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Getting right into the writing of the Gospel

Text: John 1:19-28

GETTING RIGHT INTO THE WRITING OF THE GOSPEL

The prologue of the Gospel of John revealed the adoption of a very high theological approach. The author was convinced that it was important to believe in Jesus in the full sense of the word. Jesus must be received in the fullness of His glory. If the content of belief concerning Jesus is inadequate or insufficient, would that “faith” amount to anything much?

It is always fascinating to study how an author thinks and plans his book, especially if it is the matter of writing a Gospel account of the Lord Jesus Christ! It is no easy task, if one is allowed to make that understatement of the millennium!

John’s approach was very straightforward. First, he declared what he personally believed concerning Jesus. The second task was to demonstrate that his beliefs were defensible and worthy of acceptance by others who would read his arguments!

THE WITNESS OF JOHN THE BAPTISER

One of the key words in the Gospel of John is the word “witness” or “testimony”. John made use of this word a good number of times. Consider the following texts.

“There was a man sent from God,
whose name was John. This man came
for a witness, to bear witness of the Light…

“He was not that Light, but was sent
to bear witness of that Light.”

“John bore witness of Him and cried out…”
John 1:6-8, 15

What could have been in John’s mind when he chose to employ this word so frequently? Two main things may be highlighted.

1. The purpose of John

The purpose of the Baptizer was to bear witness concerning Jesus. This sense of purpose was so strong and powerful in John that it just had to be brought out. This was well brought out by mentioning it repeatedly. (The construction in the Greek Text affirms this argument).

2. A simple but effective mnemonic device

One of the most significant ways in which John chose to write his Gospel was to employ little mnemonic devices that would help readers remember what was read. All too often people read but cannot grasp or remember the main thrust of a passage.

The use of a key word or phrase goes a long way to help the reader understand and retain the meaning of a passage. The word “witness” is used so frequently, that after a little while, one cannot help but remember the purpose why John came to preach. He came to bear witness for Christ!

John the Baptizer bore witness for Jesus in a number of ways. He preached about Jesus. He pointed people to Christ. He prepared people to believe in Christ. He publicly baptized people in anticipation of the revelation of Christ! He bore witness for Christ in public proclamation.

There was another distinctive way in which John bore witness for Christ. This was specially captured in the recorded encounter between John and the people who were sent by the Pharisees to interview him. In this case, we may speak of John’s private witness for Christ. Whether “publicly” or “privately” John maintained consistency in his work of witnessing for Christ.

“THE JEWS” John 1:19

John used the phrase “The Jews” (John 1:19) in a special way. This phrase was not used to refer to the Jews as distinguished from other races. Rather this phrase was used to refer to a specific group of people, identified in this text.

“Now this is the testimony (witness) of John,
when the Jews sent priests and Levites from Jerusalem
to ask Him, ‘Who are you?’

Now those who were sent were from the Pharisees.”
John 1:19, 24

“The Jews” referred to the religious hierarchy with headquarters in Jerusalem. They consisted of the Pharisees, priests, Levites (assistant priests). Though not mentioned in this particular text, the Sadducees were also included (Cf. Matthew 3:7). This phrase was used by John to describe those who opposed Jesus in His ministry.

THE CONCERN OF THE JEWS

Since “The Jews” represented the top religious hierarchy, they would naturally be concerned if significant preachers like John the Baptizer arose. They must of course check out the ministry and the message of people who preach. They could not actually forbid anyone from preaching about God, but they would need to learn more about the preacher and his ministry.

“The Jews” were always concerned about their own positions as the religious leaders of the land. The Roman authorities regarded their spiritual and legal status as the custodians of the Jewish religion. Any preacher with powerful popular support must be checked out. He must of course not be allowed to “destabilize” the status quo that The Jews had so carefully crafted out over the years.

There had been “rabble rousers” in the past. They too wielded a powerful influence over the masses. They had clashed with their overlords with devastating results. “The Jews” always made it a point to check out itinerant preachers not of their fold. As John’s popularity waxed stronger and stronger, “The Jews” just had to send a delegation of “priests and Levites” to interview John. They were deeply concerned.