Who are you and who is Jesus?
by Kathy Matuschka
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Finally they said, ‘Who are you? Give us an answer to take back to those who sent us. What do you say about yourself?’ (John 1:22)
Read John 1:19–28
As Christians in the western world, we are facing an identity crisis – or an identity opportunity, depending on how you look at it. For example, the church is no longer in charge as it once was within society, and we can’t assume that the people we meet are familiar with the Bible. This can lead us to wonder who we are and how we can share the words of life with those we meet.
In our story today, John the Baptist responds to questions from the Jewish leaders with words from the prophet Isaiah because that was appropriate for his context. But if the person with whom we speak is not familiar with the Bible this may not be the most appropriate starting point. What can we learn from the way John responded to those who asked him who he was?
Firstly, John didn’t go out of his way to explain his mission to the Jewish leaders. Rather, he responded to the questions when they came. In my life and in the lives of others, I have often noticed the value of waiting for people to ask you a question before you answer it.
Secondly, John didn’t try to answer all of their questions at once. The first question was ‘who’ and the second one was ‘why’. John let the Pharisees ask the why question before he answered it.
Thirdly, John offered a bridge when he a declared that he was not the Messiah but pointed to the one who is.
Both John the Baptist and John the apostle were unique people! I find it encouraging that between them they modelled a simple approach to faith sharing that any of us can imitate, even today.
Dear Jesus, thank you that you for the gift of life that you share so freely with us. Through your Holy Spirit, may I live my life in ways that make people curious about you, Amen.
For most of her life, Kathy Matuschka has preferred to give witness to her Christian faith using her ears and her hands. As a person for whom writing has not come easily, she now delights in learning to share her gospel hope using words as well. Kathy serves within the LCA Queensland District as Assistant Director for Ministry & Mission.
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