In two short sentences, John gives us a lot of information about John the Baptist: Who sent him, what his mission was, and why he was sent. The third sentence explains who John is not: He is not Jesus.
Q: In your own words, briefly describe John’s mission and why he was sent.
Who sent him, what his mission was, and why he was sent.
A man sent from God as a witness to testify about the Light, so that all might understand and believe. As we mentioned before, Johns account of his time with Jesus is different form the other three gospels. John spoke more on the character and purpose of Jesus instead of a chronological/literal account. I believe that is an important aspect of John’s witness, as he is able to provide insight into not only the fact of the Light, but what the Light does. One of my favorite accounts in the book of John is the the account of the Samaritan woman at the well. In the account of that conversation comes the idea that God is in our hearts, and that all who are willing will receive the water of life. It is a practical application into a real person’s life and really changes the relationship with God from ceremonial to personal.
21 “Woman,” Jesus replied, “believe me, a time is coming when you will worship the Father neither on this mountain nor in Jerusalem. 22 You Samaritans worship what you do not know; we worship what we do know, for salvation is from the Jews. 23 Yet a time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in the Spirit and in truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks. 24 God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in the Spirit and in truth.”
Chris,
Thank you! The concept of “light” is important. It is a physical entity that has a spiritual parallel. As we draw closer to God spiritually, we find ourselves drawing closer to the “light” that illuminates the difference between Good and Evil.
As you say, it has a very practical application!