19 This was John’s
testimony when the Jewish leaders sent priests and Temple assistants from
Jerusalem to ask John, “Who are you?” .... 23 John replied in the
words of the prophet Isaiah: “I am a voice shouting in the wilderness, ‘Clear
the way for the LORD’s coming!’” …. 29 The next day John saw
Jesus coming toward him and said, “Look! The Lamb of God who takes away the
sin of the world! 30 He is the One I was talking about when I
said, ‘A Man is coming after me who is far GREATER than I am, for He existed long
before me.’ 31 I did not recognize Him as the Messiah (Christ), but
I have been baptizing with water so that He might be revealed to Israel.” 32
Then John testified, “I saw the Holy Spirit descending like a dove from heaven
and resting upon Him [never to depart]. 33 I did not know He was the
One, but when God sent me to baptize with water, He told me, ‘The One on whom
you see the Spirit descend and rest is the One who will baptize with the Holy
Spirit.’ 34 I saw this happen to Jesus, so I testify that He is
the Chosen One of God.” John 1:19, 23, 29-34 New Living Translation 2nd
Edition (NLT2)
One
of the clear messages of the Holy Scriptures is salvation. Salvation means deliverance,
redemption, safety, life, and healing. The Holy Scriptures are clear: the
living LORD God is the Savior of all people, and He is our salvation (e.g.,
see Exodus 15:2; Psalm 18:46; Psalm 27:1; Isaiah 12:2; Habakkuk 3:18-19; Luke
1:47; 1 Timothy 4:10). Even more, the living LORD God, whose covenant name is
Yahweh, is King over all the earth, and only He protects and saves His
people from harm and danger (e.g., see Exodus 14:13-14; Psalm 24:1, 7-10;
Psalm 74:12; Zephaniah 3:15).[1]
The
living LORD God sent His Son Jesus into the world to save the world through Him
(e.g., see John 1:14, 29, 36; John 3:17; 1 John 4:14-15). Jesus came into the
world to seek and to save the lost (e.g., see Luke 19:10; John 12:47). Therefore,
the Lord Jesus is also our Savior, like His Father – the living LORD God of
heaven and earth (e.g., see Matthew 1:21; Luke 2:11; Acts 5:31-32). Jesus, who
is One with His Father, is the Savior of the world, and the promised Savior of
Israel (e.g., see John 4:42; John 10:30; Acts 4:10-12; Acts 13:23, 32; Jude
1:24-25). Salvation is found in our Lord Jesus and no one else, for there is
no other name under heaven given to humankind by which we must be saved (Acts
4:12; Acts 15:11; see also Matthew 1:21; Romans 11:14). Everyone that accepts
Jesus also becomes Abraham’s seed and more importantly, apart of God’s household
(e.g., see John 1:12-13; Galatians 3:29; Ephesians 2:19-22).
Here
is MORE Good News! The Sovereign LORD God has made His Son Jesus the Lord and
Savior overall (e.g., see Matthew 28:18; Acts 5:30-31; Acts 10:36). We have
peace and union with the Sovereign LORD God of
heaven and earth through His Son Jesus (e.g., see John 16:33; Romans 5:1-2, 10-11;
Acts 10:36). Through belief and obedience to Jesus, we receive forgiveness for
our sins, and we are declared righteous before the Sovereign LORD God (e.g.,
see Luke 24:27, 47; Acts 2:38-40; Acts 10:43; Acts 13:38-39). Even more, Jesus
heals all our sickness, afflictions with various diseases and pains, epilepsy,
and paralysis, and He breaks the power of the devil and demons because the
Sovereign LORD God is with Him (e.g., see Matthew 4:23-24; Matthew 8:16;
Matthew 14:14, 35-36; Matthew 15:30; Mark 1:35; Mark 3:10; Mark 6:55-56; Acts
10:38). Therefore, repent and turn to the living
Sovereign God and His Son, Jesus Christ!
Before Jesus came
to earth, the Old Testament prophets Isaiah and Malachi predicted the Sovereign
LORD would send His messenger to prepare the way before Him – the
Messiah, who is the Messenger of the covenant or promises (e.g., see Isaiah
40:3-5; Malachi 3:1). John the Baptist was the LORD’s messenger! John the
Baptist prepared the way for Jesus the Messiah’s great arrival (e.g., see Acts
13:24-25)! John the Baptist had the distinct privilege of introducing and revealing
the truth of Jesus to Israel as the Chosen One of God (John 1:7, 15, 19, 31, 34;
John 5:33; John 10:41; John 20:30-31; see also Matthew 3:3; Luke 1:17, 76-77).[2] All
four Gospels of the New Testament tells of John the Baptist’s ministry before
the arrival of Jesus’s public ministry (see Matthew 3:1-11; Mark 1:1-8; Luke
1:76; Luke 3:2-16; John 1:6-7, 15, 19-35).
John,
whose name means “God is gracious,” came as a messenger of God to tell the world
about Jesus (e.g., see Isaiah 40:3-5; Malachi 3:1; Luke 2:11; John 1:6-7; Acts
13:23). Jesus and John the Baptist were relatives as John’s mother Elizabeth
was blood-related to Jesus’ mother Mary (e.g., see Luke 1: 36-37). John the
Baptist was born six months before Jesus (see Luke 1:36). Other than Jesus, John
the Baptist is one of the most important persons in the New Testament
(e.g., see Matthew 11:11; Luke 7:28).
Before
John was born, the angel Gabriel announced to John’s father Zechariah that his
son John would be filled with Holy Spirit and Elijah’s spirit and power (see Luke
1:13-17). The Old Testament prophecies predicted Elijah would come FIRST before
the arrival of the LORD (e.g., see Malachi 4:5-6; Matthew 11:7-10; Mark 9:11). Moreover,
the angel Gabriel announced to Zechariah that his son John would be a messenger
to turn many people’s hearts to the living and Sovereign LORD God and prepare
people’s heart for the coming of the LORD (Matthew 11:10; Mark 1:2; Luke 1:17,
76; Luke 7:27; see also Malachi 3:1).
John’s
ministry was primarily located in the Bethany wilderness (also translated Bethabara
or Batanea) by the Jordan River in northern Israel (e.g., see John 1:28). The
message of John was exciting! The Sovereign LORD had been silent for over 400
hours years with the last Old Testament prophecy of Malachi given in approximately
450 to 400 BC. With Malachi’s death, the voice of God's prophets was silent for
400 years. When the people heard about John the Baptist’s message, there was anticipation
and excitement in the air. Great crowds gathered to hear John. Many people from
Jerusalem, the whole Judean countryside, and all over the Jordan Valley went
out to see John the Baptist and hear his message (e.g., see Matthew 3:5; Mark
1:5; John 10:40-41).
The
people believed that John was a true prophet sent from God (e.g., see; Matthew
14:5; Matthew 21:25-26). From birth, John’s father Zechariah called his son
John a prophet of the Most-High God (see Luke 1:76). In fact, Jesus called John
a prophet and His messenger as predicted by the Old Testament to prepare the
way for His coming (Matthew 11:7-10; Luke 7:26-27; see also Malachi 3:1; Mark
1:2).
John
the Baptist appeared like an Old Testament prophet of the LORD God. From the
beginning of his public ministry, John went into all the countryside around the
Jordan, preaching a baptism based on REPENTANCE (turning
from sin and turning to the living LORD God – Yahweh) to receive forgiveness of
sins (e.g., see Mark 1:4; Luke 3:3; Acts 13:24). Similarly, the Old Testament
prophets of God also proclaimed a message of REPENTANCE by seeking and turning
to Him and doing His good commandments and away from evil and
wickedness or they would reap His wrath (e.g., see Nehemiah 9:29-31; Isaiah
1:16-19; Jeremiah 18:11-12; Jeremiah 25:5; Jeremiah 35:17).[3] In
the Old Testament, the Sovereign LORD sent His holy prophets to warn His people
Israel and Judah: “Turn from your evil ways, and keep My commandments and My
statutes, according to all the law which I commanded your fathers, and which I
sent to you by My servants the prophets” (see 2 Kings 17:13, New King James Version).
