John 1:15 - Homiletics

The testimony of John the Baptist.

I. THE IDENTIFICATION OF THE MESSIAH . "This was he of whom I spake." Thus he was the true forerunner of Christ.

II. THE TRUE POSITION OF THE MESSIAH IN RELATION TO THE BAPTIST . "He that cometh after me is preferred before me: for he was before me."

1 . There is here a recognition of the pre-existence of Christ, as well as of his higher dignity. ( John 3:33 .)

2 . It is a testimony that bespeaks the sincere humility of the Baptist. Though "amongst them that were born of women there was not a greater than John the Baptist," he took his true place of inferiority at the feet of Jesus. To exalt Christ was his mission. He never thinks of himself.