We can understand why John denied that he was the Christ! He would have been “washed out” as a servant of God if he allowed his popularity to go to his head. John was too mature spiritually to allow himself to think that he was “the Christ”.

John also refused to entertain the idea that he was “the Prophet” Moses foretold. John would have known that he was nowhere like Moses of old. Perhaps he knew that The Prophet Moses spoke of was in fact none other than The Messiah Himself. The Messiah would come and teach them the Word of God as Moses did.

Why did John refuse to discuss the question raised by the Jews concerning whether he believed that he was Elijah? John was the forerunner of the Messiah. Could John be that forerunner?

John did not discuss this issue with the Jews not because he did not see himself as a forerunner. He did believe he was the forerunner. A number of reasons could be adduced as to why he did not answer the questions of the Jews.

1. The unbelief of the Jews

John knew that the Jews did not believe in what he did. The reputation of the Jews as a religious group was too well known. Many saw through their hypocritical ways. John saw little point in discussing deep spiritual issues with people who were hypocrites! Whatever discussion there could have been would have been fruitless.

Whereas others had come confessing their sins, because their hearts were touched, the Jews came only to observe and to raise questions. Their hearts were obviously hardened and unresponsive. If there was to be any discussion at all, the starting point would have to be the state of their spiritual health.

2. John’s view of himself

John was conscious that he was the forerunner of the Messiah. He had come to bear witness of The Light. However, while Elijah was certainly seen as the forerunner according to the prophecy of Malachi, there was another passage that also spoke of the work of the forerunner.

John’s view of himself was marked by humility. The reputation of Elijah was held at the highest esteem by Israel. John did not like to compare himself and his ministry with Elijah. One part of his work was certainly like that of Elijah. However, John was conscious that there were other ministries of Elijah that he did not have. He did not perform miracles for example. If he were to enter into a discussion with the Jews concerning whether he was the Elijah foretold, these sneaky and fault-finding Jews could well debate him concerning the life and ministry of the Biblical Elijah in comparison to his work of baptizing.

John was astute and wise in using the prophecy of Isaiah and applying that to himself. The Jews would have a hard time debating this particular prophecy. They would not be able to twist this portion of Scripture easily. John would easily fit this prophecy. He was the voice in the wilderness. He literally fulfilled this prophecy from Isaiah.

3. John’s focus on Jesus

There was a third reason why John did not want to discuss with the Jews questions concerning himself. He was not the person who should take center-stage. John was only the voice in the wilderness. The main Person the Jews should be focusing on should be The Christ!

John couldn’t be happier if he were to answer questions concerning The Christ. His purpose was to point people to the Messiah. Would the Jews be interested in hearing more about the Messiah? Then John would be more than happy to oblige them.

THE GREATNESS OF THE CHRIST

At all times, John held the highest regard for Jesus. This is well displayed in the following words John proclaimed boldly to the Jews.

“I baptize you with water,
but there stands One among you
whom you do not know.
It is He who, coming after me,
Is preferred before me, whose sandal strap
I am not worthy to loose.”
John 1:26-27

How did John see himself? How did he see his life and ministry? In comparison to the Person of the One coming after him, he was a totally unworthy servant. How dare a person speak of himself when he should be speaking about his Master? Of course John would not compare himself to Elijah. What if he were Elijah? He would still pale in comparison to the Christ!

John pointed out an important truth to the Jews. He knew that they did not have anything more than a vague or general idea concerning the Messiah. Why, He had already been born many years ago, and they were not even conscious of this truth.

The Messiah had already come. He was already in their midst, but they had no inkling of an idea who He really was! Were they really serious about finding out more about the Christ, or the Prophet, or even Elijah? Then they must begin with this knowledge. The Christ had already come! They did not know Him.

Who was this Christ? He was so great that John described himself as the lowest of servants in His presence. The Jews would understand what John was talking about when he spoke about a servant who looses the sandal strap of a master. A wealthy person would have a number of servants. Some of them would be looking after the home. Others would be assigned other duties as the master saw fit to assign. There would be a category of servants who performed the most menial of tasks. He would see to the loosing of the sandal straps of the master and the washing of his feet when he came home from his work. The Christ was that Great Master, and John was but the lowliest of servants. If the Jews wanted to know more about the Christ, they must begin with their esteem of Him.