John 1

I The Beginning of Christ's Ministry
A. vs 1-18 The Incarnation
1. vs 1-2 The Word was pre-existent with God, not created
2. vs 3-5 The Word created all things and is Light
3. vs 6-9 John the Baptist came as a witness to the Light
4. vs 10-13 The world did not receive Him, only those who believed on His name
5. vs 14 The Word was made flesh and shares the same Glory as the Father
6. vs 15-18 John testifies of Christ
B. vs 19-28 John denies being the Christ
1. vs 19-21 Some Jews ask if John the Baptist was the Messiah, Elijah or a prophet and he tells them no
2. vs 22-23 John says he is the voice of one crying out in the wilderness
3. vs 24-25 Some Pharisees want to know why he baptizes
4. vs 26-28 John says the Messiah is coming
C. vs 29-34 John testifies that Jesus is the Lamb of God
D. vs 35-42 Jesus calls His first three disciples, John, Andrew, and Peter
E. vs 43-51 Jesus calls Philip and Nathaniel to be His Disciples.

John 1:23 John replied in the words of Isaiah the prophet, "I am the voice of one calling in the desert, 'Make straight the way for the Lord.'

How much simpler life is when you know exactly what your purpose is. To be able to look the world in the face and say who you are and what you are here for. And if we are being honest, our purpose is no different that John's. We also should be the ones "calling in the desert", telling the world that Christ will soon be here. We should be the ones telling the world of the Holiness of our God and what will happen if anyone stands before Him in their sins. It should be such a burden that even if it takes us out into the wilderness with nothing to eat but locusts and honey, we are still honored to take the message of our King to the people that need it. My prayer for me lately is that I would have the kind of singular focus that is needed to be able to clearly proclaim Christ and His gospel. I would encourage you to do the same.