John 1:19–23

John 1:19–23

Part of: St. John’s Gospel — Day 8

Lectio

19. And this is the testimony of John, when the Jews sent from Jerusalem priests and Levites to him, to ask him: Who art thou?
20. And he confessed, and did not deny: and he confessed: I am not the Christ.
21. And they asked him: What then? Art thou Elias? And he said: I am not. Art thou the prophet? And he answered: No.
22. They said therefore unto him: Who art thou, that we may give an answer to them that sent us? What sayest thou of thyself?
23. He said: I am the voice of one crying in the wilderness: Make straight the way of the Lord, as said the prophet Isaias.

Meditatio

John’s testimony begins when priests and Levites come to question him. His openness is immediate, for he does not claim any title that does not belong to him. He denies being the Christ, refusing the honor some were ready to give him (Augustine). When asked whether he is Elias or the prophet, he again refuses those roles. His humility is shown not only in what he denies but in the accuracy with which he knows himself. He will not let others elevate him beyond the measure of his calling.

Pressed to declare who he is, John identifies himself as the voice foretold by Isaiah—a voice preparing hearts for the Lord’s coming (Chrysostom, Cyril). He draws attention away from himself toward the One whose way must be made straight. His mission is entirely one of preparation: clearing the path, awakening expectation, and turning minds to the presence soon to be revealed.

My Notes

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