Scripture: John 1:21 (ESV) – “And they asked him, ‘What then? Are you Elijah?’ He said, ‘I am not.’ ‘Are you the Prophet?’ And he answered, ‘No.'”
In John 1:21, the priests and Levites press John the Baptist with further questions: “Are you Elijah?” and “Are you the Prophet?” These questions reveal the deep expectations and confusion surrounding John’s ministry. The religious leaders were trying to fit John into a mold, a prophetic figure they could understand and categorize based on their expectations of how God would work.
First, they asked, “Are you Elijah?” This question was rooted in the prophecy from Malachi 4:5, which stated that Elijah would return before the great and dreadful day of the Lord. John, dressed in garments reminiscent of the Old Testament prophet and proclaiming a message of repentance, certainly bore some resemblance to Elijah. Yet, John responded plainly, “I am not.” Though Jesus later identified John as fulfilling the role of Elijah in a symbolic sense (Matthew 11:14), John himself humbly denied being the literal Elijah. This speaks to a theme of God’s ways often confounding human expectations. The people were looking for a dramatic reappearance of the ancient prophet, but God sent John in the spirit and power of Elijah instead, a far subtler fulfillment of the prophecy.
Next, they asked, “Are you the Prophet?” referring to the promise in Deuteronomy 18:15, where Moses spoke of a prophet God would raise up among the people. Some at that time expected this prophet to be a distinct, end-times figure separate from the Messiah. But John again replied with a simple “No.” Here we see John’s remarkable self-awareness and integrity. He understood his role and was not swayed into claiming an identity or title that was not his. His calling was significant, but he recognized that it was not about him—it was about preparing the way for someone far greater.
This interaction challenges us to consider the expectations we place on God and His messengers. Like the religious leaders, we often have our own ideas of how God should work, who He should use, and what His plans should look like. We want God to fit our frameworks, but His ways are higher than ours. When He acts differently than we anticipate, we must be willing to adjust our understanding and trust His wisdom. How often do we miss what God is doing because it doesn’t align with our preconceived notions?
John’s steadfastness also teaches us to embrace our God-given roles without seeking glory or recognition beyond what He has assigned. In a world that values titles, status, and the praise of others, John’s humility is refreshing. He did not try to be more than he was called to be, even though he was performing a vital role in God’s redemptive plan. We, too, should be content with the work God has given us, understanding that the greatest honor we can have is to serve Him faithfully.
Reflection Questions:
- Are there areas in your life where you expect God to work in a certain way and struggle when He does not meet those expectations? How can you learn to trust His plans more fully?
- How does John’s humility and honesty about his role inspire you to embrace your God-given identity and purpose without seeking the spotlight?
Prayer: Lord, we confess that we often try to fit You and Your plans into our expectations. Help us to trust Your wisdom and timing, even when things do not make sense to us. Teach us to embrace our roles, however big or small, with humility and faithfulness. Like John the Baptist, may we be content to point others to Christ and serve You with a heart full of joy and obedience. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
*edited from a sermon by Pastor Chris Cousine*
Covenant Presbyterian Church 