Past Standpoint

We were told that we will be approaching and receiving all that’s being brought to us, from three standpoints.

We now embark upon the first standpoint which has been named as, the Past.   The Past has been subdivided into three snapshots.

John’s knowledge of Jesus.  John knew Jesus, through divine showing. Jesus had come from Galilee to where John was in the wilderness, to be baptized by him. Having been persuaded by Jesus to baptize Him, John experienced a spectacular, heavenly display as, the heavens were opened to Him, and He saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting upon Him. Matthew 3: 16b. Not only did John see, but he heard also. He heard the voice which suddenly came from heaven and spoke these words. This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. Matthew 3: 17b. Truly, John was given heavenly knowledge about Jesus and was never hesitant to bear witness to Him.   

John’s tutelage of Jesus. John was the mouthpiece, the one informant who taught people about Jesus. He informed many, including the priests and Levites, who were sent from Jerusalem to ask about Jesus, Messiah. John admitted up front, clearing up any kind of misunderstanding about himself. He stated categorically that he was not the Messiah. He taught the people that Jesus was the One, who comes after me is preferred before me for He was before me. John 1: 15b.  He taught that the law was given through Moses, but grace and truth came through Jesus. He spoke of Jesus as the Son of God. John, the voice of one crying in the wilderness, was very much preaching and teaching repentance, but also speaking about the One, whose shoes he was not even worthy to untie. John respected and honoured Jesus.  

John’s coverage of Jesus. John is having conversation with some of the religious people, priests and Levites, who were sent from Jerusalem by the Pharisees, to check him out. He told them that Jesus, Messiah, stood among them, but they do not know Him. But there stands One among you whom you do not know. John 1: 26b. We note that on the following day, John sees Jesus approaching and was quick to tell all within the sound of his voice that it was Jesus. Behold! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world! John 1: 29b. John continues his coverage of Jesus when again, on the next day, he spots Jesus. This time, John is out and about with two of his disciples, and noticing Jesus, he says this to them. Behold the Lamb of God! John 1: 36b. We are told that John’s two disciples followed Jesus. 

This has all come to bring us to a common viewpoint and understanding of the person who is being used as an example, to help us and heal us from our present malady. We can safely say that like John, we too have personal knowledge of Jesus. Under the guidance and tutelage of the Holy Spirit, we have received the things of Jesus and have taught and offered the things of Jesus, as made known to us. We give true coverage of Jesus, for we believe and profess that He is the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world. We believe that He died and rose again and is seated at the right Hand of the Father, making intercession for us. We believe the Word!

Admittedly, like John, we have our present moment of deep temptation of faith and belief. 

We hasten on tomorrow.