John 1:34
In our culture we have become familiar with a new phrase, “fake news”. When we hear this phrase we know we need to go back and check the accuracy of the source to be sure what we are being told is true. Our parents and grand parents would have said, “Consider the source.” In either case what is being said is check to make sure your facts are accurate. In John chapter 1 the source of our information is John the Baptist. To read John the Baptist’s complete background check out Luke 1:5-80. To summarize quickly John was born to Zechariah and Elizabeth. Zechariah was serving as priest offering incense to God when he was informed God was giving him a son who would “be filled with the Holy Spirit while still in his mother’s womb. He will turn many of the sons of Israel to the Lord their God.” Vs.15 This son would make “ready the way” for the Lord.
John was born as the angel had told his parents and he did make ready the way for Jesus. In John 1:30 It says, “This is the One I told you about. After me comes a man who has surpassed me, because he existed before me.” He was not saying Jesus was older than him chronologically. He was saying Jesus was God’s Son and He was from the beginning. Jesus was indeed the “Lamb of God” as he stated in verse 29. In verse 34 John the Baptists clarifies “He is the Son of God!” To John the Baptists’ Jewish followers, especially the religious elite that listened to him this was blasphemous, but John knew the Spirit had descended on Jesus like a dove declaring Jesus to be not a son, but The Son of God when Jesus was baptized. John heard God’s voice declaring Jesus to be His Son in whom He was well pleased. John knew without a doubt Jesus’ true identity.
In our world there are many who still question the validity of that claim. They might even consider it “fake news”, but John the Baptist knew by Spirit and by sight that Jesus was the true Son of God. His testimony and that of Zechariah the priest confirmed Jesus’ identity. I pray over the next couple of weeks you too will know by Spirit and truth that Jesus is the One and Only Son of God. Pray today that your mind will be open to hear God’s voice and to see what He has in store for you. Don’t be afraid to share who Jesus is to you with others just as John did.