John 1:22
So they said to him, "Who are you? We need an answer for those who sent us. What do you say about yourself?"
Who are you?
This phrase reflects the persistent inquiry of the priests and Levites sent by the Jewish leaders to question John the Baptist. The Greek word for "who" is "τίς" (tis), which is an interrogative pronoun used to ask about identity or nature. This question underscores the deep curiosity and concern of the Jewish authorities regarding John's identity and mission. Historically, this reflects the heightened messianic expectations of the time, as many Jews were eagerly anticipating the arrival of the Messiah. The question is not just about John's personal identity but about his role in God's redemptive plan.

they inquired
The Greek verb "ἐπηρώτησαν" (epērōtēsan) is used here, indicating a formal or earnest questioning. This verb suggests a sense of urgency and importance in their inquiry. The Jewish leaders were not merely curious; they were seeking to understand John's authority and the implications of his ministry. This reflects the broader context of religious and political tension in Judea, where any new religious movement was closely scrutinized.

So we can give an answer
The phrase indicates the responsibility of the messengers to report back to those who sent them. The Greek word "ἀπόκρισιν" (apokrisin) means "answer" or "response," highlighting the need for a clear and definitive explanation. This reflects the structured and hierarchical nature of Jewish religious leadership, where information was carefully gathered and communicated. It also underscores the accountability of the messengers to their superiors, emphasizing the seriousness of their mission.

to those who sent us
This phrase identifies the authority behind the inquiry, likely the Sanhedrin or other religious leaders in Jerusalem. The Greek word "πέμψασιν" (pempsasin) means "sent," indicating a deliberate and authoritative action. This highlights the organized and official nature of the investigation into John's activities. Historically, this reflects the power and influence of the Jewish religious authorities, who were responsible for maintaining doctrinal purity and order among the people.

What do you say about yourself?
This question shifts the focus to John's self-understanding and self-identification. The Greek phrase "τί λέγεις περὶ σεαυτοῦ" (ti legeis peri seautou) directly asks for John's own testimony. This is significant because it invites John to clarify his mission and message in his own words. In the broader scriptural context, this question sets the stage for John's declaration of his role as the forerunner of Christ, fulfilling the prophecy of Isaiah. It emphasizes the importance of personal testimony in the unfolding of God's plan, as John points away from himself and towards Jesus, the true Messiah.

Persons / Places / Events
1. John the Baptist
A key prophetic figure who prepared the way for Jesus Christ. Known for his baptism of repentance and his role in identifying Jesus as the Messiah.

2. The Priests and Levites
Religious leaders sent from Jerusalem to question John the Baptist about his identity and authority. They were concerned with maintaining religious order and authority.

3. Jerusalem
The central city of Jewish worship and religious authority, from where the priests and Levites were sent.

4. The Wilderness
The setting where John the Baptist conducted his ministry, symbolizing a place of spiritual preparation and encounter with God.

5. The Pharisees
A religious sect known for strict adherence to the Law. They were often in opposition to Jesus and His teachings, and they were part of the group questioning John.
Teaching Points
Identity in Christ
Just as John the Baptist knew his role and identity in God's plan, believers are called to understand and embrace their identity in Christ.

Witnessing with Humility
John the Baptist's response to the religious leaders was marked by humility and clarity. Christians are encouraged to witness about Christ with the same humility and confidence.

Preparation for Christ's Coming
John the Baptist's ministry was about preparing hearts for Jesus. Believers today are called to prepare their hearts and the hearts of others for Christ's return.

Answering Questions of Faith
Like John, Christians should be ready to give an answer for their faith, rooted in Scripture and personal testimony.

Role of Prophecy
Understanding the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies in the New Testament strengthens faith and provides a deeper understanding of God's redemptive plan.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does John the Baptist's understanding of his identity and mission challenge you in your own walk with Christ?

2. In what ways can you prepare the way for the Lord in your own community, similar to John the Baptist's role?

3. How can you respond to questions about your faith with humility and confidence, as John did?

4. What Old Testament prophecies about Jesus have you found particularly faith-affirming, and how do they impact your understanding of the New Testament?