Like the Old Testament prophets, John also warned the people to REPENT by turning
their hearts and minds towards God and producing good fruit and turning away
from disobedience, sin, and idolatry or they would reap the Sovereign LORD’s wrath
(Matthew 3:3-8; Luke 3:8-14; see also Acts 20:21; Galatians 5:19-23).[4] The
living and Sovereign LORD watches over the whole earth, and He gives justice
(e.g., see Deuteronomy 32:4; Zephaniah 3:5).
The
main reason John was called the Baptist was that he baptized people in the
Jordan River when they repented and openly confessed their sins (e.g., see
Matthew 3:6; Mark 1:5; John 1:28; Acts 19:18). John’s baptism was an outward
sign of cleansing that reflected an inward repentance from sins. Jesus
encouraged baptism by His disciples (e.g., see Matthew 28:19; Mark 16:15-16). Many
people came to John and openly confessed what they had done – their evil deeds
(Mark 1:5; see also Acts 19:18; James 5:16; 1 John 1:9). John encouraged the
people to demonstrate their repentance by their good actions and good works
(Matthew 3:8; Luke 3:8-9; see also Jeremiah 18:11; Jeremiah 35:15; Acts
26:19-20).
Interestingly,
John the Baptist’s message of repentance continued to be proclaimed by our Lord
and Savior Jesus (e.g., see Matthew 3:2; Matthew 4:17; Mark 1:15; Luke 3:3;
John 1:26, 33; Acts 1:5, 22). After John was imprisoned, Jesus proclaimed
a message of repentance to the people (e.g., see Matthew 4:12, 17; Mark
1:14-15). Moreover, Jesus sent His disciples and apostles also to preach a
message of repentance (e.g., see Mark 6:12; Luke 24:47). The early disciples
and apostles of Jesus obeyed Jesus and continued His message of REPENTANCE.
Jesus’ disciples and apostles encouraged the early church to turn away from
sins, turn to the LORD God and His Son Jesus, and demonstrate
their repentance by their good deeds (e.g., see Acts 2:38; Acts 3:19; Acts
11:16; Acts 13:24; Acts 17:30-31; Acts 26:19-20; Titus 2:11-12).
Even
more important, John declared to the people that he baptized with water but One
greater and more powerful was coming that would baptize with the Holy Spirit
and fire – the Holy Ghost (John 1:26-27, 31, 33; see also Mark 1:8; Luke 3:16;
Acts 1:5; Acts 2:3-4; Acts 11:16). Jesus’ coming would bring not only salvation
(healing) but also judgment on those who refused to turn from their sins and
turn to His Father, the living Sovereign LORD God (Matthew 4:17; Matthew
11:20-24; Mark 2:17; see also Malachi 4:5-6).[5] John’s
baptism was a baptism of repentance, and he encouraged EVERYONE to believe
in Jesus to receive a baptism with the Holy Spirit (John 1:7; see
also Mark 1:4; Acts 2:38; Acts 19:3-6).[6]
Though
John never performed a sign, all that John said about Jesus was true and many
believed in Jesus (see John 10:40-42).
When
the Jewish leadership heard about John’s ministry, they sent a committee of
priests and Temple assistants (also called Levites) from Jerusalem to ask John about
his identity (see John 1:19). The people had been waiting expectantly for years
and were all wondering in their hearts if John might be the Messiah[7]
(see Luke 3:15). John confessed and informed the Jewish leadership that he was not
the long-awaited Messiah but a messenger sent ahead of Him to prepare for His
coming (John 1:20; see also Isaiah 40:3-5; Malachi 3:1; John 3:28; Acts 13:25;
Acts 19:4).
Then,
the Jewish leaders asked John whether he was the long-awaited Elijah as
predicted by the prophets (see John 1:21). The Jews remembered that the prophet
Elijah never died, and they expected Elijah’s return in the end times (see 2
Kings 2:11; Malachi 4:5). John said that he was not Elijah (see John 1:21). As
mentioned earlier, the Old Testament prophecies predicted the prophet Elijah
would come FIRST before the arrival of the LORD (e.g., see Malachi 4:5; Matthew
11:7-10; Mark 9:11-13).[8] Although
John denied he was Elijah, John the Baptist looked and acted just like the
prophet Elijah as John dressed in camel hair like Elijah (Matthew 3:4; Mark 1:6;
see 2 Kings 1:8). Like the prophet Elijah, John called the people to REPENT by turning
from foreign gods and to worship and serve the Sovereign LORD God and obey Him
only (Matthew 3:2, 8; Luke 3:3, 8; see also Deuteronomy 6:4-6; 1 Kings 18:21,
24, 36-39). As mentioned earlier, the angel Gabriel announced to John’s father
Zechariah that his son John would be filled with the spirit and power of
Elijah (see Luke 1:17). Thus, Luke 1:17 harmonizes John’s statements as John
came “in the spirit and power of Elijah.” Presumably, John was denying that he
was the literal Elijah returned from heaven. Importantly, our Lord and Savior
Jesus precisely called and confirmed that John the Baptist was the Elijah to
come as predicted by the Old Testament prophecies (e.g., see Matthew 11:13-15; Matthew
17:10-13). John
the Baptist went before the Lord Jesus to preach a message of repentance so the
people would restore their whole hearts, lives, and minds to the
Sovereign LORD (Yahweh) so they could find salvation and deliverance (e.g., see
Malachi 4:6; Luke 1:17, 77). Thus, John was the prophet Elijah because he prepared
the way for the Lord Jesus’s coming, who is God (e.g., see Luke 1:76-77; John
1:1-5).
Next,
the Jewish leaders asked John if he was the great Prophet predicted by Moses
(John 1:21, 25; see also Deuteronomy 18:15-18). In Deuteronomy 18, the
Sovereign LORD through His prophet Moses announced to His people Israel that He
would raise up a true and great Prophet like Moses from amongst the Jewish
people of Israel (Deuteronomy 18:15-18; see also Acts 3:22-23; Acts 7:37). Moses
was a true prophet of the LORD, whom the LORD knew face to face (e.g., see Exodus
33:11; Numbers 12:8; Deuteronomy 34:10-12). Moreover, the Sovereign LORD
commanded the people to listen and obey this great Prophet (see Deuteronomy
18:15, 19). The Sovereign LORD promised that He would place His words in the
great Prophet’s mouth, and the great Prophet would tell the people everything the
Sovereign LORD command Him (Deuteronomy 18:18; e.g., see also John 14:24; John
17:8, 14). Once again, John denied that he was the great Prophet to the Jewish
authorities (see John 1:21). The Gospel writer John knew that this role of the
great Prophet predicted by Moses would ultimately be fulfilled by Jesus (see
John 1:45).
Finally,
the Jewish leaders demanded John answer as to his identity so they can report
to Jerusalem (see John 1:22). John stated that he was simply a voice from the Judean
wilderness, preaching a message of repentance as the prophets predicted,
to prepare the world for the coming of the LORD so that everyone could receive
salvation and healing through Him (John 1:23; see also Isaiah 40:3-5; Malachi
3:1; Matthew 3:1-3; Mark 1:1-3; Luke 3:2, 4-6).
