Who Are You? | John 1:19-28

Who Are You? | John 1:19-28

Opening Remarks: Turn in your Bibles to John 1:19-28. This has been a wonderful and helpful meeting. I didn’t know how much I needed this week till I got here. And just when I think I’m full, some more gets crammed in. I’m so thankful for the preaching and challenges I’ve heard this week.

Thank you:

Bro. Kirkman for the invitation

Mt. Logan church family for your hospitality and servant’s spirit

And a special thank you to the remnant who are still here tonight

Bro. Bailey and I are very glad you decided to stay

I gave my friend Bro. Pyle a hard time for skipping the last night of the meeting

Reminds me of the pastor who decided to skip church one Sunday morning and go play golf.

He told his assistant he wasn't feeling well. Then he drove to a golf course in another city, so he wouldn’t be seen.

He teed off on the first hole. A huge gust of wind caught his ball, carried is an extra hundred yards and dropped it right in the hole, for a 450 yard hole in one.

An angel looked at God and said "What'd you do that for? The man skipped church!”

God smiled and said "Yeah, but who's he going to tell?"

We’ve got nothing to hide tonight.

One man who had nothing to hide was John the Baptist. He’s been gaining notoriety by baptizing in the Jordan River, so the Pharisees come to find out who he thinks he is.

READ

The message tonight is simply this, “Who are you?” John the Baptist was asked and had a great answer. If you were to be asked, “Who are you?”, what would you say?

PRAY

Introduction: The issue of Identity is huge right now, as you know. I’m not going to get into it, but can you believe what’s happening with Gender Identity today?

The answer to the question, “Who are you?” has no objective answer anymore. The answer is now, “Whoever I feel like being.”

We have an Identity Crisis.

Gender is being redefined. Roles are being redefined. Anything traditional is being redefined.

And I would submit to you that there’s an identity crisis among pastors and churches.

I have friends that would self-identify as ind. Baptist, but looking at their services or ministry philosophies wouldn’t back that up. It certainly appears they’ve taken their cues from some other group.

I think a lot of young pastors are struggling with an Identity Crisis. They’re asking questions like,

“Do I want to identify with what I was taught by the previous generation who came before me?”

“Or do I want to identify with what is happening in mainstream churches around me?”

I’m not saying the struggle is wrong - I think it’s something every pastor and church goes through, at least internally.

When I first began pastoring I had to confront myself with the issue of identity

Who is Jason Jett the Pastor?

Not JJ the son of Pastor Jamie Jett.

Not JJ the son-in-law of Pastor Marshall Stevens.

Not JJ the man who learned under the direction of Pastor Wayne Hardy.

Not JJ, doing things the members of Eastside expect him to do.

No, who is Jason Jett the Pastor before God?

Part of the struggle is looking at men I want to be like and recognizing I’m not them. Or looking at ministries and wishing our congregation was there.

That gap between what I know I am and what I wish I could be can be tough to navigate sometimes.

Pastors and churches can fill that gap with all kinds of stuff, and it’s not all good.

Guys are doing it. I think many brethren are in the midst of an Identity Crisis.

Listen, there is pressure to bridge the gap between what you are and what you want to be sometimes. And I think it causes an Identity Crisis. I think this exchange between John and the Pharisees can help us with this:

The Pharisees Come Asking John “Who are you?”

Vs. 19 - The Jews send a group of religious leaders to question John. He’s making waves among the Jews and they don’t like it.

A. So they come asking John, “Who are you?”

John could have said: “I am the first cousin of Jesus, the Messiah.”

He could have said, “My father was the priest, Zacharias. Maybe you’ve heard of him.”

He could have said, “I was prophesied about 400 years ago, maybe you’ve heard of me.”

But that’s not his spirit at all.

B. Vs. 20 - John didn’t give any sign that he was important. He simply points to Jesus.

They weren’t just asking, “Hey man, what’s your name?” They were really asking, “Are you supposed to be the Messiah or something? Are you claiming to be the one we’re looking for?”

The Jews were looking for the Messiah. They expected Him to come at some point.

So they hear about this strange guy out in the wilderness wearing camel skins, preaching repentance, baptizing people, saying that the kingdom of heaven is at hand, and start to wonder, “Is this the guy?”

John’s answer in Vs. 20 indicates that he knew what they were asking. He says, “I’m not the Christ. I’m just here to point to Him.”

Notice this…

John Wasn’t Bothered By Who He Wasn’t

A. “I am NOT the Christ” - vs. 20

1. They were desperately looking for the Deliverer to usher in an age of righteousness and peace and set them free from Rome.

2. But John made it clear, “I’m not Him. I wouldn’t even presume to be the Christ.”

3. So they ask, “Are you Elijah?”

B. “I’m NOT Elijah”- vs. 21a

1. The last prophet of Israel was Malachi, 400 years before this. Malachi 4:5 said, “Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the LORD:”

2. That prophecy says Elijah will show up and prepare people for the judgment of God. They thought this might literally be Elijah sent down from heaven to usher in the day of the Lord.

