Bearing Witness

A look at the life of John the Baptist and what it means to ‘bear witness’ to Jesus the Word and the Light.
(John 1:6-8)

Sermon Outline

“There was a man sent from God whose name was John. He came as a witness to testify concerning that light, so that through him all might believe.” (John 1:6-7)

John the Baptist Knew Who He Was: Sent from God (John 1:6)

  • John the Baptist’s identity –John “is” from God; sent from God
  • John the Baptist’s calling – echoes of fulfillment of Malachi 3:1

John the Baptist Knew Who He Was Not: not the Word but the Witness (John 1:7-8)

  • Jesus is the Word and the Light
  • John the Baptist is not the Word and not the Light
  • John is the Witness testifying to the Word and the Light
  • “So that all might believe…”

Bearing Witness in Our Lives

  • Bearing witness to the way of Jesus the Word
  • Bearing witness to the truth of Jesus the Word
  • Bearing witness to the life of Jesus the Word
  • Bearing witness so that all might believe

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:

  1. Who have you known or encountered that most powerfully points to Jesus? What is it about them that makes you say that?
  2. This week we continue our new sermon series “The Word,” which explores the prologue to the Gospel of John in chapter. This week we focus on John 1:6-8. Whether on your own or with others, begin your study in prayer, asking God to speak to you, and then read that passage aloud.
  3. John the Baptist is portrayed as an ‘ideal disciple’ in John’s gospel. Take a moment to read the following portions of Scripture and note characteristics of John the Baptist.
  4. What would you say it is about John that makes him ideal? (John 1:15; John 1:19-28; John 1:29-34; John 1:35-38; John 3:22-36)
  5. How does John 1:6 portray John’s origin and calling?
  6. John 1:7-8 describes John the Baptist in language that differentiates John from Jesus. According to these verses what is John and what isn’t John?
  7. If John was not the “light,” what do verses 4, 5, and 9 tell us about Jesus being the “light”?
  8. What do you think it means here for John to be a “witness”?
  9. What might it mean for us to be “witnesses” to Jesus today?
  10. What is one thing you sense God is bringing to your attention through this week’s study? If you are with a small group, discuss that with one another and then pray about what you shared. If you are on your own, write it down, pray about it, and consider sharing your thoughts with someone this week.

DIG DEEPER

Exploring Faith:

  • Since John is described as a Witness to the Light “so that all might believe” – are there people in your life you look to as witnesses to Jesus? How have they helped (or hindered) your journey to God? If you can’t think of a witness in your life currently, please reach out info@eastbrook.org so that we can help with any questions about Jesus you might have.

Growing in Faith

  • What might it look like for you to be a witness to Jesus in your daily life this week? Think of the primary relationships in your life and consider your witness with those people.
  • Consider memorizing today’s verses, or even memorizing them as part of a longer memorization of this entire prologue (John 1:1-18).

Centered in Faith

  • Who are one or two people that you sense God is calling you to share your faith with in real and relevant ways? Besides praying for them, what will you do this week to be a witness to them?

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