Scripture to Read: John 1:21–22
So, the questioning of John the Baptist continues because those questioning him were not satisfied with his answer that he was not the Christ. We read in John 1:21–22, “They asked him, ‘What then? Are you Elijah?’ And he *said, ‘I am not.’ ‘Are you the Prophet?’ And he answered, ‘No.’ 22 Then they said to him, ‘Who are you, so that we may give an answer to those who sent us? What do you say about yourself?’” We might think that these questions are a little ridiculous, but we must understand why these people asked John the Baptist all these questions. When they asked John the Baptist if he was Elijah, it was because of the prophecies in Isaiah 40:3, Malachi 3:1, and Malachi 4:5–6, which all refer to Elijah being sent as a messenger to make ready the way for the Messiah. John the Baptist knew God sent him to proclaim the arrival of Messiah, but he didn’t know that he had come “in the spirit and power of Elijah” (Luke 1:17). John the Baptist knew he was not the “Prophet” (Deuteronomy 18:15, 17–19, Acts 3:22, Acts 7:37) for the Prophet and Christ are the same. It is as if those questioning John the Baptist were trying to confuse him by asking him if he was the “Prophet” since he had already declared to them that he was not the Christ. Like John the Baptist, we must stand assured in who we are in Christ and always be ready to proclaim Him as King.
Challenge & Application
• What did God teach you today that has helped you be better prepared to share Christ with others?
• How will you apply what you’ve learned today, and how can you encourage others through what you’ve been taught?
Don’t forget to pray using the A.C.T.S. (Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, Supplication) method!