Who are you? And in whose name do you speak?

Scripture: John 1:6-8, 19-28
"Who are you?" John the Baptist had no difficulty answering this question when the religious authorities came to investigate him. If someone called your identity into question, how would you answer? Do you know your roots, your true identity as God knows it? We often mistake our true identity for something that's manufactured. True identity is derived; it's source and maker is God who made us in his own image. When the Jewish leaders questioned John's identity, they wanted to know if he was really sent by God. John claimed to speak in God's name and act as his representative. The religious leaders wanted to know if John claimed to be the Messiah or one of the great prophets who was expected to return and announce the Messiah's arrival (see Malachi 4:5, Deuteronomy 18:15). John had no mistaken identity. In all humility and sincerity he said he was only a voice bidding people to get ready for the arrival of the greatest Ruler of all, God's anointed King and Messiah. John the Baptist bridges the Old and New Testaments. He is the last of the Old Testament Prophets who points the way to the Messiah. He is the first of the New Testament witnesses and martyrs. He is the herald who prepares the way for Jesus and who announces his mission to the people: Behold the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world! John saw from a distance what the Messiah came to accomplish — our redemption from slavery to sin and our adoption as sons and daughters of God, our heavenly Father.