Next,
some Jews who were sent by the Pharisees asked John that if he was not the
promised Messiah (Christ), the prophet Elijah, nor the great Prophet predicted
by Moses, what right did he have to baptize (John 1:24-25; see also Acts 13:25).[9] Interestingly,
the Jewish people believed the Messiah and the great Prophet would be two different
and separate people (John 1:20-21; see also John 7:40-41). John announced to
the Jews leadership that he merely baptized with water in the Jordan River
(John 1:26, 28, 31, 33; see also Matthew 3:11). However, John announced to the
Jews that right there in the crowds by the Jordan River was One that was much GREATER
and more POWERFUL because He came from heaven (John 1:15, 26-28, 30; see also Mark
1:7; Luke 3:15-17; John 3:13, 30-31; John 6:41, 51). John the Baptist rejoiced
and delighted in Jesus’ coming as Jesus spoke the words of His Father – the
Sovereign LORD of heaven and earth – as His Father gave Jesus the Spirit without
limit (see John 3:28-29, 34). As mentioned earlier, John knew that he baptized
with water; however, Jesus baptized with the Holy Spirit of God and fiery judgment
(John 1:26, 31, 33; see also Matthew 3:11; Mark 1:7-8; Luke 3:16-18; Acts 1:5; Acts
2:3-4; Acts 11:15-18; Acts 19:4-6).
The
next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and announced, “Look! There is the
Lamb of God who takes away the world’s sin” (John
1:29, 36; see also Genesis 22:8, 13; Isaiah 53:7; 1 Peter 1:19-20). Jesus
is the Sovereign LORD’s Passover Lamb (e.g., see 1 Corinthians 5:7;
Ephesians 5:2). This title of Jesus as the Lamb of God is an important title
throughout the Holy Scriptures. In one sense, the entire message of the Holy
Bible can be summed up in Jesus’ title as the Lamb of God. Some biblical
scholars see within this title Lamb of God as Jesus’ presence throughout the
Holy Scriptures:
1.
Jesus
is the Lamb given to Abraham as a substitute for Isaac (see Genesis 22:6-8, 13-14)
2.
Jesus
is the sacrificial Lamb of God predicted by Isaiah (see Isaiah 53:7; John
19:17-18)
3.
Jesus
is the spotless Passover Lamb’s blood as John 19:36 references that protected
the Jews from the LORD’s destructive plague – the destroyer – during their
great Exodus and redemption from Egyptian slavery (e.g., see Exodus 12:3-5, 7,
12-13, 21-23, 27, 29, 46; Mark 14:12-16).
4.
Jesus
is the Lamb worthy of our praise and worship (see Revelation 5:6, 8, 11-12)
Significantly,
the book of Revelation reveals Jesus the King as the mighty Apocalyptic Lamb that
entered the Throne Room of heaven and begins judgment on the wicked who rejected
Him and His Father the LORD (see Revelation 5:6; Revelation 6:1, 15-17;
Revelation 13:7; Revelation 20:12). In the book of Revelation, the Apostle John
– the same author of John’s Gospel – sees the Resurrected and Triumphant Jesus
as the Warrior Lamb deserving our worship and praise as He brings comfort and
healing to God’s people (see Revelation 5:6, 8-13; Revelation 7:17; Revelation
19:7, 9-10). Moreover, the Apostle John sees the Triumphant Lamb as the Lord of
lords and King of kings (Revelation 17:14; Revelation 19:16; see also Acts
10:36). Even more important, the Apostle John sees the new heavens and the new
earth with the living LORD God and His Son Jesus the Lamb reigning and ruling
with healing, continuous light, and glory coming from the
Throne (Revelation 21:10-11, 22-23; Revelation 22:1-5; see also Ezekiel 47:12).
Here is the GOOD NEWS! Everyone that BELIEVES IN JESUS can NOW have
streams of healing, light, and glory to come into their lives (e.g., see
John 7:37-39). Therefore, REPENT and turn to God and His Son Jesus, so that
your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshed healing may come from the
Lord (e.g., see Acts 3:19).
The
Apostle John wrote his Gospel and his letters to prove that Jesus is the
atoning sacrifice for our sins, and the sins of the whole world (e.g., see John
1:29, 36; John 3:16-17; 1 John 2:2). Jesus the Lamb was slain from the creation
of the world so we can have life through faith in Him (e.g., see Acts 2:23; 1
Peter 1:19-20; Revelation 13:8). Truly, the Sovereign LORD of heaven and
earth sent His Son Jesus to be the Savior of the world (e.g., see Matthew
1:21; Luke 2:11; John 3:16-17; John 12:47; John 4:42; 1 John 4:14). Even more, Jesus
came to earth to take away sins as the sacrificial and sinless Passover Lamb of
God on Calvary’s Cross so that we might die to sin, become healed
(saved), and live for goodness (e.g., Isaiah 53:9, 11-12; 1 Corinthians 15:3; Hebrews
9:26; 1 Peter 2:24; 1 John 3:5, 8-9). Salvation is found in our Lord Jesus
and no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to humankind by
which we must be saved (Acts 4:12; Acts 5:31; Acts 15:11; see also Matthew
1:21; Romans 11:14).
Next,
John the Baptist declared to the crowds that Jesus is the One that he was
talking about when he said, “Soon a Man far greater than I am is coming, who
existed long before me!” (see John 1:30, Living Bible Translation). As
mentioned earlier, John knew that Jesus was GREATER and more POWERFUL because
Jesus existed from beginning of time and He was from heaven (John 1:30; see
also Matthew 3:11; John 1:1-3, 15, 27; John 3:31; Acts 7:55-56). John was only
a forerunner sent by the Sovereign LORD to announce Jesus’ coming (John 1:23
see also Isaiah 40:3-5). At first, John announced to the crowd of people that
he did not know and recognize Jesus was the Chosen One of God (see John 1:26, 31,
33-34). However, John testified he came baptizing with water and preaching a
message of repentance to get Israel ready to recognize Jesus as the
God-Revealer (see John 1:31).
Then,
John testified to the crowds about seeing the Holy Spirit in the form of a dove
flying down out of heaven and resting upon Jesus (John 1:32; see also Matthew
3:16; Mark 1:10; Luke 3:22). Significantly, the Holy Spirit of God remained
with Jesus and never left Him (John 1:32-33; see also e.g., Luke 4:18-19; Acts
10:38). In the Old Testament, the prophet Isaiah saw the Servant-Messiah
receiving the Spirit permanently (Isaiah 11:2; Isaiah 61:1; see also Luke
4:18-19). The living LORD God permanently gave His Son Jesus the Spirit
without limit and without measure (see John 3:34-36).
John
the Baptist declared that he did not recognize and know Jesus at first as the
Chosen One of God (see John 1:33-34). The Sovereign LORD announced to John that
when he see the Holy Spirit descending and remaining upon Someone, then
he would know that He was the Chosen One of God (John 1:33-34; see also Matthew
3:11; Mark 1:8; Luke 3:16; John 11:27; Acts 1:5).[10] The
Chosen One of God is the One who that would baptize with the Holy Spirit (John
1:33; see also John 3:3-8). Jesus cause those who believe in Him the Holy
Spirit’s powers and graces of the new life (e.g., see John 3:3-8, 16). John the
Baptist declared that he saw the Holy Spirit descend upon Jesus and remain
upon Him, and therefore John could testify that Jesus is indeed the Chosen
One of God (John 1:34; see also Matthew 16:16).
The
Old Testament prophet Isaiah predicted the Spirit of the LORD will come and rest
on the Messiah — the Anointed Servant of God (Isaiah 11:2-3; Isaiah 42:1;
Isaiah 61:1; see also Matthew 12:18; Luke 4:18-19). When the New Testament
opens, the Sovereign LORD God anointed His Son Jesus with the Holy Spirit and power
so JESUS COULD HEAL AND SAVE those under the power of the
evil because God was with Jesus (e.g., see Matthew 4:23-25; Matthew 11:4-6;
Matthew 15:31; John 1:14, 16; Acts 10:38). Everyone that came to
Jesus, JESUS HEALED THEM ALL (e.g., see Matthew 8:14-17; Matthew
14:36; Mark 1:29-34, 40-42; Mark 3:10; Luke 6:19).