3. And it’s not far off. Jesus compared John the Baptist’s spirit and power to Elijah’s, but John clearly was not the literal Elijah.

4. I might would have latched on to that one. Elijah could call down fire from heaven. I might be like, “Maybe I am Elijah. Watch out!” But John clearly says, “I’m not Elijah.”

5. So they ask, “Art thou that prophet?” (vs. 21)

6. This is a reference to Deuteronomy 18:15, when Moses wrote, “The Lord thy God will raise up unto thee a Prophet from the midst of thee, of thy brethren, like unto me; unto him ye shall hearken;”

7. That certainly could refer to Jesus Christ, but it’s more likely God saying to Israel, “When you need it, I will send you prophets to give you my word. You need to listen because they will be saying my words.”

8. Unfortunately, Israel usually ignored the prophets and did what they wanted. But look at Elijah’s answer…

C. “NO” - Vs. 21b

1. John wasn’t just another prophet giving a message. He was sent right before Jesus preparing the people to receive the Messiah.

2. So John clearly says, “Here’s who I’m not. I’m not the Christ. I’m not Elijah. And I’m not one of the Prophets.”

3. John was okay with who he was not.

D. Folks, we have to be okay with who we’re not.

1. Playing the comparison game will beat you down. That can happen in church:

I’m not as talented as they are.

I don’t have the same background they were blessed to have.

I didn’t get asked to do that, so I must not be good enough.

She’s a much better mother than me. He’s a great father and I’m not.

I wish I could be half the husband he is.

They can talk to anybody and I can’t get even get a word out.

2. Mt. Logan members, that mindset will hollow you out and leave you discontent and ineffective. Be okay with who you’re not, because God made you the way you are. You have a gift and a contribution that this church needs. Embrace it.

3. John didn’t speak these words in a defeated way.

I’m not Jesus. I’m not Elijah.

I’m not a cool prophet.

Oh bother.

4. No, he said, “I’m not important. And I’m okay with that.”

E. Some of the other guys have touched on this already, but if you’re in ministry, you have to get a handle on this comparison game or it will hollow you out.

I can’t preach like him

My church isn’t growing like that one

I’m not winning souls like them

Our building isn’t as nice as theirs

I don’t get asked to preach out like he does

On the scale, that person is a 10 and I’m maybe a 4

That mindset will make you more focused on who you’re not than who He is.

Here’s a thought: We’re all Am Nots, but Jesus is the Great I Am.

He can overcome any deficiency you have if you’ll be fully dependent on Him to do it.

That’s why Jesus said to Paul, 2 Corinthians 12:9 “…My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness.” We ought to gladly glory in our infirmities, in our “Am Nots,” so that the power of Christ can rest upon us.”

The Great I Am gets excited when Am Nots show up because it allows Him to get all the glory if anything good happens.

Gideon was exactly who God was looking for

allowed Him to come in and get the glory.

He’s always enough to make up for the areas in which we lack.

If I focus on what I’m not, it will defeat me. But if I focus on the Great I Am, I can embrace whatever He calls me to do, because I know He’s always enough. Even for an “Am Not” like me. And you.

If He was enough to save you, there’s no deficiency too big for Him to handle.

John wasn’t bothered by who he wasn’t.

Instead…

John embraced who he was in Christ.

Instead of saying, “Woe is me. Look at what I am not,” He said, “I may not be Jesus, or Elijah, or a prophet, but…

A. “I am a witness for Christ.” Vs. 23

1. He quotes Isaiah 40:3. “I am a bold voice declaring that the Messiah is near.”

2. John essentially says, “There may be a lot I’m not, but I can be a witness.”

3. Pastor, staff member, church member: You don’t have to have any special talent to point people to Jesus. Anyone can do it. You simply have to be willing to speak the truth.

4. We need messengers of truth. Where are people going to get it?

Washington? I don’t think so.

Hollywood? Not a chance.

Higher education? No way.

Social Media? Not at all.

5. You know where truth is found? The pillar and ground of the truth. Local churches like this one. Churches in cities and towns and villages all over the world.

6. You may not have the best building or the biggest crowd or the most impressive music, but pastor, you can resolve to stand behind that pulpit and declare truth in a culture that needs it. You can decide to be a witness everywhere you go. You don’t have to be the smartest or most educated or boldest to do any of that.

7. Even an “Am Not” can be a witness. You say, “I don’t know about that.” Hey, a donkey told Baalim the truth.

8. There needs to be a place where truth can be found unfiltered. The most likely place is in Bible preaching churches and from the lips of Bible believing Christians declaring God’s Word.

a. You don’t have to be special to be a witness.

b. You don’t have to be talented.

c. You don’t have to be attractive.

d. You simply have to be willing to speak it.

9. Embrace your identity as a messenger for Jesus Christ.

a. John basically told them, “Jesus is coming and you better repent and be ready.”

b. Any “Am Not” can do that. That includes us.

