John 1:19-25 (ESV)

19 And this is the testimony of John, when the Jews sent priests and Levites from Jerusalem to ask him, “Who are you?” 20 He confessed, and did not deny, but confessed, “I am not the Christ.” 21 And they asked him, “What then? Are you Elijah?” He said, “I am not.” “Are you the Prophet?” And he answered, “No.” 22 So they said to him, “Who are you? We need to give an answer to those who sent us. What do you say about yourself?” 23 He said, “I am the voice of one crying out in the wilderness, ‘Make straight the way of the Lord,’ as the prophet Isaiah said.” 24 (Now they had been sent from the Pharisees.)

Missiology: Making Straight The Way Of The Lord in Public

John the Baptist handles questions

John the Baptist’s missiology was clear – …prepare the way of the Lord… Isaiah 40:2-4

▪ 3 A voice cries: “In the wilderness prepare the way of the Lord; make straight in the desert a highway for our God. 4 Every valley shall be lifted up, and every mountain and hill be made low; the uneven ground shall become level, and the rough places a plain.

John the Baptist is questioned by the Pharisee’s re: his identity. How does He handle it? He answers truthfully & boldly (see John 1:20) He doesn’t deny Christ (see Matthew 10:26-33)

Let’s examine the questions closely Who are you? Answer – John 1:20 Are you Elijah? Answer – John 1:21 Are you a prophet? Answer – John 1:21

Application Questions

Our Missiology is clear as well – …Go make disciples of all nations… Matthew 28:18-20

▪ 18 And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”

Identify the missional areas in your life. In what ways are you being effective? How could you be more effective in reaching others? In what ways could WE (EMF) be more effective in

reaching others?