Serving Bread

The Gospel of John has served as an important book in the past several years in forming and influencing me. Of late, I have spent time learning about and from John the Baptist, an important figure in all the gospels, who serves as the first of seven witnesses in the gospel of John. Here are some lessons I have gathered from my times with JtB.

Passages: John 1.6-9, John 1.15, John 1.19-37, John 3.22-30, John 5.31-38, John 10.40-42

Sent from God: John is a man who is sent from God (1.6). He is in contrast to the priests and Levites (1.19) from Jerusalem who are sent by the Jews (or people who claim their authority from human sources). As a witness, we must recognize whether God sends us or we are people-sent. Will we receive our authority from God or from people?

The end-goal is belief: John came to testify so that all might believe (1.7). John didn’t just sow seeds of belief but he testified so that all people might believe. There is an end-goal to our testimony of Jesus and it is that people might believe.

Humility in relationship with Jesus: John recognizes that Jesus is greater than he is (1.27, 3.30). Although he has a lot of authority and influence, he would not allow it to get to his head. Jesus is greater than he is.

The witness testifies: John has an intimate relationship with God. He testifies to what he sees (1.34, 3.27). Our relationship with God is critical. Our witness comes out of our relationship with God. When that suffers, so will our witness. John has a current testimony. He preaches what he has seen.

Point people to Jesus: Though John has disciples and his own ministry, he points people to Jesus (1.36-37). People may follow us initially because they have built trust with us, but ultimately, a witness must point people to Jesus.

Joy from Jesus: Jesus and his ministry give John great joy. (3.22-30) What he hears of Jesus’ ministry is fantastic news in John’s ears. A witness needs to have joy in hearing Jesus’ ministry expanding everywhere. Witnessing is not just about our ministry but rejoicing in how God is at work everywhere.

Jesus follows the witness: Though John may have testified about Jesus, some people did not necessarily believe. They heard the testimony, but they did not respond by belief. But Jesus revisits John’s ministry and in that revisit, people believe. Jesus followed the witness of John. (10.40-42)