John 1:6-8, 15

By Dr. Ronnie Wolfe

There was a man sent from God, whose name was John.

Just to emphasize the point, the word "was" here is not the same word as "was" in verse one. Jesus "was" in an eternal existence; John "was" because he "became." He was born and did not exist before his conception.

He was a man, and he was sent from God. God has and does send people to do specific jobs. John's job was to be a witness (verse 7) of the Light (Jesus Christ). The purpose of this, as it is in all Gospel preaching, is that men might believe . . . and be saved.

John was not that Light (verse 8), for he could not fit the bill for such a grand architect as Jesus. He was not eternal; he was not all-powerful, all-wise, and all-present as Jesus was. Jesus needed a witness on the earth, and John began that witness. Later the churches of the Lord were used for that as commission was given to them.

Many a person has tried to be that Light, but everyone has fallen far short of that goal. There is no other like Jesus. He is the only way, truth, and life.

John fulfilled his mission when he bore witness of Jesus (verse 15) and said that the One coming after him is preferred before him, because he was before John. John was older than Jesus by about six months, but Jesus was still before him, for Jesus is eternal, the same yesterday, today, and forever.