John 1:22-23 Then said they to him, Who are you? that we may give an answer to them that sent us. What say you of yourself?… Christ was a surprise to the world. God prepared the world for this by the ministry of the Baptist. The world has now become accustomed to the story of redemption. But the proclamation of the coming of the King in His glory is still a surprise. It runs counter to all human plans of development, is contradictory to the pride and self-confidence of men, and stands in the same relation to our ministry as did the coming of Christ as a Redeemer to that of the Baptist. That we may rightly fulfil this most responsible office, let us look at the outline of his work. These parallel and coincident offices are — I. AN ORDINANCE, NOT AN OUTGROWTH. Its origin is traced to mystery. It is not in harmony with the other voices of the world, but introduces a discord with other utterance, as students of history criticise the record. Heaven, not earth, is its source. It came by Divine ordinance, not through human development. The law of its appointment was such in John the Baptist, and is to be such in our living. 1. The motive of its fulfilment is of God. 2. The reward of fidelity is equally of Divine ordinance — does not come by natural outgrowth. The herald's work will have little accumulation of visible results. The reward is beyond. Soon shall we forget the ingratitude of earth. II. IT IS THE INSTRUMENTALITY OF ANOTHER'S INDIVIDUALITY. As if he had said, "I am the mouthpiece of one proclaiming." 1. The breath of God is the power by which our work is accomplished. Said Paul, "I live, yet not I, but Christ liveth in me." 2. The words are of God, though ours be the voice. And may I add to this thought, the very tone of such a voice is of God. III. Finally, ALL THIS IS COMBINED IN TESTIMONY. There was the simplicity of sincerity in this man. Christian workers, make it true in your own experience that ye are for Christ without qualification; and let man be helped by the testimony that springs from this deep sincerity. 1. Self-forgetful living is the first element in such testimony. 2. In such testimony there must be detaching influence. John the Baptist did not attach disciples to himself. He pointed to the Lamb of God, and his disciples left him and followed Jesus. 3. There must be plainest teaching. John the Baptist preached a single sermon, twice the same day; but while he had that sermon he needed no new one. "Behold the Lamb of God," etc. It was blessed to his hearers because it was emphasized by sincerity and consecration. Peter and Andrew knew his meaning, and comprehended that there was more in his utterance than even the words had phrased. Let us enter into this harmony of service, so that our speech shall be sustained by our silence; our conscious influence be in harmony with that which is unconscious and undesigned among our fellow-men.Conclusion: I speak to — 1. Christians that they may bear their testimony to the manifested and coming King. 2. Those who are not Christians. The voice of Christ speaks to you to-day. What answer will you give? (S. H. Tyng, D. D.) Parallel Verses KJV: Then said they unto him, Who art thou? that we may give an answer to them that sent us. What sayest thou of thyself? |
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