“Now some Pharisees who had been sent 25 questioned him, “Why then do you baptize if you are not the Christ, nor Elijah, nor the Prophet?” 26 “I baptize with water,” John replied, “but among you stands one you do not know. 27 He is the one who comes after me, the thongs of whose sandals I am not worthy to untie.” (John 1:24-27, NIV)
Israel was use to the idea of baptizing the Gentiles into the Jewish religion, but they were not use to baptizing the Jews themselves. John the Baptist had made a change in their religious and national practice. Thus they ask John if he is the Christ, Elijah or the Prophet to which he clearly states he is not. As the Christ, or a prophet they might expect such a change, but John is not the one. However, John announces that there is one who is coming after him, and that one is Christ! And Christ will bring a change in religion, not only for Israel, but for the whole world. Jesus is coming! Are you ready to receive him?
Living Big In Jesus,
Keith