The
Gospel of John does not describe the actual baptism of Jesus like the
Synoptic Gospels – Matthew, Mark, and Luke. Instead, John’s Gospel gives the
testimony of John the Baptist where he saw the Holy Spirit coming and remaining
on Jesus (see John 1:31-34). However, the Synoptic Gospels — Matthew, Mark, and
Luke — tells the story of Jesus coming from Nazareth of Galilee to the Jordan
River to be baptized by John the Baptizer (see Matthew 3:13-17; Mark 1:9-11;
Luke 3:21-22). As soon as Jesus was baptized and came up out of the Jordan
River, the heavens opened, and John saw the Spirit of God descending like a
dove and landing on Jesus (e.g., see Matthew 3:16; Mark 1:10; Luke 3:22). Then,
the Sovereign LORD announced from His glory cloud of heaven that Jesus was
indeed His Son, whom He loved and was well pleased with Him (e.g., see Matthew
3:17; Matthew 17:5; Mark 1:11; Mark 9:7; John 12:28; 2 Peter 1:16-18).
Following
Jesus’ baptism, the next day John the Baptist was standing with two of his
disciples (see John 1:35). As Jesus walked by them, John looked at Jesus
closely, and then he powerfully again declared about Jesus, “Look! There is the
Lamb of God!” (see John 1:36, New Living Translation). As mentioned
earlier, John previously revealed Jesus’ identity at Jesus’ baptism (see John
1:29-34). No doubt some of the same committee members sent from Jerusalem were
present to hear John the Baptist’s message that Jesus is God’s Passover Lamb of
God (see John 1:29, 36).
After
hearing John’s declaration about Jesus, two of John’s disciples started following
Jesus (see John 1:37). Jesus looked around and saw John’s disciples following
Him, and He asked, “What are you seeking?” (see John 1:38, English Standard
Version). These two disciples spent the day with Jesus (see John 1:39). John
the Baptist rejoiced when people left him to follow Jesus because his ministry
focused on Jesus’s coming (see John 3:28-29). Importantly, John knew Jesus’
ministry must increase, but he must decrease because Jesus is GREATER as He
comes from heaven (see John 3:30-31).
John’s
two disciples called Jesus “Rabbi” (which translated means “Teacher” or
“Master”), and they informed Jesus that they wanted to follow Him (see John
1:38-39). In first-century Palestine, many people called Jesus Rabbi or
Teacher, including respected Jewish leaders, like Nicodemus (e.g., see Mark
10:51; John 1:49; John 3:1-2; John 4:31; John 6:25; John 9:2; John 20:16). In
Hebrew, “rabbi” means “my great one.” Rabbi is used to recognize a teacher of
the Scriptures. During Jesus’ public ministry, He taught with authority and
power unlike many other Jewish teachers because Jesus spoke and taught God’s
Words (e.g., see Mark 1:21-22; Mark 6:1-2; Luke 4:22; Luke 5:1; John 7:15).
One
of John’s two disciples that heard John’s testimony or witness about Jesus was named
Andrew, and Andrews was Simon Peter’s brother (see John 1:40). Many biblical
scholars believe the other unnamed disciple of John the Baptizer was John, who
authored this Gospel.
Afterwards,
Andrew then went to find his brother Simon and told him, “We have found the
Messiah (which means Christ)”[11]
(see John 1:41, English Standard Version). Andrew immediately led Simon to meet
Jesus (see John 1:42). There was no question in Andrew’s mind that Jesus was
the long-awaited Messiah. Not only did Andrew tell his brother Simon, but he
was also eager to introduce others to Jesus the Messiah (e.g., see John 6:8-9;
John 12:22).
When
Jesus first met and saw Simon, Jesus looked carefully at Simon for a moment and
then said, “You are Simon, John’s son — but you shall be called Peter, the Rock!”
(see John 1:42, Living Bible Translation). Other biblical translations such as
the New Living Translation and English Standard Version states that Jesus said,
“Your name is Simon, son of John — but you will be called Cephas” (which means
“Peter”) (John 1:42; see also John 21:15-17). Other translations read, “Simon,
son of Jonah” or “Simon, son of Joannes” (see also Matthew 16:17). The names
Cephas (from Aramaic) and Peter (from Greek) both means “rock” (see also
Matthew 16:18). Cephas and Peter are from the word for “rock” or “stone” in
Aramaic and Greek. The Aramaic word for rock is the parallel to the Greek word
“petros” from which the English name Peter is derived.[12] Jesus
named Simon the Rock because he would later become a great church leader after
Jesus’ death and ascension to heaven (e.g., see Acts chapter 1 through 5, Acts
chapters 8 through 12, and Acts chapter 15).
Interestingly,
the Synoptic Gospels – Matthew, Mark, and Luke – have a different version of
Jesus’ calling of His first disciples (apostles). According
to the Synoptic Gospels, Jesus was walking beside the Sea of Galilee, when
He saw two brothers, Simon called Peter and his brother Andrew (see Matthew
4:18; Mark 1:16). Simon and his brother Andrew were casting a net into the
lake, for they were fishermen (see Matthew 4:18; Mark 1:16). Jesus called Simon
and his brother Andrew to come and follow Him, so they could become fishermen
of people (see Matthew 4:19; Mark 1:17). At once, Simon
called Peter and his brother Andrew left their nets and immediately followed Jesus
(see Matthew 4:20; Mark 1:18). Then, Jesus saw two other brothers, James son of
Zebedee and his brother John (see Matthew 4:21; Mark 1:19). James and his
brother John were in a boat with their father Zebedee as they were also
fishermen like Simon and Andrew (see Matthew 4:21; Mark 1:19; Luke 5:10). Like
Simon and his brother Andrew, James and his brother John immediately they left
their fishing boat, everything, and followed Jesus (see Matthew 4:22; Mark 1:20; Luke
5:10-11).
Interestingly,
the Synoptic Gospels show the disciples dropping their fishing nets to follow
Jesus instantly. However, John’s Gospel describes a more gradual process. When
two of John’s disciples grew curious, Jesus invited them to come and spend a
day with Him (see John 1:37-39). Soon, these two disciples were ready to tell
others what they had seen and heard about Jesus.
Moreover,
the Gospel of Matthew has a different version of Jesus’ naming of Simon,
Andrew’s brother. According to Matthew’s Gospel, when Jesus came to the region
of Caesarea Philippi, He identified Simon Peter as Simon son of Jonah. Jesus called
Simon Peter a rock or stone (see Matthew 16:17). As mentioned earlier, the name
Peter in Greek means Petros and can be translated as “rock” or “rock-man.” Even
more, Jesus informed Peter that upon this rock He will build and put
together His church, a church so expansive with energy (power) that not even
the gates of hell will overcome His church (see Matthew 16:18). Peter was
uniquely used by God to build Jesus Christ’s church (e.g., see Acts 2:14-42; Acts
3:1-26; Acts 10:27-48). The house of God – believers in Christ Jesus – are built
on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus Himself as
the chief Cornerstone or the chosen and precious living Stone (see Ephesians
2:19-20; 1 Peter 2:4-6). In Christ Jesus, foreigners and strangers are fellow
citizens with God’s people (the Jews) and jointed together to become a holy
temple in the Lord (see Ephesians 2:21). Importantly, all God’s people are
fellow citizens and being built together to become a dwelling in which God
lives by His Spirit by faith and trust in Christ Jesus as our Lord and Savior (see Ephesians
2:22; 1 Corinthians 3:16).
Later
at Caesarea Philippi, Simon Peter would make one of the most foundational
statements of the Christian faith about Jesus: “You are the Messiah, the Son
of the living God” (see Matthew 16:16, 20; Mark 8:29; Luke 9:20; John 11:27).
