John 1:18-29 1. The presence of John signals prophecy and promise. “We need to give an answer to those who sent us…” 2. The Messenger is the first sign that you don’t know the “main event.” -The wilderness motif: 3. You don’t receive Jesus, if you don’t understand him. a. In order to understand him you need a Messenger from God! b: In order to understand him, you must commit personally. John’s baptism: -baptizo -Acts 19:1-5 -The Pharisees will understand neither the Messiah nor his messenger because they sent someone else to investigate. -Those who will understand the Messiah are those who, when the messenger arrived, came out themselves to participate. – John’s answer shows the relatively small importance of John’s preparatory ministry and preparatory baptism. – It shows the legitimating influence of Christ's arrival. In the beginning was the Word . . . and he now has sandals.

Related Topics: Christmas, Christmas, Incarnation, The Savior, Prophecy, Advent | More Messages from Pastor Nathan Sundt

From Series: "Malachi"