5. How does the setting of the wilderness in John the Baptist's ministry speak to the spiritual preparation needed in your life today?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Isaiah 40:3
This prophecy is fulfilled in John the Baptist, who identifies himself as "the voice of one calling in the wilderness," preparing the way for the Lord.

Malachi 3:1
This verse speaks of a messenger who will prepare the way before the Lord, which is a role John the Baptist fulfills.

Matthew 3:11
John the Baptist speaks of one who will come after him, who is mightier and will baptize with the Holy Spirit, pointing to Jesus.

Luke 1:76-77
Zechariah's prophecy about John the Baptist highlights his role in preparing the way for the Lord and giving knowledge of salvation.
The Jewish Deputation and the BaptistB. Thomas John 1:19-23
A Disclaimer and a ClaimJ.R. Thomson John 1:19-28
I am not the ChristDavid Davies.John 1:19-28
LevitesA. B. Grosart, D. D.John 1:19-28
Ministers Must Send Men to ChristA. B. Grosart, D. D.John 1:19-28
The Baptist's TemptationCanon Westcott., J. Parker, D. D.John 1:19-28
The Confession of JohnJ. A. Seiss, D. D.John 1:19-28
The Forerunner and His LordDavid Davies.John 1:19-28
The Forerunner's ConfessionT. Whitelaw, D. D.John 1:19-28
The Mission from JerusalemA. B. Grosart, D. D.John 1:19-28
The Mission of John the BaptistD. J. Vaughan, M. A.John 1:19-28
The SanhedrimT. Whitelaw, D. D.John 1:19-28
Who Art Thou?David Davies.John 1:19-28
A Minister's WorkC. H. Spurgeon.John 1:22-23
An Uncouth Messenger, But a Glorious MessageH. O. MacKey.John 1:22-23
John in the WildernessF. W. Robertson, M. A.John 1:22-23
Make the Paths StraightH.W. Burgoyne.John 1:22-23
Only a VoiceS. H. Tyng, D. D.John 1:22-23
Self Out of Sight in the PreacherJohn 1:22-23
The Answer of the BaptistH. W. Burgoyne, M. A.John 1:22-23
The Baptist and the BibleH. W. Burgoyne, B. A.John 1:22-23
The Voice Crying in the WildernessT. Whitelaw, M. A.John 1:22-23
People
Andrew, Cephas, Elias, Elijah, Esaias, Isaiah, Jesus, John, Jona, Jonah, Jonas, Joseph, Levites, Nathanael, Peter, Philip, Simon
Places
Bethany Beyond Jordan, Bethsaida, Galilee, Jordan River, Nazareth
Topics
Account, Pressed, Question, Sayest, Sending, Thyself
Dictionary of Bible Themes
John 1:19-31

     5624   witnesses, to Christ

John 1:21-27

     5098   John the Baptist

Library
Grace
Eversley. 1856. St. John i. 16, 17. "Of His fulness have all we received, and grace for grace. For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ." I wish you to mind particularly this word GRACE. You meet it very often in the Bible. You hear often said, The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Now, what does this word grace mean? It is really worth your while to know; for if a man or a woman has not grace, they will be very unhappy people, and very disagreeable
Charles Kingsley—All Saints' Day and Other Sermons

June 25 Morning
When he shall appear, we shall be like him; we shall see him as he is.--I JOHN 3:2. As many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name.--Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises; that by these we might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust. Since the beginning of the world men have not heard, nor perceived by the ear, neither hath the eye seen, O God, beside
Anonymous—Daily Light on the Daily Path

January 20 Morning
His name shall be called Wonderful.--ISA. 9:6. The Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father) full of grace and truth.--Thou hast magnified thy word above all thy name. They shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.--JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins. All men should honour the Son, even as they honour the Father.--God . . . hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is
Anonymous—Daily Light on the Daily Path