In the New Testament, the word Messiah translates the Greek word for Christos
or Christ, which means Anointed One (see Matthew 1:17). Messiah (Hebrew term)
and Christ (Greek term) both means “Anointed One” (John 1:41; see also John
4:25). For the Jews, the Messiah was the same as “Son of God” (see Matthew
26:63-64; Mark 14:61-62; Luke 22:67-70). Moreover, when the Jews spoke about
their Messiah, they were also thinking of the King from David’s family line who
would come to deliver them and establish God’s Kingdom (see Matthew 1:1, 16-17).
For
centuries, the Jews had been waiting for the great Messiah-King from David’s
family line that would come and lead God’s people (e.g., see 2 Samuel 5:1-2; 2
Samuel 7:12-16; Psalm 23:1; Jeremiah 23:3-6; Ezekiel 34:11-16, 23-30; Ezekiel
37:22, 24-25; Micah 5:2, 4; Matthew 2:6). The Jews writers held onto the LORD
of Heaven’s Armies’ great promise (covenant) He made with David, and they
predicted a good, wise, just, honest, and moral Messiah-King and Priest would Branch
from David’s family line and lead the people as their Righteous LORD and King forever
(e.g., see 2 Samuel 7:12-16; 1 Chronicles 17:10-15, 17, 25-27; Isaiah 4:2;
Isaiah 11:1; Jeremiah 23:5-6; Jeremiah 30:9; Jeremiah 33:14-22).[13]
Even more, the Old Testament writers predicted a great King from David’s family
line would not only rule the Jewish people but the entire world (e.g.,
see 2 Samuel 7:12-16; 1 Kings 2:4; Psalm 89:3-4; Psalm 132:11-12; Isaiah 4:2;
Isaiah 9:6-7; Isaiah 11:1, 10; Jeremiah 23:5-6; Ezekiel 37:24-25; Micah 5:2).
After
Jesus’ calling of his first three apostles (disciples), the next day Jesus
decided to go to Galilee (see John 1:43). Galilee was in the northern region of
Israel (Palestine), and this region included a mixture of Jews and Gentiles
(e.g., see Matthew 4:15-16). While in Galilee, Jesus found Philip, and Jesus
invited Philip to come and follow Him (see John 1:43). Interestingly, Jesus
called Philip personally, and Philip without hesitation trusted and followed Jesus.
Philip is listed in the Synoptic Gospels and the book of Acts with the Twelve
apostles (e.g., see Matthew 10:3; Mark 3:18; Luke 6:14; Acts 1:13). However,
John’s Gospel tells the most about Philip (e.g., see John 1:43-44; John 6:5-7;
John 12:21-22; John 14:8-9).
Philip
was from the town of Bethsaida, which was the same hometown of Andrew and his
brother Simon Peter (John 1:44; see also John 12:21). Bethsaida
was in Galilee (see John 12:21). Bethsaida was a village in the Galilee region.
Interestingly, Jesus’ disciples (believers) came from Galilee (e.g., see
Matthew 4:18, John 1:43-44; Acts 1:11; Acts 2:7). Furthermore, Jesus’ major
public ministry was in Galilee, and He did His first of His signs (miracles) in
Cana of Galilee through which He revealed His glory (see John 2:11). Importantly,
Galilee would also become the location of Jesus’ first public sermon – a
message of repentance and hope (e.g., see Matthew 4:12, 17; Mark 1:14-15; Luke
4:14-21; Acts 5:31).
Afterwards,
Philip found Nathanael and said to him, “We have found the Messiah” (see John
1:45, New Living Translation). In another translation, Philip told Nathanael, “We
have found the One Moses wrote of in the Law, the One preached by the prophets”
(see John 1:45, the Message Bible). Philip knew Moses in the Law, all the
Old Testament Prophets, and the Psalms wrote about Jesus the Messiah (Luke
24:27, 44-45; John 5:46; Acts 7:52; Acts 9:22; Acts 10:43; Romans 1:2; Romans
3:21; see also e.g., Genesis 3:15; Genesis 12:3; Numbers 21:9; Numbers 24:17;
Deuteronomy 18:15-18; 2 Samuel 7:12-16; Isaiah 7:14; Isaiah 9:6-7; Isaiah
40:10-11; Isaiah 52:13-53:12; Isaiah 61:1-2;
Jeremiah 23:5-6; Ezekiel 34:23; Daniel 7:13; Daniel 9:24-27; Micah 5:2;
Zechariah 9:9-10; Zechariah 12:10; Malachi 3:1). Jesus was the goal of the
Old Testament prophets as the Old Testament writings pointed to Him (see
Luke 24:27, 44-47; John 5:39-40; Romans 1:2; Romans 3:21). Even more, Jesus
brought God’s glory to earth (e.g., see John 1:14; John 12:41). Truly, Jesus is
the Son of God and the long-awaited Messiah (Christ) promised by the Old
Testament prophets (e.g., see John 20:30-31; Acts 5:42; Acts 9:20, 22; Acts
13:27, 32; Acts 17:2-3; Acts 18:5, 28).[14]
As
mentioned earlier, Moses in the Law and the Prophets wrote about the coming
Messiah and the great Prophet (e.g., see Deuteronomy 18:15-18; Isaiah
52:13-53:12; Luke 16:29, 31; Acts 10:43; Acts 26:22-23). In fact, the prophet
Isaiah saw Jesus’ glory and spoke about Him (e.g., see Isaiah 6:1-4; John
12:41). Initially, most Jews thought that Joshua was the Prophet predicted by
Moses in Deuteronomy 18:15 as Joshua led Israel into the Promised Land after
Moses’ death (e.g., see Numbers 27:18; Deuteronomy 34:9; Joshua 1:1-9). Moreover,
some Muslims believe Deuteronomy 18:15 refers to the coming of Muhammad. In the
book of Acts, both Peter and Stephen clearly identified Jesus as the
fulfillment of this prophecy from Deuteronomy 18:15 (see Acts 3:22; Acts
7:37).
Initially,
many Jews expected the Prophet and the Messiah to be two distinct persons (e.g.,
see John 1:20-21; John 7:40-41). However, the Christian view unites the
long-awaited Messiah and Prophet into the one Person of Jesus Christ. The
Apostle Peter and many other Jews of Palestine knew Jesus was the great Prophet
and Messiah (e.g., see Acts 3:21-24). As Jesus’ continued His earthly ministry,
the Jewish crowds called Jesus, “the prophet from Nazareth in Galilee” (see Matthew
21:11, King Jesus Version).
The
first century Jews of Palestine considered Jesus to be a prophet (e.g., see Matthew
21:46; John 9:17). Jesus was powerful in both word and good deeds before God
and all the people because God was with Him (e.g., see Luke 24:19; Acts 10:38).
Throughout His public ministry, Jesus raised the dead, healed the sick, gave
sight to the blind, and brought hope of a new life, and news about Jesus
spread
throughout Judea and the surrounding country (e.g., see Matthew 4:23-25; Matthew
9:18-26; Matthew 11:2-6; Mark 2:3-12; Mark 6:32-40; Luke 7:11-17). Therefore,
many Jews considered Jesus the long-awaited great Prophet and Messiah predicted
by Moses after seeing Jesus’ miraculous signs
He performed (Luke 7:16; John 4:19, 25-26; John 6:14; John 7:40-41; Acts
3:18-23; Acts 7:37; see also Deuteronomy 18:15-18). Even Jesus’ apostles and
political officials thought Jesus was Elijah, Jeremiah, or like one of the
prophets of long ago (e.g., see Matthew 16:14; Mark 6:15; Mark 8:28; Luke
9:7-9, 18-19).
