John’s Mission of Old Versus Our Mission Today

“Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world!” (Jn 1:29)

A close examination of the passage John 1:6-37 reveals that John the Baptist’s mission on earth was to bear witness to Jesus, the Lamb of God and the Son of God. We, as present-day Christians, are now entrusted with a mission identical to that of John – to serve as our Lord’s witness to all the earth (Acts 1:8)

What is the significance of being a “witness”? How does one attempt to fulfill this responsibility? Let’s explore these considerations in more detail as week to define our roles and responsibilities within the church.

I. A Witness’s Proper Attitude: Genuine Humility

“…even he who comes after me, the thong of whose sandal I am not worthy to untie” (John 1:27)

Although John was named by both an angel of the Lord and the Lord Himself as the “greatest among men born of women” (Luke 1:13-17; Matt 11:9-14), he himself was well aware of his own lowliness as he carried out God’s will (John 1:23). Note the genuine humility he displays in his devotion to Christ, to the extent that he feels himself unworthy even to untie Jesus’ sandal thong (John 1:27). This event and its reflection of John’s praiseworthy attitude is so striking that is recorded in all four Gospels.

II. A Witness’s Role: To Act as the Voice of God

“I am the voice of one crying in the wilderness…” (John 1:23)

Each believer plays many different roles within the church. In order to fulfill these responsibilities correctly, we must first be aware of our true motives and strive to reach a heart felt understanding of the lowliness of our position before the Lord. The integrity of the church work is grounded upon the fundamental acknowledgement that we, regardless of duty, serve solely as the voice of God to the world (John 1:23)

A voice has neither physical substance nor identity. Thus, to become faithful servants of the Lord, our first task should be to remove all vestiges of self-will and egoism from the work that we are performing. Personal opinions and emotions, therefore, have no place in the work of God. If we instead can come to view ourselves solely as the mouthpiece of God, His spirit will dwell within us, and He will speak through us to achieve the good He has planned.

III.A Witness’s Responsibility: Self - Denial Rather than Self - Aggrandizement

“He must increase, but I must decrease” (John 3:50)

If we desire to follow Christ, we must deny ourselves and take up his cross (Matt 16:24). Again, we must remember that we are only witnesses for the Lord. As His voice, we testify that Jesus is the Son of God and our Savior. Our most significant duty as faithful witnesses is to exalt the Lord. If instead, our aim is to garner praise for ourselves or our work, we lack a genuine comprehension of our duty. The true witness manifests his understanding of this by performing everything according to the Lord’s will, whether it be delivering a sermon or sweeping the floor. Thus the greatness of one’s character rests not upon the significance of one’s responsibilities, but rather upon what attitude one holds toward the work of God.

IV. A Witness’s True Status: The Vessel of God

“No one can receive anything except what is given him from heaven” (John 3:27)

The passage in Romans chapter nine, verses 20 and 21, states that we, the servants of God, are vessels at the disposition of His free will. A vessel lack autonomy and self-will. God alone has the power to mold us into vessels for noble or ignoble use; in the choice and management of His manpower, He also asserts His absolute Sovereignty. As good servants, then, we should subdue our own will, and offer ourselves as living sacrifices to the Lord (Rom12:1). This type of selfless devotion underscores the humility of John the Baptist, who demonstrated the indispensable characteristic of a true mouthpiece of god - a complete lack of egoism.

V. A Witness’s Ultimate Mission: To Speak the Truth

In summary, a faithful witness must possess profound knowledge of the character to which he is testifying and acknowledge that all authority come form above (John 1:32). Finally, he must dare to proclaim the truth boldly. John baptized Jesus and proclaimed Him the Messiah. Then, his mission accomplished, he quietly exited the state.

The Church Needs More Believers Like John the Baptist

A striking contrast exists between john’s understanding of Christ and the attitude of John’s disciples. While John rejoiced to hear of Jesus’ works, his followers were envious of Jesus’ increasing fame. John knew that he had been sent to prepare the way for the Messiah, and in John 3:30 he reaffirms his subordinate position. Today, in order for the Gospel to be spread to the ends of the earth, the church requires workers who , like John, recognize their own lowly status in relation to Christ. If we strive to use this great worker of God as our role model, we too may come to realize that humility, self-denial, and an appreciation of others’ work are the keys to achieving unity within the church, and to spreading the Gospel more efficaciously.

Conclusion: Self - Examination

How much practical application does a study of John the Baptist carry?

Let’s use the following questions to reflect upon our own motives and attitudes in serving the Lord:

1.Do we understand the significance of our role as witnesses for God?

2.Have we truly fulfilled the requirements of a faithful witness?

3.Can we define our duties and roles within the work of the church?

4.Do we, like John, truly possess the conviction that we subordinates in the house of God?

5.What are our most difficult obstacles in serving the Lord? Do we lack a complete surrender to God’s will, or a profound understanding of ourselves in relation to God’s work?

6.What the keys to unity among God’s servants, so as to ensure the expeditious spreading of the Gospel?

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