), though he never applies this prophecy to himself.
In a similar manner, Deuteronomy 18:15-19 foretold of the coming of a prophet “like” Moses (1:21b). John’s witness was prophetic, but he denied being embodied as “the Prophet.” A. T. Robertson says John’s simple “No” is “the clear-cut, point blank negative, objective, final.”
John’s witness filled a rightful place in Messianic prophecy (1:22-23). They pressed the question “for the sake of our report.” John quotes from Isaiah 40, prophecy that affirms God will prove faithful in final liberation of all His people. John was sent to reaffirm that promise.
John clearly grasps his ministry is to prepare people for the Messiah (1:24-27). Their last question reveals their motive: “If you aren’t the Messiah or Elijah or the Prophet, what right do you have to baptize” (1:25, NLT)? His baptism was legitimate in terms of preparation, for it pointed to the Messiah they would not acknowledge (1:26b). John’s witness, in contrast, pointed to the incomparable worthiness of his Successor, and to his own unworthiness to perform a task reserved for slaves (1:27-28).
Dr. David Moore can be contacted at dm5867se@outlook.com