Jesus
the Messiah (Christ) is the great and final Prophet of God predicted by Moses and
the prophets (Luke 24:19; John 1:21, 25, 45; John 6:14; John 7:40; Acts 3:18-26;
Acts 7:37; see also Deuteronomy 18:15-18). The prophet Moses wrote about
Jesus (John 5:45-47; Luke 24:27; e.g., see Genesis 3:15; Genesis 12:3; Numbers
21:9; Deuteronomy 18:15-18; John 3:14). Like Moses and many other true prophets
of God, Jesus spoke God’s true word (Deuteronomy 18:18; see also e.g., Exodus
4:15-16; Exodus 7:1-2; Jeremiah 1:9; John 3:34). Jesus spoke the words His
Father – the Sovereign LORD God of heaven and earth – had given Him to speak
(e.g., see John 8:27-30; John 12:49-50; John 14:24; John 17:8, 14).
After
that, Philip informed Nathanael that the Messiah’s name is Jesus, the son of
Joseph from Nazareth (John 1:45; see also Matthew 2:23). Nathanael shouted and
said to Philip, “Can anything good come out of
Nazareth?” (see John 1:46, English Standard Version). As background, Jesus the
Messiah-King and Savior was born in Bethlehem (southern Israel) in the city of
David, as predicted by the Old Testament prophet Micah (Matthew 1:1, 16-17,
21-23; Matthew 2:1-2, 5-6; Luke 2:4-7, 10-11; see also Micah 5:2). However,
Jesus grew up and lived in a small town called Nazareth located in Galilee
(northern Israel) with His parents, Joseph and Mary (see Matthew 1:16; Matthew
2:23; Mark 1:9; John 6:42). In the Holy Scriptures, Jesus is sometimes called
“Jesus of Nazareth” or “Jesus the Nazarene” (e.g., see Matthew 2:23; Matthew
21:11; Matthew 26:71; Mark 10:47; John 18:5, 7; John 19:19; Acts 4:10; Acts
22:8; Acts 24:5). Nazareth was Joseph and Mary’s hometown; however, Joseph was
also a descendant of King David (see Matthew 1:20; Luke 1:26-27; Luke 2:4; see
also 2 Samuel 7:12-16). When Jesus lived, Nazareth was a small town with a negative
or bad reputation at this period (e.g., see John 1:46; John 7:52).
Importantly,
Philip informed Nathanael that Jesus the Messiah is the son of Joseph (John
1:45; see also Matthew 2:23). In the Scriptures, Jesus is also often called “son
of Joseph” (e.g., see John 1:45; John 6:42). Jesus was thought to be the son of
Joseph (e.g., see Luke 1:27; Luke 3:23). Joseph was Jesus’ legal, though not
natural, father. Notably, Jesus was the Son of the living Sovereign LORD God of
heaven and earth (e.g., see Matthew 14:33; Matthew 16:16; Mark 1:1; Luke
1:30-33, 35; Luke 22:70; John 20:30-31).
Notably, Philip
invited Nathanael to come and meet Jesus (see John 1:46). Philip led others to
Jesus too (e.g., see John 12:21-22). Philip’s invitation is the GREATEST
Nathanael will ever receive! Philip asked Nathanael to come Jesus, who is
God’s grace and truth (see John 1:14). Jesus is the Prince of God, Savior of
the world, and He is Lord (e.g., see Matthew 1:21; Luke 2:11; John 3:16-17;
John 4:42; Acts 5:31; Romans 10:9). The living Sovereign LORD God sent His Son
Jesus to be the Savior of the world (e.g., see 1 John 4:14). Everyone who
believes and obeys Jesus also receives the Holy Spirit of God and adoption into
the living Sovereign LORD God’s family (e.g., see John 1:12-13; John 3:3-8;
Acts 5:32; 1 John 4:15-16). Through Jesus, we receive salvation (healing and
safety), changed hearts and lives, and have our sins forgiven (e.g., see Luke
24:47; Acts 4:12; Acts 10:43; Acts 13:23). Jesus is the Author of life and
the Light of the world (e.g., see John 1:4-5; John 8:12; John 12:35-36,
44-47). The Apostle Paul personally saw the Light of Jesus on the Damascus
Road (e.g., see Acts 9:3-5; Acts 22:6-8; Acts 26:13-15).
Many scholars
believe Nathanael was probably Bartholomew from the Synoptic Gospels (Matthew,
Mark, and Luke) and the book of Acts. The Gospel of John never mentions
Bartholomew, but the other three other Gospel writers and the book of Acts name
Bartholomew and not Nathanael (see Matthew 10:3; Mark 3:18; Luke 6:14). Thus, some
scholars believe that Nathanael and Bartholomew are the same person. Philip is
linked with Bartholomew in the lists of names in the Synoptic Gospels (Matthew
10:3; Mark 3:18; Luke 6:14), so it is possible that Philip and Bartholomew were
“paired off” and served together. The name “Nathanael” means “God gives” or God
has givem.”
Jesus called and
appointed Twelve disciples (believers, learners) to continually be with Him,
and He also designated the Twelve as His apostles (see Mark 3:13-14; Luke 6:12-13).
Also, Jesus sent these Twelve out to preach (see Mark 3:14), and He gave the
Twelve authority to drive out demons (unclean or evils spirits) and to heal
every disease and sickness (see Matthew 10:1; Mark 3:14-15; Luke 9:1-2).
These are the
names of the Twelve apostles Jesus appointed: Simon (to whom He gave the name
Peter), his brother Andrew, James son of Zebedee and his brother John (to them
he gave the name Boanerges, which means “sons of thunder”), Philip, Bartholomew
(Nathanael), Matthew the tax collector, Thomas, James son of Alphaeus,
Thaddaeus (also known as Judas son of James), Simon who was called the Zealot, and
Judas Iscariot, who became a traitor and betrayed Him (see Matthew 10:2-4; Mark
3:16-19; Luke 6:14-16; Acts 1:13). These Twelve apostles were ordinary people
from all walks of life — fishermen, political activists, and tax collectors —
who accepted the calling of Jesus (e.g., see Matthew 4:18-22; Matthew 9:9; John
21:2). From these Twelve apostles along with the prophets, the Sovereign LORD
God has joined His people the Jews together with Gentiles (non-Jews) into one
family through wholehearted faith and obedience to Him and His Son Jesus
(e.g., see John 1:12-13; Ephesians 2:11-19). Jews and Gentiles together are the
Sovereign LORD’s house, built on the foundation of the apostles and the
prophets with Jesus the Messiah joining Jews and Gentiles as the Cornerstone of
God’s house (Ephesians 2:20-22; see also Matthew 16:18-20; Revelation 21:14). Truly,
Jesus is the chief Cornerstone and the head of God’s people – the Church (e.g.,
see Matthew 21:42; Luke 20:17; Acts 4:11; Ephesians 1:22-23)!
As mentioned
earlier, in John’s Gospel, there was a chain of evangelism. First, John the
Baptist pointed out Andrew and John to Jesus as the Lamb of God (see John 1:35-40).
Then, Andrew brought his brother Simon Peter to Jesus (see John 1:40-42).
Afterward, Jesus found and called Philip to follow Him, and Philip brought
Nathanael to Jesus (see John 1:43-49). The Synoptic Gospels – Matthew, Mark,
and Luke – shows the disciples dropping their nets and immediately following
Jesus. However, John’s Gospel describes a more gradual process (see John 1:35-49).
Next,
Nathanael came to Jesus (see John 1:47). As Nathanael approached Him, Jesus said
of Nathanael, “Here comes an honest man — a true son of Israel” (see John 1:47,
Living Bible Translation). Jesus knew Nathanael’s
heart, and He found Nathanael to be a true Israelite with no deceit and no dishonesty
(John 1:47; see also Zephaniah 3:13; Romans 9:4-6; Revelation 14:5). Jesus
found Nathanael as a genuine son of Israel — a man of complete integrity
without a false bone in his body (John 1:47; see also Psalm 32:2). God is good
to those who are pure in heart (e.g., see Psalm 24:4; Psalm 73:1; Matthew 5:8).
