“The Baptizer’s Witness to Mystery”
John 1:6-9,15-28 December 11, 2005 Play
video
Know Who You Are (Not)
• societal pressure to be self-focussed consumer
• John the Baptizer indifferent to social customs:
free to prophesy (Mt 14:3ff)
• inquisition committee demanded to know who John was
• making straight way for Lord; one who comes after
(De 18:15; Jn 1:15,23,27)
• Christian identity results from crucifying self
with Christ (Gal 2:20; Mk 8:34f; Rom 6:8,11; Col 3:3)
Primarily a Witness
• John a witness to testify (1:7f,15,19)
• Christian experience a wonder to unpack the rest of
our lives (Rom 16:25; Col 1:26f)
• man-made religion puts us in control; explainable
regulations
• God’s mystery beyond words: instead parables,
paradoxes, e.g. Word became flesh (1:14f; 18; Ex 33:20; Jn 14:7; Col
1:15)
• pointing out to people One they didn’t recognize
(Jn 1:10f)
Unpack Christ’s Greatness and Grace
• Jesus has surpassed John; unworthy to untie sandals
(1:15; Lk 1:41,44; Jn 1:27; Mt 11:11)
• John accepts what’s given, becoming less as Jesus
more popular (3:27)
• Jesus came full of grace and truth: unattainable
standard, but guilt attributed (1:14,17,29)
• have all received grace upon grace (1:16)
• eternal reprieve greater grace than given earthly
hostages (2Cor 5:21)
Leave ‘em Wondering
• goal to become God’s glorious one-of-a-kind child
(Rom 8:29)
• John’s role unique: forerunner of Messiah, with
curious gesture of baptism (Mt 17:12)
• baptism picture of repentance; to reveal Jesus to
Israel; as contrast to Messiah’s baptism in Holy Spirit and fire (1:31;
Mt 3:11f)
Cutting-edge Witness
• great need for ministry to seniors: 23% of pop. by
2041
• simple tasks but year-round commitment, living
witness
• couple plays music to minister: changed attitudes
• quilts / presentations reveal journey of healing
from abuse
• art interprets mystery of Jesus as ‘The Way Home’
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