There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. 7 He came as a witness, to bear witness about the light, that all might believe through him. 8 He was not the light, but came to bear witness about the light.
John, the disciple of Jesus Christ, writes about another John: John the Baptist. This one who baptizes has a unique role in the New Testament which John, the author, needs to bring clarity to. This prophet had garnered a following with his words and facilitated baptisms of repentance (Matt. 3:11). John sets the record straight. Everything that John the Baptist did was to prepare for the Kingdom of Heaven on earth (Matt. 3:2), to prepare for the true light. John was not the light but he was to only testify about the light. Eventually John's role will decrease and the ministry of Jesus will increase.
The purpose of each Christian is not much different than John the Baptist. We are to testify about the true light and we only testify about something we believe in. Sometimes testifying about something you believe results in consequences far more extreme than we anticipate. John was imprisoned and beheaded. The Gospel must have resonated deeply within him. It transformed and renewed John to allow him to bring forth the testimony about Jesus. We must also be prepared to declare the good news. Few people in the United States will see death for their testimony but there are other, social consequences. Perhaps rejection, resentment, and unfair generalizations. Nonetheless, those who proclaim Jesus Christ as Lord and savior are once again preparing the way of the Lord.
John's role was vital to prepare for Jesus' arrival. God used him prophetically by preparing hearts. Again, the message of the 21st century Christian is no different. Jesus will one day return and we prepare the way.
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