John the Baptist was introduced by the apostle John, who declared solemnly that [Jesus is the everlasting God], Creator, and Redeemer (John 1:1–5). John also proclaimed that John was a man sent by God. In order for everyone to believe through him, Jesus came to bear witness concerning the light. Although he came to testify about the light, he was not the light. John 1:6–8. We can learn about our mission as Christians in this world by seeing how the prologue of this fourth gospel embodies the core of John the Baptist’s mission.
What was the mission of John the Baptist?
To be a messenger of God’s grace and mercy
Zechariah and Elizabeth were John’s parents. John’s birth made it clear that he was “a man” (Luke 1:5–25; 1:57–80), and the way that several Old Testament prophecies were fulfilled during his life demonstrated that he was “sent from God” (Isaiah 40:3; Malachi 3:1; 4:5–6). He is regarded as the last of them because of his profession, which is an echo of the Old Testament prophets. God had sent him on a mission of mercy and grace. Since his name means “God has been gracious” or “the Lord has been gracious,” it appears that his message is reflected in it. God backed the message of kindness and mercy entrusted to him because he was “one sent,” a messenger of God.
Bearing witness to the light
The legal term “witness” or “testimony” refers not only to an external declaration but also to an inward conviction in the truth that the witness possesses, to the point where he is willing to lose his life in order to preserve it. John was the devoted witness who had personally witnessed the reality to which he bore witness. He publicly proclaimed Jesus Christ as the Logos of God and issued a warning against the darkness, answering the call to “bear witness to the light,” or that light which shines in the darkness (John 1:5). This appears to be one of the factors taken into consideration in this outstanding prologue for John. In order to uphold the reality that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, his witnessing was crucial (John 20:30-31).
Both prior to and throughout Jesus’ public ministry, John gave testimony. In Matthew 3:1–2, he preached, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” In John 1:29., he said, “Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world.” John wished for people to accept Christ as their Savior!
Not bearing witness to himself
John the Baptist spoke and led people to the wonderful light of Christ rather than pursuing fame or recruiting followers for himself. “He came to bear witness about the light; he was not the light.” Jesus referred to him as “a shining lamp” (John 5:35) in the same Gospel because he mirrored Christ’s kindness and grace. He was humbled in his heart by the Spirit of Christ, and he became a lampstand proclaiming the gospel in Christ.
What is our mission?
That we confess Him to be the light that drives out the darkness of sin and evil, doing so with humility in heart and a constant desire to exalt Christ. Our major aim is to spread the abundantly gracious and merciful gospel of Jesus Christ.
We carry the torch that burned as it dropped from the hands of those who sacrificed their lives to declare the death and resurrection of Jesus. We have the same objective and the same joyful message, driven by the same desire to give our power to Thee. (Frank Houghton’s hymn “Facing a task unfinished”).