Then,
Nathanael asked Jesus how He knew him (see John 1:48). Jesus answered Nathanael
that He saw him under the fig tree before Philip found him (John 1:48; see also
John 2:24-25). As God incarnate, Jesus is all-knowing (omniscient) and universal
(omnipresent), and He knows what is really inside a person’s heart and mind
(e.g., see 2 Chronicles 6:30; Jeremiah 17:10; Ezekiel 11:5; Matthew 9:4; John
2:24-25; John 13:11; Revelation 2:23). Even more, Jesus is the Messiah, and He is
all knowing (e.g., see Matthew 1:1, 16-17; John 4:25-26, 29). Jesus, John the
Baptist, and the first apostles of Jesus were Jews, and they were born in first
century Palestine. Jesus is a Jew descended from the people of Israel, and He
is the Messiah, who is God overall and forever praised (e.g., see John 1:1; Romans
1:3-4; Romans 9:4-5; Colossians 2:9).
Then,
Nathanael made an important confession of faith about Jesus. Nathanael’s
climax confession announced to Jesus, “You are the Son of God — the King of
Israel” (see John 1:49, New Living Translation). Like John the Baptist’s two
other disciples, Nathanael called Jesus “Rabbi,” which means Teacher (see John
1:38, 49). Even more important, Nathanael confessed that Jesus was the Son of
the living God and the long-awaited King of Israel (John 1:49; see also Matthew
2:2; Matthew 16:16; Matthew 27:11; Luke 22:70; Luke 23:3; John 1:14, 18; John
3:16; John 18:33-37, 39). Everyone on the said of truth accepts and obeys Jesus
as King because Jesus is the Truth (integrity, honesty) (e.g., see John
1:14, 17; John 10:16, 27; John 14:6; John 18:37; 1 John 5:20).
Finally,
Jesus said to Nathanael, “Do you believe simply because I told you I saw you
under the fig tree?” (see John 1:50, New Century Version). Jesus announced to Nathanael
that he will see greater proofs of His identity when he sees heaven open and
the angels of God coming back and forth to Him as the Messiah (see John 1:50-51).
Some biblical translations such the English Standard Version translates verse
51 as “the angels of God ascending and descending on the Son of Man” (see John
1:51, English Standard Version). Significantly, some biblical translations such
the New Living Translation translates verse 51 as follows: “You will all see
heaven open and the angels of God going up and down on the Son of Man, the One
who is the stairway between heaven and earth” (see John 1:51, New Living
Translation).
Incredibly,
the opening chapter of John’s Gospel gives Jesus many important titles from His
disciples: the Word (see John 1:1), God (see John 1:1), Creator (see John 1:3),
Light (see John 1:7), only begotten God (see John 1:18), Lamb of God (see John
1:29, 36), the God’s Chosen One or the Elect One (see John 1:34), Son of God (see
John 1:34, 49), Rabbi (see 1:38, 49), Messiah (see John 1:41), the One whom
Moses wrote about in the Law and whom the prophets also wrote (see John 1:45), King
of Israel (see John 1:49), and finally Son of Man (see John 1:51). “Son of Man”
was Jesus’ favorite titles for Himself (e.g., see Mark 8:31). Throughout the
four New Testament Gospels, the “Son of Man” it is used eighty-three times in
the Synoptic Gospels (Matthew, Mark, and Luke) and at least thirteen times in
John’s Gospel.
The
title “Son of Man” speaks of Jesus’ identity as both God and Man. In the book
of Daniel, the “Son of Man” is presented as coming in the glory cloud to the Ancient
of Days – the Sovereign LORD God (Daniel 7:13 see also e.g., Matthew 16:27-28; Matthew 24:30; Matthew 26:64; Mark
14:61-62; Revelation 1:7; Revelation 14:14). Moreover, the prophet Daniel sees
the Son of Man receiving an everlasting dominion, glory, and kingdom so
that all peoples, nations, and languages should serve Him (Daniel 2:44; Daniel
7:14; see also Isaiah 9:6-7; Matthew 28:18; John 3:35; Philippians 2:9-11; Revelation
11:15).
As
the Son of Man, Jesus is now the stairway or ladder between heaven and earth,
and this explains Jesus’ reference to “Jacob’s ladder” in Genesis 28 (see also
John 14:6; Romans 5:1-2; Ephesians 2:18; Ephesians 3:12). The Sovereign LORD
God sent His Son Jesus to announce the good news of peace with Him through His
Son Jesus, who is Lord of all (e.g., see Luke 2:13-14; Acts 10:36; Romans 5:1-2).
For there
is one God and one Mediator or go-between God and humankind, and His name is Jesus
Christ (e.g., see 1 Timothy 2:5). Jesus unites and reconciles God and humankind
through His death on the Cross, that forgives our sins (e.g., see 2 Corinthians
5:17-21; Hebrews 9:15; Hebrews 12:24).
Originally,
the Sovereign LORD called the chosen patriarchal family – Abraham, then
Abraham’s son Isaac, and later Isaac’s son Jacob, later renamed “Israel,” which
means “prince of God,” to be His “living link” and blessing ladder between
heaven and earth (e.g., see Genesis 12:1-3; Genesis 22:18; Genesis 26:4; Genesis
28:12-15; Genesis 32:28; Deuteronomy 4:5-8; Nehemiah 9:5-7). In the Old
Testament, Israel is called God’s son (e.g., see Exodus 4:22; Deuteronomy 1:31;
Deuteronomy 32:6; Jeremiah 31:9, 20; Hosea 11:1). The people of Israel belong
to the Sovereign LORD as His special possession and treasure (e.g., see Exodus
19:5-6; Deuteronomy 7:6; Psalm 135:2). The Sovereign LORD God gave the people
of Israel adoption to sonship, the divine glory, the covenants, the receiving
of the Law, the Temple worship, and entrusted Israel with the very words of God
(e.g., see Deuteronomy 32:9-12; Psalm 147:19-20; Isaiah 2:3; Acts 7:38; Romans
3:1-2; Romans 9:4). From the patriarchs (Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob) is traced
the human ancestry of Jesus the Messiah, who is forever God over all (e.g., see
Romans 9:5; Romans 11:26-27). Jesus is the Savior from the Jews of Israel
(e.g., see Matthew 2:4-5; John 4:22; Acts 13:23). In John’s Gospel, Jesus is
presented as the successor to Israel or as the better Israel and most
importantly the Son of God (e.g., see John 1:14, 18, 51; John 3:16, 18).
Now,
Jesus informed Nathanael that He is the bridge or stairway to the Sovereign LORD God of heaven and His grace
(John 1:14, 51; see also John 14:6). In verse 51, Jesus announced to Nathanael that
he would “see heaven opened, and the angels of God ascending and descending on
the Son of Man,” which recalls the story of Jacob in Genesis 28 (see John 1:51,
English Standard Version). In Genesis 28, Jacob dreamed about a stairway on which he
saw angels “going up and down” (see Genesis 28:12). In Jesus, heaven was once
again opened! Jesus came down from heaven so we can all have access to the
Sovereign LORD God heaven through faith in Him (e.g., see John 3:13; John 6:38,
41-42, 51). Jesus is God come in the flesh! In Jesus and through faith in Him,
we have a better access to the Sovereign LORD God of heaven and earth with
freedom and confidence (e.g., see Ephesians 2:18; Ephesians 3:12; Hebrews
4:14-16; Hebrews 10:19-20). One day, Jesus will once again return in the glory
cloud to Palestine – the gate of heaven (e.g., see Genesis 28:15-19; Matthew
16:27; Matthew 26:64; Acts 1:11; Acts 3:21; 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17; Revelation
1:7). In the Old Testament, Jacob called the stairway to heaven Bethel, which
means the house of God (see Genesis 28:12, 15-19). Now, Jesus is the new
Bethel, and the new Israel because He is the house where the
Sovereign LORD God lives (e.g., see John 1:14, 16).
