The delegation from Jerusalem is puzzled - just who is this wild prophet? As they run through the list of possibilities, their puzzlement deepens. John the Baptist denies that he is the Messiah, Elijah, or a long-promised prophet. He is content to be someone whose entire life points to someone else: Jesus. It's not about John - it's all God's show. God's kingdom has no room for egos. John's life is spent preparing the way for the coming of the Lord, and he expects no recognition or reward. His joy is being a part of the wonderful story. Whatever we do to express our faith is important in God's eyes. Whenever we act with justice, kindness, and compassion, we bear witness to Jesus, just as John did. Nothing is insignificant in God's eyes. Let our lives always point away from ourselves and to the Lord.

Liar - antichrist - such harsh language! John applies these names to those of his community who deny the divinity or Messianic status of Jesus. Despite the many wondrous things they have seen and heard, some have turned away from their faith and gone off in other directions.

John insists that our relationship with God the Father cannot be separated from Jesus His Son. To love one is to love the other; to reject one is to reject the other. There are many ways in which we can deny or reject Jesus without knowing it. For instance, we deny Jesus when we do not follow His example. To show compassion, acceptance of others, and unconditional love is to proclaim and reveal Him.