1. The Gospel of John contains information that will help us to grow in the knowledge of Christ as we are instructed in 2 Peter 3:18. 2. In the opening part of his Gospel, the apostle John mentioned John the Baptist. a. (John 1:6-8) God sent John to bear witness of the Light. b. (John 1:15) John fulfilled his mission by bearing witness of Jesus. 3. This lesson is a study of "the record of John the Baptist" in John 1:19-34. Discussion: I. (John 1:19-28) AS JOHN GAVE HIS RECORD HE FIRST DENIED THAT HE WAS THE MESSIAH, ELIJAH, OR THAT PROPHET
A. John was being interrogated by priests and Levites from Jerusalem who were sent by the Pharisees (vs.19, 22, 24). B. They first wanted John to identify himself. 1. In his response, John denied that he was: a. "the Christ [Messiah]" (vs.20) b. Elijah (vs.21a; Malachi 4:5-6; Luke 1:17) c. "that prophet" (vs.21b; Deuteronomy 18:15-19; Acts 3:19-23). 2. After these denials, John stated in vs.23 that he fulfilled the prophecy in Isaiah 40:3-5. C. John was next asked about his baptism. 1. John stated that he baptized with water (vs.26), and God sent him to do so (vs.33). 2. The details of John's baptism are revealed in: a. Matthew 3:1-6 b. Mark 1:1-5 c. Luke 3:1-6. 3. John continued by expressing his humility as he confessed the Lord's greatness. II. (John 1:29-34) AS JOHN GAVE HIS RECORD HE IDENTIFIED JESUS AS THE SON OF GOD
A. John first stated that Jesus was "the Lamb of God" that takes away "the sin of the world." B. John rehearsed what happened when he baptized Jesus. 1. Matthew 3:13-17 2. Mark 1:9-11 3. Luke 3:21-22 C. John's conclusion and conviction were that Jesus is "the Son of God."
