QT 10/13/2026 John 1:19-28, Elijah prepares the way

John 1:19–28 (ESV) —

19 And this is the testimony of John, when the Jews sent priests and Levites from Jerusalem to ask him, “Who are you?” 20 He confessed, and did not deny, but confessed, “I am not the Christ.” 21 And they asked him, “What then? Are you Elijah?” He said, “I am not.” “Are you the Prophet?” And he answered, “No.” 22 So they said to him, “Who are you? We need to give an answer to those who sent us. What do you say about yourself?” 23 He said, “I am the voice of one crying out in the wilderness, ‘Make straight the way of the Lord,’ as the prophet Isaiah said.”

24 (Now they had been sent from the Pharisees.) 25 They asked him, “Then why are you baptizing, if you are neither the Christ, nor Elijah, nor the Prophet?” 26 John answered them, “I baptize with water, but among you stands one you do not know, 27 even he who comes after me, the strap of whose sandal I am not worthy to untie.” 28 These things took place in Bethany across the Jordan, where John was baptizing.

 

NOTE: John the Baptist answered the question as to whether he was Elijah negatively. It is a true statement that he was not Elijah raised from the dead. Constable says "His dress, diet, lifestyle, and ministry, however, were very similar to Elijah’s." In Luke's gospel, he says that John came in the spirit and power of Elijah. Jesus says two things in the same statement: He says that John the Baptist was Elijah, but he also says that Elijah does come and Elijah has come. I think Jesus was hinting at the two comings. John the Baptist performed the ministry of Elijah the first time, but there is still another ministry of Elijah before Jesus comes a second time to judge the earth.

 

The scripture is not only true, fulfills prophecy, but is intricately complex. There are mysteries hidden within the word and mostly revealed in the New Testament. The Jews at the time, 30 AD, understood there to be two messiahs, one patterned on Joseph and one patterned on David. What they didn't understand was that it was the same person coming two times. The first time to suffer and die for our sins (Isa 53) as a lamb, and the second time to judge the earth as a lion.

 

The days are coming to a close. The prophecies will be fulfilled just as they were in Jesus' time. Are you ready? Do you know Jesus?

 

PONDER:

1. Are you ready for Jesus' return?
2. Do you know Jesus or are you just religious?

 

PRAYER: Father, there is so much evil in our day. There is so much hatred. There is so much rebellion from your word. I pray for repentance and healing. We are so foolish. Have mercy on us.