John the Baptist is the first character we encounter in the Gospel of John, or the Fourth Gospel. In the Fourth Gospel, John’s role is primarily as a witness to Jesus as the Son of God. John was clear about what his role was – and was not: He was not the Messiah, not Elijah, and not “the prophet” (1:20-21). He testified to the light so that all might believe through him (1:6-9). John identified Jesus as the one on whom the Holy Spirit has descended and remains.
The author of this Gospel stresses that John the Baptist’s role was to prepare for and bear witness to the Messiah, asserting that John did not consider himself to be the Messiah or religious teacher that people should follow instead of Jesus (see John 3:22-30). John the Baptist serves as a model for us in understanding our role: bearing witness to Jesus, having clarity about who we are – and who we are not – and pointing others toward Christ by sharing our story about what we have seen and heard and experienced.
This message is excerpted from the Bible study “Meetings with Jesus” by Julie A. Kanarr in the January/February 2019 Gather magazine. Today we commemorate John the Baptist.
Copyright © 2025 Women of the ELCA. Inquiries for permission to reproduce should be directed to [email protected]. If you enjoy this resource, Donate Now.