The Bridge - "Biblical Perspective" - John 1:19-34

“Biblical Perspective”

d. There stands One among you whom you do not know. It is He who, coming after me, is preferred before me: John explained to the religious leaders that he was not the focus of his work, but the One who was already among them. John’s work was to prepare the way for the One.

e. Whose sandal strap I am not worthy to loose: To untie the strap of a sandal (before foot washing) was duty of the lowest slave in the house.

i. Among Rabbis and their disciples, there was a teacher-student relationship that had the potential for abuse. It was entirely possible that a Rabbi might expect unreasonable service from their disciples. One of the things which was considered “too low” for a Rabbi to expect from his disciples was the untying of the Rabbi’s sandal strap. John said he was unworthy to do even this.

ii.

iii. These things were done in Bethabara beyond the Jordan: “The interview took place at Bethany (House of the ferry-boat) on the east bank of the Jordan at the spot called in Origen’s time Bethabara (House of the ford) -- the traditional place of the passage of the Ark and the nation under Joshua (Joshua 3:14-17).” (Trench)

John’s response rings as one of the great statements of history which our text will amplify in verses 31–34. Water baptism for John’s disciples was a ritual act of cleansing demonstrating repentance and anticipation of the Messiah. But already in their very midst he had come. John considered himself unworthy to do the chores of the lowest household slave—loosen Jesus’ sandals.

Kenneth O. Gangel, John, vol. 4, Holman New Testament Commentary (Nashville, TN: Broadman & Holman Publishers, 2000), 15–16.

John 1:27

1. Biblical Perspective Influences Responsibility

“It is He who, coming after me...”

A. John understood His Assignment

B. John’s Unique Approach

Not cookie cutter

C. John’s undeniable Allegiant

2. Biblical Perspective Influences Identity

“is preferred before me...”

John 1:27 says, “preferred” - to take place

Matthew 3:11 + Mark 1:7 + Luke 3:16 says, “mightier than” - He wields force

a. The True Description of John

b. The True Description of Jesus

3. Biblical Perspective Influences Humility

“whose sandal strap I am not worthy to loose.”

“‘Every service which a slave performs for his master’, said one rabbi, ‘a disciple will perform for his teacher, except to untie his sandal-strap.’” (Bruce)

a. Humility in Life

b. Humbling Location

John 1:28 NKJV

28 These things were done in Bethabara beyond the Jordan, where John was baptizing.

Joshua