Come and See

30 This is he of whom I said, 'After me comes a man who ranks ahead of me because he was before me.' 31 I myself did not know him; but I came baptizing with water for this reason, that he might be revealed to Israel." 32 And John testified, "I saw the Spirit descending from heaven like a dove, and it remained on him. 33 I myself did not know him, but the one who sent me to baptize with water said to me, 'He on whom you see the Spirit descend and remain is the one who baptizes with the Holy Spirit.' 34 And I myself have seen and have testified that this is the Son of God." (John 1:30-34)

John the Baptizer was approached by temple leaders and asked to explain who he was and why he was baptizing. John refused their claims that he was the Messiah, Elijah, or even a prophet - explaining that he was the fulfillment of Isaiah 40:3 and that his baptism was only the beginning.

23 John replied in the words of Isaiah the prophet, “I am the voice of one calling in the wilderness, ‘Make straight the way for the Lord.’ ” 26 “I baptize with water,” John replied, “but among you stands one you do not know. 27 He is the one who comes after me, the straps of whose sandals I am not worthy to untie.” (John 1:23, 26-27)

John understood who he was and what his role was in the kingdom of God. John was a witness - in everything John said and did, he pointed to Jesus. We share this job description. The words we say, the way we live - rather in difficult or victorious circumstances - should point others to our Hope and our Help. It's not our job to make people believe or even to make them understand our faith, but simply to point the way, inviting all to come and see for themselves.

37 The two disciples heard him say this, and they followed Jesus. 38 When Jesus turned and saw them following, he said to them, "What are you looking for?" They said to him, "Rabbi" (which translated means Teacher), "where are you staying?" 39 He said to them, "Come and see." (John 1:37-39a)