John the Baptist explains his ministry and mission: John 1:19-23

 

In John 1:19–23, John the Baptist explains his ministry and mission when questioned by the Jewish leaders. Here’s a summary of how he responds.

He denied being the Christ (John 1:19-20). When the Jewish priests and Levites from Jerusalem ask John who he is, he immediately denies being the Christ (Messiah). He knows that people are curious about whether he is the long-awaited savior, but he clarifies that he is not.

John the Baptist also denies being Elijah or "the Prophet" (John 1:21). The leaders then ask him if he is Elijah or "the Prophet" (a reference to the prophecy in Deuteronomy 18:15 about a prophet like Moses). John denies both identities. Although in a spiritual sense, he fulfills the role of Elijah by preparing the way for the Lord (as Jesus would later say in Matthew 11:14), John himself makes it clear he is not literally Elijah returned to earth.

John affirmed his true role (John 1:22-23). Finally, they ask him directly who he is so they can report back to those who sent them. John quotes from Isaiah 40:3, saying:

“I am the voice of one calling in the wilderness, ‘Make straight the way for the Lord.’”

Here, John the Baptist defines his mission as one who prepares the way for the coming of the Messiah. He describes himself as a "voice" announcing the arrival of someone far greater than himself—Jesus. His role is to call people to repentance and prepare their hearts to receive the Lord.

John the Baptist humbly points to Jesus and emphasizes that his own mission is to prepare the way for the coming of the Lord.

More from Lesson 4 Witnesses of Christ as the Messiah