“We Have Found the Messias”
103
11:14
, R. V. John came in the spirit and power of Elijah, to do such a
work as Elijah did. If the Jews had received him, it would have been
accomplished for them. But they did not receive his message. To them
he was not Elijah. He could not fulfill for them the mission he came to
accomplish.
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Many of those gathered at the Jordan had been present at the bap-
tism of Jesus; but the sign then given had been manifest to but few
among them. During the preceding months of the Baptist’s ministry,
many had refused to heed the call to repentance. Thus they had hard-
ened their hearts and darkened their understanding. When Heaven
bore testimony to Jesus at His baptism, they perceived it not. Eyes that
had never been turned in faith to Him that is invisible beheld not the
revelation of the glory of God; ears that had never listened to His voice
heard not the words of witness. So it is now. Often the presence of
Christ and the ministering angels is manifest in the assemblies of the
people, and yet there are many who know it not. They discern nothing
unusual. But to some the Saviour’s presence is revealed. Peace and joy
animate their hearts. They are comforted, encouraged, and blessed.
The deputies from Jerusalem had demanded of John, “Why bap-
tizest thou?” and they were awaiting his answer. Suddenly, as his
glance swept over the throng, his eye kindled, his face was lighted
up, his whole being was stirred with deep emotion. With outstretched
hands he cried, “I baptize in water: in the midst of you standeth One
whom ye know not, even He that cometh after me, the latchet of whose
shoe I am not worthy to unloose.”
John 1:26, 27
, R. V., margin.
The message was distinct and unequivocal, to be carried back to
the Sanhedrin. The words of John could apply to no other than the
long-promised One. The Messiah was among them! In amazement
priests and rulers gazed about them, hoping to discover Him of whom
John had spoken. But He was not distinguishable among the throng.
When at the baptism of Jesus, John pointed to Him as the Lamb of
God, a new light was shed upon the Messiah’s work. The prophet’s
mind was directed to the words of Isaiah, “He is brought as a lamb to
the slaughter.”
Isaiah 53:7
. During the weeks that followed, John with
new interest studied the prophecies and the teaching of the sacrificial
service. He did not distinguish clearly the two phases of Christ’s
work,—as a suffering sacrifice and a conquering king,—but he saw
that His coming had a deeper significance than priests or people had
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