September 24 Evening
Ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ.--II COR. 8:9. The Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.--Thou are fairer than the children of men: grace is poured into thy lips.--All bare him witness, and wondered at the gracious words which proceeded out of his mouth. Ye have tasted that the Lord is gracious.--He that believeth on the Son of God hath the witness in himself.--We speak that we do know,
Anonymous—Daily Light on the Daily Path

October 21 Morning
Of his fulness have all we received, and grace for grace.--JOHN 1:16. This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.--Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God. His Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things.--If children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together. I and my Father are one. The Father is in me, and I in him.--My Father, and your
Anonymous—Daily Light on the Daily Path

March 12 Morning
The Lord make his face shine upon thee, and be gracious unto thee. The Lord lift up his countenance upon thee, and give thee peace.--NUM. 6:25,26. No man hath seen God at any time; the only begotten Son, which is in the bosom of the Father, he hath declared him.--The brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person.--The god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.
Anonymous—Daily Light on the Daily Path

November 21 Evening
His dear Son.--COL. 1:13. Lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.--Behold my servant, whom I uphold; mine elect, in whom my soul delighteth.--The only begotten Son, which is in the bosom of the Father. In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him. Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his son to be the propitiation for our sins.
Anonymous—Daily Light on the Daily Path

February 23 Morning
The blood of sprinkling, that speaketh better things than that of Abel.--HEB. 12:24. Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.--The Lamb slain from the foundation of the world.--It is not possible that the blood of bulls and of goats should take away sins. Wherefore when he cometh into the world, he saith, Sacrifice and offering thou wouldest not, but a body hast thou prepared me. By the which will we are sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.
Anonymous—Daily Light on the Daily Path

April 28 Morning
Behold the Lamb of God.--JOHN 1:29. It is not possible that the blood of bulls and of goats should take away sins. Wherefore when he cometh into the world, he saith, Sacrifice and offering thou wouldest not, but a body hast thou prepared me: in burnt offerings and sacrifices for sin thou hast had no pleasure. Then said I, Lo, I come (in the volume of the book it is written of me) to do thy will, O God.--He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth; he is brought as a lamb to
Anonymous—Daily Light on the Daily Path

May 29 Morning
The life of the flesh is in the blood: and I have given it to you upon the altar to make an atonement for your souls: for it is the blood that maketh an atonement for the soul.--LEV. 17:11. Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.--The blood of the Lamb.--The precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot.--Without shedding of blood is no remission.--The blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin. By his own blood he entered in once into
Anonymous—Daily Light on the Daily Path

January 16 Evening
Write the things which thou hast seen, and the things which are, and the things which shall be hereafter.--REV. 1:19. Holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.--That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us: and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ. Behold my hands and my feet, that it is I myself: handle me, and see; for a spirit hath not flesh and bones, as ye see me have. And when he had thus
Anonymous—Daily Light on the Daily Path

May 19 Evening
Fellowship in the gospel.--PHI. 1:5. As the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also is Christ. For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit. God is faithful, by whom ye were called unto the fellowship of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord.--That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship
Anonymous—Daily Light on the Daily Path

November 15 Morning
God is faithful, by whom ye were called unto the fellowship of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord.--I COR. 1:9. Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; for he is faithful that promised.--God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people.--Truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ.--Rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad
Anonymous—Daily Light on the Daily Path

March 8 Morning
Thou hast cast all my sins behind thy back.--ISA. 38:17. Who is a God like unto thee, that pardoneth iniquity, and passeth by the transgression of the remnant of his heritage? he retaineth not his anger forever, because he delighteth in mercy. He will turn again, he will have compassion upon us; he will subdue our iniquities; and thou wilt cast all their sins into the depths of the sea. For a small moment have I forsaken thee; but with great mercies will I gather thee. In a little wrath I hid my
Anonymous—Daily Light on the Daily Path

March 20 Morning
The entrance of thy words giveth light.--PSA. 119:130. This . . . is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all.--God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.--The Word was God. In him was life; and the life was the light of men.--If we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another
Anonymous—Daily Light on the Daily Path