John said, “I may not be this, but here’s who I am…I am a witness for Christ,” and second…

B. “I am a servant of Christ.” Vs. 24-26

1. The Jews ask, “If you’re not important, why are you baptizing?”

2. Ritual cleansing with water was important to the Jews. Baptism was typically reserved for Gentiles looking to convert, but John was baptizing Jews unto repentance in preparation for the coming Messiah. It symbolized the Spirit baptism Christ would soon be doing.

3. So the Pharisees come wondering who John thinks he is, baptizing Jews unto repentance.

4. Well, clearly John had been commissioned by God for this ministry. Matthew 21 confirms that John got his authority to baptize directly from God Himself. God commissioned him. And he obeyed.

5. John was called to do something and did. He was willing to serve the Lord however he was asked. He was obediently and visibly serving God, even if it caused him trouble. Even if it was inconvenient.

6. Listen, pastor, listen missionary, church planter, staff member, church member: You can get caught up in what everyone else is doing, or you can simply just do what God has called you to do.

7. Stop comparing yourself and just serve God. Anyone can serve.

8. The least likely. The least talented. The least experienced. New Christians. Young Pastors.

9. The only requirement to serve is that you say “Yes” to whatever He asks you to do. Your identity in Christ is largely based on your willingness to obey God’s Word. Let that define you.

10. Maybe ministry to down and out…embrace. Bus kids…embrace. Small churches…embrace. Little town…embrace.

11. Everyone is trying to build a name for themselves. But the most important label you can wear is “Servant.” Just serve.

12. And before think that doesn’t matter, what does God call those that most please Him when they get to Heaven? “Good and faithful servants.”

13. Stop trying to be something you’re not. Just be a servant. And let Him take care of the results.

John says, “There’s a lot I’m not. But I am a witness, and I am a servant, and third…”

C. “I am a worshipper.” Vs. 26-27

1. John was a little like Paul. He could have blown people away with his resume.

2. But he wasn’t interested in comparing himself to other people. No, the only comparison John made here was between himself and Jesus Christ.

3. And after doing that, all he could say was, “I’m not even worthy to undo His sandals.”

4. He’s talking about taking someone’s sandals off. Which means after they’ve been walking in the dust and mud. Dirty feet. John says, “Even that’s above me. I’m not even worthy to touch the dirty feet of Christ.”

5. While we’re out playing the comparison game to everyone out there, the only comparison you need to be what you ought to be is to compare yourself with your Savior.

6. When that happens, all we can do is hit floor, face down, unworthy to unloose His sandals. Like Bro. Poindexter said, “Worship is a response to what we know about Christ.”

7. And there’s no better way to stay humble than to have a constant reminder of who God is compared to you.

8. You may not have all the gifts, but you can worship. You can have a walk with God. You can be humble in your service and in your spirit.

9. Our highest calling is to be humble before a holy God. Isaiah 57:15 “For thus saith the high and lofty One That inhabiteth eternity, whose name is Holy; I dwell in the high and holy place, With him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit, To revive the spirit of the humble, And to revive the heart of the contrite ones.”

10. God honors a spirit of humility. Jesus bowed Himself and washed His disciples’ feet. He humbled Himself and became obedient unto death.

11. So where have the humble worshippers gone?

a. We need a daily reminder of the contrast between us and our Holy God. Not just on Sundays. Every day.

b. When’s the last time you worshipped. Not asking for anything. Just telling God how much you adore Him?

c. There’s a lot we’re not, but anyone can walk with God in humility and worship.

CONCLUSION

Like others, I have areas of insecurity. I won’t share them with you, but they’re there. We all have them.

If you don’t, then your problem is pride, and that’s way worse than insecurity. No, insecurity is often rooted in pride too.

The point of this message is to be okay with who you’re not, so you can embrace who you are.

I’ll never be Dean Herring, but that’s okay, because I can be a witness.

I’m not Nathan Kirkman, I don’t know that I could plant a church. But that’s okay, because I can serve where I’m at.

You may never be asked to preach in a big churches, but that’s okay, because you can witness and you can serve.

You may never have some big following on social media, but you can be at peace with that, because you can be a worshipper.

In my experience, the difference makers in God’s Kingdom aren’t those seeking notoriety. They’re the ones being faithful to witness, and serve, and worship. John just pointed people to Jesus, and I’m pretty sure His reward is great.

If we accept who we’re not and embrace who we are in Christ, we can leave a lasting mark on our world.

Anyone can witness. Anyone can serve. Anyone can worship. Even the biggest “Am Not” in the room.

Matthew 11:11, “Verily I say unto you, Among them that are born of women there hath not risen a greater than John the Baptist:”

Why? Because he was less concerned about the “Am Not” and more concerned with pleasing the “Great I Am.”

But the second half of that verse says, “Notwithstanding he that is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he.”

Jesus was saying, “As great as John is, the least important person living for my kingdom is greater than him.”

You can leave a mark if you’ll accept your “Am Not” and embrace the “Great I Am.”

John pointed people to Jesus by witnessing, serving, and worshipping. And you can point people to Christ not by trying to be something you’re not, but by witnessing, serving and worshipping.

We’re all “Am Not’s,” but we can make a difference for the “Great I Am.”