John 1:22-23 Then said they to him, Who are you? that we may give an answer to them that sent us. What say you of yourself?… He had come — I. TO ANNOUNCE THAT GOD WAS ABOUT TO COME AS HE NEVER CAME BEFORE. 1. This was Isaiah's belief, and when John accentuated it he knew that the Divine visitation was near. Had the prophet suspected the delay he would have wondered, and knowing it, doubtless John wondered. Do we? Let us then remember that God always takes His time. If He wants to make a weed, that does not take Him long: if He wants to make an oak, that is more tedious business; if He wants to save a world it takes Him longer still. 2. The Baptist did not imply that God was absent, but that He was about to be manifested. Hitherto it had been winter; the Sun of righteousness had been comparatively hidden. Now He was to arise with healing in His wings. 3. Christ came for — (1) The world's enlightenment; (2) The subjugation of men; (3) The saving of the world. II. TO BID MEN GET READY FOR HIM. "Make straight the way." That was man's work. If God had compelled men to prepare that would have ensured the frustration of His purposes. God's will is that men should do His will willingly. Three great barriers. 1. Thoughtlessness: It was troublesome to think about Christ sufficiently to see the validity of His claims; so now. 2. Pride: The Jews could not bring themselves to confess their need of a Saviour. 3. Worldliness. (H. W. Burgoyne, M. A.) Parallel Verses KJV: Then said they unto him, Who art thou? that we may give an answer to them that sent us. What sayest thou of thyself? |
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