John the Baptist is a...
Illustration
Object:
John the Baptist is a popular preacher, having followers of his own. He explains that he is not the true light, the Messiah, but that he has come to point others toward that light. John is only a "witness," giving testimony to the true light that will enlighten all people. In a hostile world, John acts as God's advocate for Jesus. The careers of both Jesus and John the Baptist will spark controversy. People will question them as to the authority they preach under.
With technology at our fingertips, light is always available to us, but in biblical times, it was very different. The setting sun plunged the world into total darkness, broken only by fires and feeble oil lamps. Dangers in the dark were very real. Even Gentiles, unacquainted with God's promise of the Messiah, would recognize that if Jesus were the light, he would bring brightness into a dark world. Jesus can enter into our lives so completely that there is no more room for darkness. The darkness is reality apart from God -- life without hope.
With technology at our fingertips, light is always available to us, but in biblical times, it was very different. The setting sun plunged the world into total darkness, broken only by fires and feeble oil lamps. Dangers in the dark were very real. Even Gentiles, unacquainted with God's promise of the Messiah, would recognize that if Jesus were the light, he would bring brightness into a dark world. Jesus can enter into our lives so completely that there is no more room for darkness. The darkness is reality apart from God -- life without hope.
