19 Now this was John's testimony when the Jews of Jerusalem sent priests and Levites to ask him who he was. 20 He did not fail to confess, but confessed freely, "I am not the Christ.”
21 They asked him, "Then who are you? Are you Elijah?"
He said, "I am not."
"Are you the Prophet?"
He answered, "No."
John the Baptist’s influential ministry began to raise the eyebrows of the Jewish leadership of the day. Indeed, his influence began causing such a stir that the authorities in Jerusalem sent delegates to question him - “Just who are you anyway?” You can only imagine the prodding he received. It reminds me of the movie Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid when they were being relentlessly pursued by a group of bounty hunters which they were unable to shake and they asked themselves a similar question – “Who are these guys anyway???” These prominent Jewish leaders, on the other hand, should have known full well from prophecy that the Baptist was the forerunner of the Christ in lieu of sitting there scratching their heads in wonder.
“Secular learning, honour, and power, seldom dispose men’s minds to the reception of divine light.” Matthew Henry
Ever like the Baptist to not only confess but to confess freely that he was not the Christ. I am reminded of the greatness of this forerunner of Jesus in his words to his disciples when they came to him with questions regarding Jesus’ growing popularity and the crowds beginning to follow Him instead him:
27 To this John replied, "A man can receive only what is given him from heaven. 28 You yourselves can testify that I said, 'I am not the Christ but am sent ahead of him.' 29 The bride belongs to the bridegroom. The friend who attends the bridegroom waits and listens for him, and is full of joy when he hears the bridegroom's voice. That joy is mine, and it is now complete. 30 He must become greater; I must become less. 31 "The one who comes from above is above all; the one who is from the earth belongs to the earth, and speaks as one from the earth. The one who comes from heaven is above all. John 3:27-31 (NIV)
The sovereignty of God is stressed here by John the Baptist and the apostle John also addresses this same subject again several times in his gospel. Scripture tells us:
65 He went on to say, "This is why I told you that no one can come to me unless the Father has enabled him." John 6:65 (NIV)
11 Jesus answered, "You would have no power over me if it were not given to you from above. Therefore the one who handed me over to you is guilty of a greater sin." John 19:11 (NIV)
God alone has ultimate and full power and in His sovereignty, He bestows His blessings upon one’s ministry. It was God’s will at that time for John’s ministry to be shrinking and for Jesus’ ministry to be growing – and that was exactly what occurred. John also reminds his followers that he had previously stated he was not the Messiah rather his forerunner. This fulfillment was the divine order of things and consequently brought much joy to the Baptist. When Jesus is glorified we are the most satisfied.
“To the child of God, there is no such thing as an accident. He travels an appointed way...Accidents may indeed appear to befall him and misfortune stalk his way; but these evils will be so in appearance only and will seem evils only because we cannot read the secret script of God’s hidden providence.” A.W. Tozer
John the Baptist did not come upon the scene to present himself as some great one. While his spirit, his conversation and his doctrine of repentance commanded respect he had no intention of elevating himself to some lofty position. Dressed in camel hair and eating locusts and wild honey, he was more interested in doing good than appearing great. How necessary that thought and action are in modern day disciples of Jesus as well. Oftentimes it is we who find ourselves in
the limelight (and unfortunately enjoying it I’m afraid) rather than our Lord. It is He who is to be glorified and magnified never mere flesh.
“The greatness of a man’s power is the measure of his surrender.” William Booth
“God’s faithful witnesses stand more on their guard against undue respect than against unjust contempt.” Matthew Henry
The Baptist also disowned the honor of being called Elijah. Indeed, he was prophesized under that name, he also came in both the power and spirit of Elijah and Jesus Himself states in Matthew:
7 As John's disciples were leaving, Jesus began to speak to the crowd about John: "What did you go out into the desert to see? A reed swayed by the wind? 8 If not, what did you go out to see? A man dressed in fine clothes? No, those who wear fine clothes are in kings' palaces. 9 Then what did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet. 10 This is the one about whom it is written: "'I will send my messenger ahead of you, who will prepare your way before you.' 11 I tell you the truth: Among those born of women there has not risen anyone greater than John the Baptist; yet he who is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he. 12 From the days of John the Baptist until now, the kingdom of heaven has been forcefully advancing, and forceful men lay hold of it. 13 For all the Prophets and the Law prophesied until John. 14 And if you are willing to accept it, he is the Elijah who was to come. 15 He who has ears, let him hear. Matt 11:7-15 (NIV)
John the Baptist was a true prophet, filled with the Holy Spirit even from the womb, proclaiming God’s requirement of repentance, sent by God to be the forerunner of His Son and an example of humble obedience to every follower of our Lord Jesus.