Knowing
all these wonderful facts about the Sovereign LORD God and His Son, Jesus the
Lamb, we must all REPENT and turn away from sin and evil! Seek the Sovereign LORD God and His Son Jesus and humbly do
what is right, fair, and good towards ALL PEOPLE (e.g.,
see 2 Chronicles 7:13-14; Isaiah 1:17; Amos 5:4, 6, 14-15; Micah 6:6-8; Zephaniah
2:3; Acts 2:38). Obedience, goodness, fairness, faith, and mercy please the
Sovereign LORD God and His Son Jesus (e.g., see Deuteronomy 32:3-4; Isaiah 58:6-14;
Matthew 23:23; Acts 5:29-32). Such good behavior will save you from the Sovereign
LORD God and His Son Jesus’s coming wrath and judgment (e.g., see Isaiah
56:1-2; Jeremiah 18:8-10; Joel 2:13-14; Jonah 3:4-10). REPENT and TURN to the Sovereign LORD God and His Son Jesus and receive peace,
healing, and refreshment from heaven, otherwise, you will receive the Sovereign
LORD God and His Son Jesus’s punishment (e.g., see Isaiah 9:6-7; Isaiah 26:3-4,
21; Acts 3:19-20).
References
Apologetics Study
Bible: Understanding Why You Believe (Nashville, TN:
Holman Bible Publishers, 2012).
ESV Study Bible,
English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2008).
Life Application Study Bible (Carol
Stream, IL: Tyndale House, 1971).
Message Bible
(Colorado Springs, CO: NavPress, 2002).
New Student Bible (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 1992).
Ryrie Study Bible
(Chicago, IL: Moody, 1995).
The Living Bible
Paraphrase (Tyndale House, 1971).
Zondervan NIV
Study Bible (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2008).
Carson, D.A. The Gospel According
to John (Grand Rapids, MI: William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company, 1991).
Wiersbe, Warren W. Bible Exposition Commentary – New Testament
(Victor Books, 1989).
[1]
The LORD is a transliteration or conversion of the proper name YHWH that is
sometimes rendered “Jehovah” or “Yahweh” (e.g., see Exodus 20:7; Leviticus
24:16). The LORD of the entire heavens and earth is God Almighty, translated in
Hebrew meaning “El Shaddai” (shuh-DYE). Also, the LORD is the God of Abraham,
the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, and He revealed His Name (character) to
Moses (see Exodus 6:2-3). Importantly, the LORD is His eternal Name to remember
for all generations (e.g., see Genesis 4:26; Genesis 14:22; Genesis 26:22; Exodus
3:14-15). In the Gospel of John, Jesus revealed His Father, the living LORD God
of heaven and earth, to the world (e.g., see John 1:1-5, 14, 18; John 6:38, 42;
John 13:1, 3).
[2]
Both Messiah (Hebrew) and Christ (Greek) mean “Anointed One” or “God’s Chosen
Instrument.” By the first century, the term Messiah had come to refer
specifically to Jesus the Savior from King David’s family line who would
deliver God’s people (e.g., see Matthew 1:1, 16-17, 21; John 1:34).
[3]
Unfortunately, Israel and Judah ignored the Sovereign LORD’s warnings to
repent, and they experienced His wrath. In 722 BC, the northern kingdom of
Israel was invaded and destroyed by the Assyrians (see 2 Kings 17:7-23). Then
in 586 BC, the Sovereign LORD allowed the southern kingdom of Judah, Jerusalem,
and the Temple to be destroyed by the Babylonians (see 2 Kings 25:1-21; 2
Chronicles 36:15-21; Jeremiah 52:4-27).
[4]
Sadly, the people of God once again ignored John and the others message of
repentance, and they experienced the Sovereign LORD’s wrath. In AD 70, the Sovereign
LORD allowed Jerusalem and the Temple to be destroyed by the Roman army, and
thereby ending the Jewish sacrificial system. Nevertheless, Stephen’s preaching
tended to free Christian thinking from the necessity of a Temple (see Acts
7:46-50), and the apostle Paul taught Jesus’ church with His obedient believers
are the new Temple (e.g., see 1 Corinthians 3:16-17; 1 Corinthians 6:19-20).
Even more, the apostle John in the book of Revelation envisioned the Temple
will ultimately be realized in the “new Jerusalem” (see Revelation 21:1-2).
[5]
Interestingly, the Old Testament prophets like Zephaniah and Amos also warned
the people seek the living LORD God and humbly do His good
commands of mercy, fairness, and love towards all to find life or they would
reap the living LORD God’s wrath and destruction (e.g., see Amos 5:4, 6,
14-15, Zephaniah 2:1-3).
[6]
Jewish baptisms were ritual washings for becoming ceremonially pure following
contact with impurity (e.g., see Leviticus 8:6; Numbers 19:7). John the
Baptist’s announcement of the Messiah’s arrival required that participants
confessed their sins and be baptized (see Matthew 3:6; Mark 1:5; Luke 3:3).
Baptism later became a symbol of membership into Jesus’ Kingdom (e.g., see John
3:22, 26; John 4:1-2; Acts 2:38).
[7]
Messiah is the Hebrew form of the Greek name Christ or Christos, which means
Anointed One (John 1:41; John 4:25-26; see also Matthew 1:16-17).
[8]
Elijah was one of the greatest prophets who ever lived along with the prophet
Moses. Like the prophet Moses, Elijah called the people to turn from their
foreign gods and wickedness and to worship and serve the Sovereign LORD God and
obey His commands (1 Kings 18:36-39; see also Deuteronomy 6:4-6; Deuteronomy
11:1-32). Interestingly, the prophets Elijah and Moses met with Jesus during
His public ministry (see Matthew 17:3-4; Mark 9:4-5; Luke 9:30-33). To learn more about the prophet Elijah and
his powerful ministry read 1 Kings 17 through 2 Kings 2.
[9]
The Pharisees were deeply devoted to the Holy Scriptures and earnestly desired
a righteous life. Some Pharisees became believers in Jesus, including the Nicodemus
and the apostle Paul (e.g., see John 3:1-5; John 7:50; Acts 15:5; Acts 23:6;
Acts 26:5; Philippians 3:5).
[10]
Some biblical translations reference the Chosen One as the “Son of God” (e.g.,
see John 1:34, King James Version).
[11]
In the New Testament, the word Messiah translates the Greek word for Christos
or Christ, which means Anointed One (see Matthew 1:17). Messiah (Hebrew term)
and Christ (Greek term) both means “Anointed One” (see also John 4:25). Jesus
the Messiah (Christ) is of God, and He is the Son of the living God (e.g., see
Matthew 16:16, 20; Mark 8:29; Mark 15:39; Luke 9:20; John 20:30-31; 1
Corinthians 3:23).
[12]
Interestingly, the Sovereign LORD is called the “Rock”, and He is the Rock of
our salvation (see Deuteronomy 32:3-4, 15, 18; Isaiah 26:4).
[13]
The New Testament, and particularly the book of Hebrews, teaches that these
promises were fulfilled in the Lord Jesus Christ our Savior, who is both Priest
and King.
[14]
For a summary of the Old Testament and the works of God, read the book of
King’s summary at 2 Kings 17:7-23 and 2 Kings 21:10-16, Nehemiah’s summary at Nehemiah
9:1-38, Daniel’s summary at Daniel 9:4-19, Stephen’s summary at Acts 7:1-53,
and Paul’s summary at Acts 13:16-45).
