Dr. Chris Montgomery | John 1:19-24 | September 28, 2025
(John 1:19-24) And this is the testimony of John, when the Jews sent priests and Levites from Jerusalem to ask him, “Who are you?” 20 He confessed, and did not deny, but confessed, “I am not the Christ.” 21 And they asked him, “What then? Are you Elijah?” He said, “I am not.” “Are you the Prophet?” And he answered, “No.” 22 So they said to him, “Who are you? We need to give an answer to those who sent us. What do you say about yourself?” 23 He said, “I am the voice of one crying out in the wilderness, ‘Make straight the way of the Lord,’ as the prophet Isaiah said.” 24 (Now they had been sent from the Pharisees.)
- John knew his royal orders and they had nothing to do with fulfilling the dreams of the people.
- The great men and women throughout history who have accomplished great things for God were people who cared less about prestige and more about their purpose.
- Our Calling is to, in some God-given creative way, be the voice of God in our generation.
(John 20:22) And when he had said this, he breathed on them and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit.”
(Ezekiel 37:5) Thus says the Lord GOD to these bones: Behold, I will cause breath to enter you, and you shall live.
(Psalm 33:6) The LORD merely spoke, and the heavens were created. He breathed the word, and all the stars were born.
(Job 33:4) For the Spirit of God has made me, and the breath of the Almighty gives me life.
(Isaiah 40:6-8) A voice says, “Cry!” And I said, “What shall I cry?” All flesh is grass, and all its beauty is like the flower of the field. 7 The grass withers, the flower fades when the breath of the Lord blows on it; surely the people are grass. 8 The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God will stand forever.
- God will not use a counterfeit me; He chooses to only use an authentic me.
- Understanding your uniqueness should not increase pride, but it should increase clarity.
- Because John knew Jesus, he could give precision to his position in relationship to Jesus.
Reflection Questions:
1. Do you know why God wants you to lift your voice?
2. Do you know how you are to help straighten out sin in this crooked world?