This Christmastime season we have been looking at John 1. Whereas last week we explored the prologue to John’s Gospel and the good news of the Word made flesh (what we call the doctrine of the incarnation), this week we are walking through the implications of this good news on you and me.
Through the witness of John the Baptist, we see that God prepares people to receive Jesus when faithful witnesses point away from themselves, boldly call for repentance, and testify that Jesus alone is God’s chosen Lamb.
John has come onto the scene as a “voice in the wilderness” to announce the arrival of the Messiah. The way he has gone about this, however, is radically unsettling to the religious establishment. For starters, he’s a “countryside” preacher who lacks the polish and charm of the city folk; he has not come up through any of the so-called accredited institutions; and he is calling all, Jew and Gentile alike, to be baptized in repentance.
When the religious leaders come to investigate and figure out who this upstart is, John seemingly fails all the tests. He’s not the Messiah; he’s not Elijah (although Jesus will have something to say about this); and he’s not the Prophet, as Moses wrote about. Instead, he simply points to one greater than himself.
The gospel, the good news, the doctrine of the incarnation, the story of Jesus Christ, dramatically shaped John’s own sense of identity. And here is the invitation: Jesus also radically reshapes ours too.
Dinner Table Conversations:
Adult & Teen Table Talk:
- What special or unique means has God given you to share the story of Jesus?
- What steps can you take to better appreciate who Jesus is?
Little Learners’ Table Talk:
- What is your favorite thing about Jesus that you can tell people?
Sermon Title: A Voice in the Wilderness
Sermon Series: Standalone / Seasonal (Christmas)
Sermon Passage: John 1:19-34
Closing Scripture: 1 Peter 1:17-21
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