Introduction: John had a special birth and a sacrificial death that was all part of God’s plan. In between, John had a mission to fulfill because he was sent from God. In reality, the same is true for us. Jesus said, “As You sent Me into the world, I also have sent them into the world” (John 17:18). We are people with a purpose, men and women who have been given a mission from God. John successfully completed his mission (Matthew 11:11). Here are some things we have to get right in order to successfully fulfill our God-given purpose.


        The theme of the gospel of John, summarized in these verses, is that Jesus is the eternal God who also became a man, and we can have life through believing in His Name. Let’s examine this theme.

1. The Man (“there was a man”)-What kind of person are you?

Billie Hanks said, “You will win no more people and exert no more influence for the Savior than the quality of your life allows.” Our success and fruitfulness begins and ends with who we are as people. It is about character. Here are some of his character qualities to emulate if we want to fulfill God’s purpose:

1. Be who God has designed us to be (Matthew 3:1-4).
2. Be passionate (Matthew 11:1-11).
3. Go through a process of preparation (Luke 1:80).
4. Be bold/uncompromising (Matthew 3:5-12, 14:4).
5. Deal with our fear of death (Matthew 14:1-12).
6. Function in the power of God (Luke 1:12-17).
    

2. The Mission (“a man sent from God,” “this man came for a witness”)-What has God called you to do?

The mission of our lives is the ultimately the same as John’s mission-to bear witness of Jesus Christ. The general mission of the church and every Christian is to make disciples of all the nations (Matthew 28:18-20). That is the ultimate calling of the church and every believer. However, I also believe that we have a specific mission for our lives that is tied into making disciples of all the nations. John’s specific mission was to “prepare the way of the Lord; make His paths straight” (Matthew 3:3). According to John MacArthur, this refers to, “In ancient times, a king’s envoys would travel ahead of him making sure the roads were safe and fit for him to travel on, as well as announcing his arrival.”

Accept (intellectually accept the facts regarding Christ)
Believe (trust Christ personally in our hearts)
Commit (surrender our wills to Christ)
                                  Are you truly trusting Jesus Christ?

3. The Master (“he was not that Light”)-What is your life about? Who are you living for?

John was very clear that he needed to decrease and Jesus needed to increase. Is that our attitude? Do we want more attention and adulation for ourselves or for Jesus? Do we want His will or our will? Do we want His glory or our prosperity? John was very clear that Jesus is the boss who deserves glory and first place because:

1. He came from heaven (3:31).
2. He is above all (3:31).
3. He speaks the truthful word of God (3:32-34).
4. He has all authority (3:35).
5. He gives salvation (3:36).

Conclusion: Is your life about Jesus? Is it wrapped up in Him? He is worthy! He is our mission, message, and master! Are we the men and women that He wants us to be? Are we on mission with Him, proclaiming His message, and surrendering to His Lordship?