Rabbi, ( . . . Master), where dwellest thou?

John records the events of four consecutive days to help us grasp the supremacy of Christ.

On Day One, vv. 19-28, John the Baptist faced challenges as to his own person and ministry. His progressively crisper negatives indicate that he had no wish to speak about himself at all. Rather, his desire was to exalt Christ. He was but ‘a voice’, heard and not seen, directing attention to the Word. Here is a model for us; in his honesty, humility, clarity, authority, and pertinacity John the Baptist is a pattern servant.

Day Two, vv. 29-34, brought the great announcement of the Saviour’s mission as ‘Lamb of God’, v. 29. John’s language draws on a range of Old Testament passages that associate the lamb with spotlessness, submissiveness, sacrifice, and divine selection, Gen. 22. 7-8; Exod. 12. 5; 29. 38-42; Isa. 53. 7. The stupendous task in view was to bear away the sin of the world, for through the propitiatory sacrifice of Christ man’s sinfulness would be for ever dealt with to God’s glory. This grand purpose is the work of the triune Godhead, for the Father spoke to John (to identify His Son), the Holy Spirit descended to abide on Christ, and the Son Himself would baptize with the Spirit.

Day Three, vv. 35-42, records individuals being drawn to the Saviour, 6. 44. On this occasion, the Baptist’s abbreviated announcement, 1. 35, 36, focussed exclusively upon Christ’s Person, because the Lord Jesus, God’s perfect Lamb, is Himself greater than all His works. John, last of the prophets, appropriately illustrated the function of the Old Testament - to direct men to Christ. His hearers therefore changed their allegiance and ‘followed Jesus’, v. 37, language implying reverence, obedience, and persistence. We are not to emulate mere men but Christ Jesus, 1 Cor. 11. 1. Their desire for His company, John 1. 38, teaches the value of communion, for we cannot effectively go out for Him until we learn to spend time with Him, Mark 3. 14.

Day Four, vv. 43-51, fittingly climaxes with Nathanael’s exclamation of wondering worship, v. 49. John’s Gospel displays Christ’s essential glory as ‘Son of God’; at His return all creatures will behold His official glory as ‘King of Israel’.