The Prophet Foretold by Moses and John the Baptist: Who is That Prophet in John 1:20?

When reading the Bible, especially in the Gospel of John, one passage can be particularly perplexing: “Who is that prophet spoken of in Deuteronomy 18:15-19?” This question, posed by some of John the Baptist's disciples to him, leads us to explore the profound and complex relationship between Moses, the Prophet, and Jesus Christ. This article aims to clarify the roles and identities of these figures as described in the Bible, offering insights that align with Google's SEO standards.

1. The Prophetic Role and the Relevance of John 1:20

John 1:21-25 reads:

“They asked him, ‘What then are you? ’ He said, ‘I am the voice of one crying out in the wilderness, make straight the way of the Lord, as said the prophet Isaiah. They said to him, ‘What then are you? Are you Elijah? ’ He said, ‘I am not.’ ‘Are you the Prophet? ’ He said, ‘No.’”

These disciples, being well-versed in the Scriptures, knew from Deuteronomy 18:15-19 that Moses had prophesied about a prophet like him who would come after him. Thus, when they asked if John the Baptist was this prophet, he denied it. However, the conversation does not end here. Jesus himself later clarifies his identity in relation to this prophecy.

2. Moses and the Expectation of a New Prophet

Moses, in his farewell speech to the Israelites (Deuteronomy 18:15-19), prophesied about a new prophet:

“The Lord your God will raise up for you a prophet like me from among your own brothers. You shall listen to him in whatever he tells you. And it shall be that whoever does not listen to my words that he speaks in my name, I myself will require it of him. But the prophet who presumes to speak a word in my name that I have not commanded him to speak, or who speaks in the name of other gods, that same prophet shall die.”

This prophecy was later fulfilled in the person of Jesus Christ, as recorded in the Book of Acts (Acts 3:22-23):

“Moses said, ‘The Lord your God will raise up for you a prophet like me from your brothers. You shall listen to him in whatever he tells you. And it shall come about that every soul who does not listen to that prophet shall be utterly destroyed from among the people.’”

3. The Identity of the Prophet

The identity of the prophet spoken of in Deuteronomy 18:15 and Acts 3:22-23 is none other than Jesus Christ. This is evident from several passages in the Gospel of John:

John 5:46 – In his ministry, Jesus cited what Moses had written and said about himself.

John 6:14 – After feeding the 5,000, the crowd recognized Jesus as the prophet Moses had predicted.

Revelation 14:9 – An angel calls to every nation to worship the One who made the lives of the saints great.

These references highlight the fulfillment of the prophecy about the Prophet coming from Moses, and it is Jesus who embodied this role.

4. Misinterpretations and Historical Context

It is crucial to understand the historical context and the misinterpretations by religious authorities. Despite Moses’ clear prophecy, the religious leaders of Jesus’ time rejected him. This occurred because they were deeply ingrained in their Talmudic and Pharisaic traditions, which often clouded their understanding of the true fulfillment of prophecy.

John 9:29 provides insight into this:

“We were not born in labor and travail. On the contrary, this fellow is a miscreant.”

These words reflect their rejection of Jesus, despite his clear fulfillment of Messianic prophecies.

5. Lessons from This Passage

Reading and interpreting the Bible requires a thorough understanding of its historical context and consistent application of textual evidence. As we approach biblical texts, it is beneficial to:

Read the entire context of a passage to understand its full implications. Look for multiple references that point to a particular person or event. Consider the historical and cultural context in which the events took place. Foster humility and an open heart to receive new insights and interpretations.

By doing so, we can better comprehend the Bible and grow in our faith.

Conclusion

While John the Baptist was indeed a significant figure in Israel's history, the identity of the prophet spoken of in Deuteronomy 18:15 and Acts 3:22-23 is undoubtedly Jesus Christ. This passage underscores the importance of accurate interpretation and the ongoing relevance of biblical prophecy in our modern world. By continuing to read and study the Bible, we can gain deep spiritual insights and grow closer to God.