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Scripture • World English Bible

John 1:19–28

WEB

¹⁹This is John’s testimony, when the Jews sent priests and Levites from Jerusalem to ask him, “Who are you?”

²⁰He declared, and didn’t deny, but he declared, “I am not the Christ.”

²¹They asked him, “What then? Are you Elijah?”

²²They said therefore to him, “Who are you? Give us an answer to take back to those who sent us. What do you say about yourself?”

²³He said, “I am the voice of one crying in the wilderness, ‘Make straight the way of the Lord,’ as Isaiah the prophet said.”

²⁴The ones who had been sent were from the Pharisees.

²⁵They asked him, “Why then do you baptize if you are not the Christ, nor Elijah, nor the prophet?”

²⁶John answered them, “I baptize in water, but among you stands one whom you don’t know.

²⁷He is the one who comes after me, who is preferred before me, whose sandal strap I’m not worthy to loosen.”

²⁸These things were done in Bethany beyond the Jordan, where John was baptizing.

World English Bible (WEB) • Public Domain

Reflection

In John 1:19–28 the scene is simple but profound: religious leaders come with authority and questions; John answers with clarity and humility. He refuses the role others try to force on him—he is not the Messiah, not Elijah returned, not the expected prophet. Instead he identifies his calling as one who speaks into the wilderness, calling people to clear the path for the Lord. He points away from himself to the One already present among them, greater than he, whose place John humbly says he is not worthy to serve in the most menial way.

There are two threads here that shape our faith. First, faithful witness is honest about who we are. John does not inflate his role to gain favor or influence; he tells the truth about his mission. That honesty builds credibility. Second, true witness always points to Christ, not to the messenger. John’s task is preparatory: remove the obstacles, align hearts, and make people ready to receive Jesus.

What does it mean to make straight the way for the Lord in our lives? Practically, it means identifying and removing the things that twist our attention away from God. Those may be visible sins, but just as often they are habits, preoccupations, comforts, or fears that keep us from full trust and obedience. Making the way straight is an inward work — repentance, humility, and readiness — and it shows outwardly in confession, changed habits, and a life that points others to Jesus.

John’s humility is also instructive. He acknowledges the greatness of the One who is among them and refuses even the honor of being junior to Him. Gospel ministry flourishes when leaders and laypeople alike resist self-exaltation and instead magnify Christ. When we shrink our egos and lift up Jesus, people can see clearly who is Lord.

This passage invites both new and mature believers to a continual preparation: repent where needed, simplify what distracts you, speak plainly about Jesus, and let humility shape how you serve. In doing so you help others encounter the One who is indeed greater than any messenger.

Putting Faith Into Action

Make a short list of two or three recurring obstacles that keep you from regular prayer, Scripture reading, or obedience (for example: busyness, social media, resentment). Each morning this week, pray briefly about one item and replace that time or habit with Scripture or prayer for 10–15 minutes.
Practice a John-like, Christ-centered witness: prepare a one-minute account of why Jesus matters to you that points to Christ, not to your accomplishments. Share it with a friend, neighbor, or small group this week.
Choose an act of humility in service: volunteer for a behind-the-scenes role, offer a practical help without seeking recognition, or apologize where pride has kept you distant. Let the action be for God’s glory, not your praise.

Prayer

Lord Jesus, make straight the paths of my heart. Reveal the places I have built up that prevent me from fully knowing and following you. Give me humility to point others to you, courage to confess and change, and a steady witness that honors your greatness. Amen.

Memory Verse

John 1:19 — This is John’s testimony, when the Jews sent priests and Levites from Jerusalem to ask him, “Who are you?” (WEB)

“This is John’s testimony, when the Jews sent priests and Levites from Jerusalem to ask him, “Who are you?””

Keep Going Continue to Part 5 Behold the Lamb of God John · John 1:29–42 Read the next devotional →

Bible Context

Read all of John 1

John 1

World English Bible • WEB

¹In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.

²The same was in the beginning with God.

³All things were made through him. Without him, nothing was made that has been made.

⁴In him was life, and the life was the light of men.

⁵The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness hasn’t overcome it.

⁶There came a man sent from God, whose name was John.