October 11 Evening
Hallowed be thy name.--MATT. 6:9. Thou shalt worship no other god: for the Lord, whose name is Jealous, is a jealous God. Who is like unto thee, O Lord, among the gods? who is like thee, glorious in holiness, fearful in praises, doing wonders?--Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty. Worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness.--I saw . . . the Lord sitting upon a throne, high and lifted up, and his train filled the temple. Above it stood the seraphims. And one cried unto another, and said, Holy, holy,
Anonymous—Daily Light on the Daily Path

February 26 Morning
Let us search and try our ways, and turn again to the Lord.--LAM. 3:40. Examine me, O Lord, and prove me; try my reins and my heart.--Behold, thou desirest truth in the inward parts: and in the hidden part thou shalt make me to know wisdom.--I thought on my ways, and turned my feet unto thy testimonies. I made haste and delayed not to keep thy commandments.--Let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of that bread, and drink of that cup. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive
Anonymous—Daily Light on the Daily Path

May 24 Evening
I will go and return to my place, till they acknowledge their offence, and seek my face.--HOS. 5:15. Your iniquities have separated between you and your God, your sins have hid his face from you.--My beloved had withdrawn himself, and was gone: . . . I sought him, but I could not find him; I called him, but he gave me no answer.--I hid me, and was wroth, and he went on forwardly in the way of his heart. I have seen his ways, and will heal him.--Hast thou not procured this unto thyself, in that thou
Anonymous—Daily Light on the Daily Path

November 12 Morning
Godly sorrow worketh repentance not to be repented of.--II COR. 7:10. Peter remembered the word of Jesus, which said unto him, Before the cock crow, thou shalt deny me thrice. And he went out, and wept bitterly.--If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.--The blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin. Mine iniquities have taken hold upon me, so that I am not able to look up; they are more than the hairs of my
Anonymous—Daily Light on the Daily Path

December 23 Morning
Let him take hold of my strength, that he may make peace with me.--ISA. 27:5. I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil.--There is no peace, saith the Lord, unto the wicked. In Christ Jesus ye who sometime were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ. For he is our peace. It pleased the Father that in him should all fulness dwell: and having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself.--Christ Jesus:
Anonymous—Daily Light on the Daily Path

June 24 Evening
Master, where dwellest thou? He saith unto them, Come and see.--JOHN 1:38,39. In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.--To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne. Thus saith the high and lofty One that inhabiteth eternity, whose name is Holy; I dwell in the high and holy place,
Anonymous—Daily Light on the Daily Path

February 15 Morning
Who can say, I have made my heart clean?--PROV. 20:9. The Lord looked down from heaven upon the children of men, to see if there were any that did understand, and seek God. They are all gone aside, they are all together become filthy: there is none that doeth good, no, not one.--They that are in the flesh cannot please God. To will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not. For the good that I would I do not: but the evil which I would not, that I do.--We are all as an
Anonymous—Daily Light on the Daily Path

The Son of Thunder
ST. JOHN i. 1. In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. We read this morning the first chapter of the Gospel according to St. John. Some of you, I am sure, must have felt, as you heard it, how grand was the very sound of the words. Some one once compared the sound of St. John's Gospel to a great church bell: simple, slow, and awful; and awful just because it is so simple and slow. The words are very short,--most of them of one syllable,--so that even a child
Charles Kingsley—Discipline and Other Sermons

'Three Tabernacles'
'The Word ... dwelt among us.'--JOHN i. 14. '... He that sitteth on the Throne shall dwell among them.'--REV. vii. 15. '... Behold, the Tabernacle of God is with men, and He will dwell with them.'--REV. xxi. 3. The word rendered 'dwelt' in these three passages, is a peculiar one. It is only found in the New Testament--in this Gospel and in the Book of Revelation. That fact constitutes one of the many subtle threads of connection between these two books, which at first sight seem so extremely unlike
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

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