⁷The same came as a witness, that he might testify about the light, that all might believe through him.

⁸He was not the light, but was sent that he might testify about the light.

⁹The true light that enlightens everyone was coming into the world.

¹⁰He was in the world, and the world was made through him, and the world didn’t recognize him.

¹¹He came to his own, and those who were his own didn’t receive him.

¹²But as many as received him, to them he gave the right to become God’s children, to those who believe in his name:

¹³who were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.

¹⁴The Word became flesh and lived among us. We saw his glory, such glory as of the only born Son of the Father, full of grace and truth.

¹⁵John testified about him. He cried out, saying, “This was he of whom I said, ‘He who comes after me has surpassed me, for he was before me.’ ”

¹⁶From his fullness we all received grace upon grace.

¹⁷For the law was given through Moses. Grace and truth were realized through Jesus Christ.

¹⁸No one has seen God at any time. The only born Son, who is in the bosom of the Father, has declared him.

¹⁹This is John’s testimony, when the Jews sent priests and Levites from Jerusalem to ask him, “Who are you?”

²⁰He declared, and didn’t deny, but he declared, “I am not the Christ.”

²¹They asked him, “What then? Are you Elijah?”

²²They said therefore to him, “Who are you? Give us an answer to take back to those who sent us. What do you say about yourself?”

²³He said, “I am the voice of one crying in the wilderness, ‘Make straight the way of the Lord,’ as Isaiah the prophet said.”

²⁴The ones who had been sent were from the Pharisees.

²⁵They asked him, “Why then do you baptize if you are not the Christ, nor Elijah, nor the prophet?”

²⁶John answered them, “I baptize in water, but among you stands one whom you don’t know.

²⁷He is the one who comes after me, who is preferred before me, whose sandal strap I’m not worthy to loosen.”

²⁸These things were done in Bethany beyond the Jordan, where John was baptizing.

²⁹The next day, he saw Jesus coming to him, and said, “Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!

³⁰This is he of whom I said, ‘After me comes a man who is preferred before me, for he was before me.’

³¹I didn’t know him, but for this reason I came baptizing in water, that he would be revealed to Israel.”

³²John testified, saying, “I have seen the Spirit descending like a dove out of heaven, and it remained on him.

³³I didn’t recognize him, but he who sent me to baptize in water said to me, ‘On whomever you will see the Spirit descending and remaining on him is he who baptizes in the Holy Spirit.’

³⁴I have seen and have testified that this is the Son of God.”

³⁵Again, the next day, John was standing with two of his disciples,

³⁶and he looked at Jesus as he walked, and said, “Behold, the Lamb of God!”

³⁷The two disciples heard him speak, and they followed Jesus.

³⁸Jesus turned and saw them following, and said to them, “What are you looking for?”

³⁹He said to them, “Come and see.”

⁴⁰One of the two who heard John and followed him was Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother.

⁴¹He first found his own brother, Simon, and said to him, “We have found the Messiah!” (which is, being interpreted, Christ).

⁴²He brought him to Jesus. Jesus looked at him and said, “You are Simon the son of Jonah. You shall be called Cephas” (which is by interpretation, Peter).

⁴³On the next day, he was determined to go out into Galilee, and he found Philip. Jesus said to him, “Follow me.”

⁴⁴Now Philip was from Bethsaida, the city of Andrew and Peter.

⁴⁵Philip found Nathanael, and said to him, “We have found him of whom Moses in the law and also the prophets, wrote: Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph.”

⁴⁶Nathanael said to him, “Can any good thing come out of Nazareth?”

⁴⁷Jesus saw Nathanael coming to him, and said about him, “Behold, an Israelite indeed, in whom is no deceit!”

⁴⁸Nathanael said to him, “How do you know me?”

⁴⁹Nathanael answered him, “Rabbi, you are the Son of God! You are King of Israel!”

⁵⁰Jesus answered him, “Because I told you, ‘I saw you underneath the fig tree,’ do you believe? You will see greater things than these!”

⁵¹He said to him, “Most certainly, I tell you all, hereafter you will see heaven opened, and the angels of God ascending and descending on the Son of Man.”